MAORI BATTALION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 November 1939, Page 4

MAORI BATTALION

SELECTION OF COMPANY COMMANDERS. OBJECTION TO EUROPEANS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. Strong resentment was felt 'by Maoris at the published statement that European officers were being enlisted as possible company commanders in the Maori Battalion, said Sir Apirana Ngata. in an interview last night. Sir Apirana said he had received the following telegram from Mr H. Tai Mitchell. Rotorua:— The Arawas view with concern and object strongly to Press statement regarding pakeha officers as company commanders in Maori Battalion. Recruiting among Arawas influenced greatly by announcement that Maori Battalion would be officered by Maoris, with exception of key positions. Suggest that key positions are battalion commander, adjutant, quartermaster, and regimental sergeant-major. The Arayas consider that they have talent available with ability to fill all positions. Other tribes are undoubtedly in similar position.” The recruiting for the Maori Battalion in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty districts had been very keen and enthusiastic, said Sir Apirana. The enlistments to date were: 208 single men, 34 married men with no dependents, 306 with one child, and 81 others, a total of 353. That was the strongest representation of any district in New Zealand. In view of the well-known patriotism of the Arawas, as exemplified by the figures mentioned, their objection to what might be deemed a breach of faith with them and other Maori tribes was entitled to the serious consideration of the Government. Similar concern was shown in telephone messages received from the Gisborne district. Up to Wednesday the recruiting in that district was a little short of 250. Great resentment was shown by Maori returned soldiers, many of whom had enlisted to give the younger men of the East Coast tribes a lead in enlisting for the Maori Battalion. It was proposed to bring the matter before the Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister in the next day or two.