THE LATE MRS. COOTES.

Otaki Mail, 22 August 1930, Page 2

THE LATE MRS. COOTES.

A WELL KNOWN -IDENTITY. The late Airs. James Cootes, who died at Otaki on Wednesday morning, was one of the best known Natives in this district. Airs. Cootes was born at Mana in October 1842, and after a short residence on this island came to Otaki where she resided practically all her life. For a short time she was in a Convent in Wellington and also for a brief period resided at Foxtou. Her father. Air. Lawton, was well known in this district during the early days, lie was born in Liverpool, but on coming to New Zealand lie acted as stevedore to the late Air. Cimino, who had a vessel that traded in corn, potatoes, etc., between Wellington and Otaki. At eleven years of age the late Mrs. Cootes was a favourite with the late chieftain, To Rauptmtha, and when ItO resided in Otaki, in the vicinity of the monument, sin- used to carry his tea, etc., for him. A year or two inter Airs. Cootes was lady’s maid to the late Mrs. Hector McDonald at Levin. The deceased was married at the age of Id years to Air. James Cootes, at one time • a Native policeman of Otaki. Mrs. Cootes was presented to Governor Ferguson when lie visited Otaki, and gave, many interesting details of the lives and doings of the Natives and the early history, in general, of Otaki and district. Alt.-. Cootes wits one of the few that, could tell intelligently of the early day.- of To Kiuiparahtt. The deceased had enjoyed good health, and even two day- before her death worked in her garden and also took a keen interest in Captain Buekeridge’« aeroplane that -frequently passed over Otaki. There were fifteen of a family but of those Tom, Dave, Frank, Manga, Mrs. 0. Beil, und three younger ones died. Those living are George, dim, Will, Stun, Edward. Fred, and Airs. Hema Wliata. There are -17 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren.