A tribute to Margaret Puriri

Tu Tangata, Issue 26, 1 October 1985, Page 44

A tribute to Margaret Puriri

Poroporaki

r would not, I am certain, be doing justice to the innermost feelings in our hearts, if we failed to reflect on the tragic death recently, of Margaret Puriri in a car accident at Waiomio near Kawakawa. It is a loss which I hardly trust myself to write, for apart from ties of blood relationship, there had existed between us for many years, a close friendship which no differences were ever allowed to weaken or even to affect. But I am comforted by the knowledge that her name and work are so indelibly and firmly established in the hearts of her people. But they would be but a memory, brushed by the silent touches of time, unless we make them live and walk across the stage of life.

The bounty of nature, enriched and developed not only by early training, but by constant self discipline through life, blended in her, gifts of courage and a brilliant intellect which taken alone are rare, and in such a union are rarer still. Body, mind and character Local Body, Land Issues, Tribal Council, Waitangi Marae, Treaty of Waitangi, Waitangi Day, each made its separate contribution to the faculty and the experience of a many sided and harmonious whole. But, what she was, she gave unselfishly, with vitality and ease.

Margaret was a descendant of Ngapua, brother of Hone Heke of flagstaff fame, and a member of the Kahui Ariki of Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Aupouri, Ngatikahu and Ngatiwhatua. She was

also of Te Atiawa and other southern tribes. As Margaret walked the pathway where her illustrious tupuna have left their footsteps, it was natural for her sometimes to assume the role of a warrior woman and a strenuous fighter. Not for her a life of peace, unanimity and repose. She was involved occasionally in contention and controversy. She has left behind no resentment and no enmity: nothing but a fond memory of an extraordinary person, who contributed in no small measure, to the spiritual, educational, political and economic life of Ngapuhi, indeed of her Maori people. Whatever mistakes she made, were but as breath upon a mirror which instantly evaporating, leaves the reflection ever

brighter than before. There are many, many people in all walks of life and of all shades of opinion, when they think of her, will say to themselves, there was a woman who impressed her individuality, her vitality, her drive on her people as few others have done. Speech cannot contain our love. There was, there is, no greater woman.

She has gone to the great silence, to the mythical elysium of her ancestors, in the full tide of buoyant life, still full of promise and of hope. To her family and Tupi, our deepest sympathy in the sad and irreplaceable loss they have sustained. What more can we say? We can only bow once again, before the decrees of the Supreme Wisdom. From the voiceless lips of the departed, there is no word, but the rustle of a wing, the murmur of an evening breeze and the voice of the poet Maurice Baring saying, “And you will speed us onward with a cheer, And wave beyond the stars, that all is well” Farewell Margaret, Rest in peace.

Sir lames Henare