DATE EXTENDED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20950, 1 November 1939, Page 8

DATE EXTENDED

MAORI BATTALION APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS SOME EUROPEANS (By TelegTaph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday It has been decided that recruiting for the Maori Battalion will be continued till further notice, and that the date of entry into camp of the main body of the battalion will not be until the New Year, about January 18. Up till noon yesterday the enlistments were 917—northern district

604, central 294, southern 19. Army officers have been instructed to make arrangements for medical boards and travelling boards to be used if this proves cheaper than assembling the men. Maoris who have registered for the special force and are still in their areas will be treated as recruits for the Maori Battalion. Men who have already been medically examined and classed fit or permanently unfit will not be re-examined. Fit men only will be attested. European Officers A small number of European officers will be appointed to the battalion. Areas have been instructed to forward names and particulars of any officers who are willing to serve and who are considered suitable for appointments such as quartermaster and O.C. of a company. Particulars are also to be supplied as to rank, age, conjugal condition and dependants of any Maori officers or ex-officers who volunteer, and are passed medically fit. Maoris now in camp with the special force, as well as those in the areas who are passed medically fit, will be given equal consideration when selection is made. Selected officers, both European and Maori, and prospective officers and N.C.O’s. will be despatched, so as to arrive at Trentham on November 26 for training at the Army SchooL