TE RANGATRIA TUA TAHI

Te Ao Hou, March 1968, Page 3

Kawe Draper TE RANGATRIA TUA TAHI a tribute by B. Grove Dignity and humility, music and laughter, sympathy and understanding … These are but a few of the attributes applicable to one who possessed them, but was never aware of their true meaning because they were so natural to her. Born in 1892, in Pirongia, Rangitokotoko Te Pere, (Kawe) was a direct descendant of Hoturoa, captain of the Tainui Canoe. As a small child she was taken back to Kawhia, when her mother died. There she met and married an Englishman, who built their home on the surrounding hillside, overlooking the last resting place of the Tainui Canoe. Kawe Draper was well loved by all who knew her, both Maori and Pakeha. She showed great pride in her heritage—in Maoritanga, and loved music, action songs and chants. A well known characteristic was the generosity shown to so many; not in financial aid or in worldly possessions—for her belongings were meagre—but from her garden would come the choicest of blooms and the most delectable of homegrown vegetables. These were given to new residents, holiday-makers, and wherever illness or misfortune happened to be, and her kumara plants were

very much in demand by all home gardeners. She would toil for days and even go without herself, so that everyone could have a share. The two words ‘communication’ and ‘involvement’ are often discussed these days, especially in Christian circles. Her infectious laughter was a delight and everyone who heard laughed also even if they didn't know what the joke was about. In a gathering of several hundred people, those who knew her would just say, ‘Ko Kawe tera a kata ana’. Perfect strangers were soon her closest friends after only a few moments conversation. Here then was the art of communication, and involvement! Her sense of humour and style of telling jokes, Maori myths or riddles, were so popular that at any Maori meeting or Pokai she was soon the centre of attraction, her countenance always a ray of sunshine, making others happy just to be in her company. To her family she was not only a wonderful wife and mother, but a teacher in the simple things of life which money cannot afford. She taught that life, body and soul, are sacred and beautfiul, to be treasured, to be revered. Some relatives are left with great riches, or houses and lands, but she has left behind the wealth of her example in every phase of life. This then, is why she is affectionately known to us, as ‘The First Lady’ or ‘Our First Lady’. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, you have travelled the road of life which I set before you. Now it is time to come home.’