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Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9057, 17 February 1908, Page 4

Why should a'Maori be excluded from service in the British Navy simply because he is a Maori, or, in other words because he is not "a British subject of European extraction?" That is what Sir William J. Steward, Member for Waitaki, wants to know, and what the people of the dominion will be interested in ascertaining. Yet the Navy regulations inhibit such candidates. Probably no one in New Zealand was aware of the fact until Sir William accidentally discovered it, and the knowledge has come.as a surprise to a country that contributes towards the up-keep of the Navy, and is about to largely increase .its contribution thereto. The member for Waitaki discovered a young Maori physically and mentally capable of service in the Navy, and ambitious to enter it. He is well educated and speak* as good English as Mr Ngata, M.P., or Mr Carroll, Native Minister. It is easily within the bounds of possibility that such a man might work his way up to a high and honourable position, but the Service will have nothing to do with him. That is the effect of the reply given to the application. Sir William Steward thinks that in view of the loyal service given to the Flag by so many Maoris, and the high status of the Maori people, an effort should be made to obtain an amendment of the Naval regulations, and he has therefore had representations made to the Governor through the Premier with that obiect. We hope they may prove successful.