Māori Battalion officers and trainees gathered in the Māori Court of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition pavilion at Rongotai in late 1939. The Minister of Defence, Fred Jones, presented Major George Dittmer with three wireless sets donated by Ngāti Poneke, Ngāti Porou and the carvers and builders of the meeting house in the Māori Court. Carved batons were also presented to the officers. From left to right, in front: Cecil Bloomfield, ?, Fred Baker, ?, Major Dittmer (standing), Hon. Fred Jones (with back to camera), Tiwi Love (blurred), Paul Te Punga, Te Kauru Karaitiana, Kani Ferris, Chris Sorrenson, Bill Ngata, Harding Leaf, Pirimi Tahiwi (bending), Alf Scott, George Weir.