Rongomai Ira Bailey

Tu Tangata, Issue 17, 1 April 1984, Page 29

Rongomai Ira Bailey

Poroporoaki

Tihei mauri ora Tihei mauri mate

Rongomai Ira Bailey, friend of long standing, where now are you hiding? Like bush tracks our paths have crisscrossed. Now Christ-Crossed, we shall meet on some other mountain. White plumed Te Whiti, you have another feather in your cap a kindred spirit seeking to avoid the Pakeha FallOut. Did I not see you both, standing and standing, with the spirit of Bishop Tutu? Peacefully witnessing the new bitter night under the pohutakawa in Parliament grounds.

Ah, Rangi, gateway to Maoridom, you allowed me to come and go with ease, to share your world. Your thoughts fluttered around my head like piwakawaka, ever entertaining, ever friendly, some few keeping out of reach. But now the autumn leaves of my mind fall in a sad rustle to the ground. Will the mould of leaves cover the tracks as years unfold? Will memories be fenced off? I think not Rangi for you have a way with the plough and will not let fence posts gather moss. And so good friend I close my tribute to you knowing that it will never end.

Useful References MARTIN, M.A. (Lady), 1884. Our Maories. London, SPCK. PURCHAS, H.T., 1914. A History of the English Church in New Zealand. Christchurch, Simpson & Williams Ltd. Te Reo o te Komiti Tumuaki, Vol. I, Nos. 2,4. 1977. SIMPKIN, W.J., 1926 “Rota Waitoa.” Te Too Takitini, Nama 59, pp. 432-3.