Ripine Wharekawa

Te Ao Hou, December 1968, Page 4

Ripine Wharekawa Mrs Wharekawa, who lived on Matakana Island for most of her 102 years, died at Katikati in October. Her main interest was in young people, and she was always keen to see Maori children take full advantage of education facilities. A skilled weaver in the traditional fashion, she passed on her skill to many young women and children. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, 34 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren. Others who died during the year were Mr-Rex Ellison of Te Puia, a member of 28 (Maori) Battalion, Private Desmond Hiriini, who was killed in action in Vietnam and was buried at Kawerau with full miltary honours, Mrs Tura Muru, sister of Queen Te Atairangikaahu, Mr Hone Tukariri of Mangonui and Mr Hepara Te Huhu of North Hokianga. We have been asked by Mr Lloyd Ngapo to mention his father-in-law, Mr William Brown, of Ahimia, Coromandel, who died during 1967, aged 85. Mr Brown, a highly respected elder of Ngatiimaru, chairman of the local tribal committee and staunch Anglican, was postmaster at Ahimia for 32 years. After his education at St Stephen's School, he chose to stay amongst his people. He encouraged and supported young people in their aim for higher education, and with his brother Haeta pioneered dairy farming in Coromandel on land cleared from virgin bush. Through hard times he assisted his people with sound advice and stimulating new ideas for the cultivation of their properties. A man of wisdom, with a broad outlook on life, uppermost in his mind at all times was the welfare of his people.