Introduction

In this book we hope to bring you an up to date document of our family history. We urge each family to make a conscious effort to carry on this genealogical information for the benefit of future generations.

Much of the content of this book is from the memories relayed to us by Bill Paku before his passing

We have tried to make the presentation of this book as simple as possible, to encourage even the youngest of our children to read and enjoy it, as we hope they will.

This information could have been lost to us, but due to the dedication and devotion of a select few, we have succeeded in presenting to you all, a book of history and knowledge that can be shared with the whole family for years to come. Our sincerest thanks to all who have contributed information, photographs and interesting anecdotes. Without your help our task would have been impossible.

Memories of Bill Paku as related to Mervyn Priestley, 27 June 2016.

I have put together things I recall about our family. I have tried to keep it to things that may not be known to younger ones, contributing to the chapters, and perhaps things that would be of interest.

Feel free to use them as you can, and call me if I can be of any assistance.

Signed Bill Paku

Your discovery of the birth and death dates of Sarah Harriet 1878-1881 and the burial place of Lydia Maria certainly changes our thinking.

The fact that Lydia Maria was buried at Makaraka and that Sarah Harriet was born a year later indicates that they were long gone from Puatae.

We need more information on Charles’ movements.

 # 1. When did he arrive at Puatae?

 # 2 .When did he leave Puatae?

# 3. Did he meet the widow Taraipine at Puatae?

# 4. Did Taraipine live at Puatae with her late husband?

# 5. Did Taraipine have children to her first husband?

# 6 .Was Stephen the first born of Charles and Taraipine?

# 7. There must have been others living and working at Puatae ”

Some of these questions have been answered, exact times and dates not possible but approximate details. Puatae was a stopping post for the stage coach going between Tologa Bay and Gisborne..