THE REV. N. H. PAPAKAKURA—A ‘VARSITY ROOM-MATE.

Te Ao Hou, Spring 1954, Page 40

THE REV. N. H. PAPAKAKURA—A ‘VARSITY ROOM-MATE. An old varsity room-mate, who has very close memories of Sir Peter Buck, is the Rev. N. H. Papakakura, whose home is now in New Plymouth. He remembers particularly the work of the Maori mission committee formed in Otago, with representatives of each denomination, whose members travelled through the South Island. Buck was a member, and often helped Papakakura, then studying for the ministry, with his English and increased his knowledge of Europeans. “I knew I was just from the wilds,” said Papakakura. Buck was a man of prayer, says Mr Papakakura. Through the week he worked at his studies all day and late at nights, until one or two in the morning, and always prayed before going to bed. He confined athletics to the week-ends, but still won the Otago University long jump with 24 feet. Peter Buck coached a haka party at Otago University and acted as its leader, being very popular in the many homes to which the party was invited. Though praising Buck's ability at teh haka, Mr Papakakura was more reserved about his singing; perhaps because Mr Papakakura himself was a professional singer of repute, who toured the United States for two years with a well-known company.