AWARD TO MAORI

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 June 1943, Page 4

AWARD TO MAORI

OF THE VICTORIA CROSS

PRAISED BY AMERICAN SENATOR.

NEW PROOF OF GOOD RACIAL RELATIONSHIP.

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, Noon.) ’ NEW YORK, June 6.

“This is an event that should be applauded by all the United Na-

tions,” said Senator E. D. Thomas, commenting on the award of the Victoria Cross to a Maori, the late

Second-Lieutenant Ngarumu.

“New Zealand for the past century has set an example to the world in the relationships she has established between her people of European and Maori £tock,” Senator Thomas added. “When Brigadier-General Hurley resigned last March, he said New Zealand had always endeavoured to apply the golden rule to the solution of her problems. Undoubtedly he was thinking, among other things, of New Zealand’s admirable policy towards the Maori people—a policy leading to what might become a racial partnership and priceless source of strength to New Zealand as a nation. The Maoris today are taking an honourable part in the government of New Zealand, in the learned professions and in many walks of New Zealand life. Their sons on the battlefield are showing the same pioneer courage as their ancestors revealed in early days. Americans, as well as New Zealanders, feel that the Victoria Cross was never more worthily bestowed.”