Sri Lanka - Kandalama

Our first walk through the Centre of Colombo was with a local passionate historian, Mark Forbes. He commenced our city tour at the 17^th Century Old Colonial Dutch Hospital built in 1681 which has served different purposes over time. Today it is a restaurant precinct, but the architecture has been preserved. Amazing when you are standing absorbing the architecture and Mark says, now look up. Just beyond the roof of this beautiful building is a glass contemporary skyscraper. The changing face of Sri Lanka. Like so much of Asia.

Former Dutch Hospital built for their Army and Navy personnel. 

How poignant that I should find myself traveling with one of our son’s family whose children’s genealogy include Dutch Burghers from Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon. Wonderful to see the children with their other grandfather David who grew up here before his family migrated to Australia. His tales about his childhood as we drive or stop off at places on the way, is a bonus. It all seems right, that in the same year I am writing a tale about another lineage of these grandchildren’s heritage. A wonderful coming together is what comes to mind. To have the opportunity to enjoy it with them is special indeed. History in the making for this next generation of descendants who lives will be considerably different to ours as they grow up.

“TO RISE ABOVE THE RACISM OF THE PAST,

WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE IT.”

(Quote from the Editor National Geographic)

Before I left Australia, I packed, ‘The Special Issue National Geographic April 2018’. This month’ issue focuses entirely on, ‘The Race Issue’ which celebrates, “…the 50^th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination, we explore what race means in the 21^st century.” Whilst I was reading through the articles I found myself reflecting upon what was happening between 1830’s – 1960’s in the Hokianga and King Country in regards to race.

Since 2011 I have spent time in India, Nepal and Vietnam involved with projects in relation to Women and Youth employment in the NGO Sector. This time it is purely for a holiday, but my research and sociological lens informs me that technology, mobility, and our cross-cultural children and their biracial children will continue a trend captured by, Patricia Edmonds in the April edition, "The Many Colors of Matrimony across racial and ethnic lines",will continue to break down racism. 

Staying at the amazing Kandalama which has been built into a rock face.

So much to learn from this captivating country, its history and its people. 

Until the next time - go well.

Viti

 

A phone call away

Handwritten letter dated Monday evening, 13^th August 2001

Seventeen years ago, the above letter was written by Phoebe on behalf of her parents Maryann and Kyrke Watkins to my father after our visit to Opononi. Father’s, nieces Anne (Tui) and Margaret and I had spent a truly memorable evening, at Marianne and Kyrke’s home.  One full of storytelling. music and seafood!

Early this year I contacted Ngaire Slade (Perth – formerly from Hokianga) to ask if she knew Phoebe who had written the letter and was it possible to get her phone number when she was next in the Hokianga. A week ago, I got a message from Ngaire who was able to get access to Phoebe’s number during her stop off in NZ after visiting South America. 

The comment was written in Phoebe’s letter to my father, “I hope you are well and perhaps, I too shall meet your family.  This has been a wonderful time listening to my mother [while writing to you]." The comment, 'perhaps I too shall meet your family provided the impetus, although many years later, to make this telephone call. 

When I received Phoebe’s telephone number from Ngaire I took a deep breath and dialled her number not knowing what had taken place in the interim. Nothing ventured, nothing gained as the saying goes. What a wonderful moment to read back to Phoebe, part of what she had written all those years ago. After introducing myself and speaking about what I was doing with the book, I asked her was it an appropriate time to talk. Fortunately, for me it was.

I learned that Phoebe’s mother Maryann had passed away in more recent times and that her father Kyrke was still alive, clear of mind and now 88 years of age. He has since moved to Rangi Point opposite Opononi at the Northern end of the Hokianga Harbour. It was so very special to have this channel of communication emerge and Phoebe’s willingness to chat without expectations.  

During this conversation Phoebe asked me, if you have any questions, write them on a piece of paper and send to my address. Once received she would ask Uncle Kyrke the question/s and write down his stories. In the context of this book, it is a gift Phoebe has offered when one lives so far away. It is always exciting when new material comes to hand, invariably not anticipated. When I said goodbye to Phoebe and ended the call I sat back, took a long breath and reflect upon the generosity of others.   

Phoebe had mentioned that the Whirinaki community was relevant to my Tupuna Wahine’s Moengaroa and Erana Kohe Leaf.  During our telephone conversation, Phoebe had mentioned she would speak to her dad. It is an area I had not visited during trips up North and very much look forward to what can be learnt from Uncle Kyrke.

Visiting Aunty Mary's gravesite at Pawarenga with cousin Cheryl,
husband Ross and son Aaron.
Up till this visit, I had only visited Pakanae Cemetery with Cheryl
so on this day, we visited a number of cemeteries relevant
to family and extended family members.

My next BLOG post will be from Sri Lanka
Take care in the interim.
Viti Kay

Incorrect name

It matters that I acknowledge the error made in my last post's final paragraph in regards to the passing of George O'Brien on Sunday, March 18th, 2018 at his home in Taumarunui, New Zealand.

Paul brought to my attention that I had stated George's wife as Tina instead of Vita.

The final paragraph should have read, "Today when I spoke to his wife Vita...".

News to hand informs that George and Vita had been married for 60 years and a cherished father of Tina, Perry, Patrick and Darnell.

Apologies.
Viti

It seems appropriate for this blog to have an image from our travels in New Zealand

Trust you all enjoy ANZAC Day.

Best Wishes
Viti

Waves of emotions

There have been many!

The last 7 days have been noticeable of such waves. Firstly, a book which is out of print arrived in my mailbox after fossicking by Paul for a second-hand copy.

For the first time, I saw in print Tupuna Wahine (Great Grandmother) Erana Kohe Maning/Leef. Till now I have known very little about her. In fairness, much of my adult life has been spent in Western Australia and the informal conversation that takes place within the extended family, over time, has not happened until father’s recordings in 2001 and while writing this manuscript.

In John Nicholson’s book, he writes, “Hauraki was responsible, no doubt, for many more unseemly sproutings of the Maning family Tree…’ [and] in 1979, Erana Kohe (Ellen or Emily) Leef gave birth to his daughter Keita Maning.” Pg. 160. 

Keita is father’s mother and my Kuia (grandmother).

So special seeing both acknowledged in print which allows me to proceed more confidently. As a researcher, there is a desire to validate in print what we hear anecdotally. Where possible I have endeavoured to do so.

Secondly, I have been in communication with a female relative of my generation in New Zealand since writing this book and noticed in the above John Nicholson book that he acknowledges her as one of those interviewed as giving, ‘generously of her time’ prior to his publication in 2006. Her I am communicating with Kate in 2018. The synergy of it all.   

Finally, my ongoing communication with Alexa Walley, a volunteer researcher for the Hokianga Historical Society has undertaken research on my behalf. One such request was a photo of the Pakanae School, as I wished to include one in my book.  Father provided an anecdote linked to the school during his formative years in his recordings The following provides a vignette of the information provided by Alexa and related to the school photo provided.

-          We have put it in the 1950s before the building was extended in 1958. (Source Alexa Walley, email 16^th April 2018).

I am thrilled to have access to this photo.  However, there is a 20-year difference from when the photo was documented to father’s attendance in the 1920’s & 1930’s. Nonetheless, the anecdotal story linked to his schooling years provides an insightful understanding when his mother passed away and the caring of younger siblings at nine.

Waves of emotion have been numerous and varied throughout the last week but it will be a week remembered as a fork in the road of my emerging book.

Letter writing - Australia Post Delivery

Late yesterday afternoon I sat down and wrote a letter to an elderly couple in the King Country, New Zealand.

When I headed out to post this letter this morning, this is what I thought:

• What a glorious day to be out walking.

•  The main village shopping precinct is 50 meters from our apartment.

• When I turned into Rokeby Road in Subiaco I was greeted with the reminder by the trees lining the main street, it was Autumn. Leaves were everywhere!

• As I walked towards the Post Office I thought how nostalgic is this? I still go to the Post Office, but it was what I had in my hand that generated such a feeling. A typed letter with pictures to an elderly couple who were active in the two communities that we lived during my formative years. In particular, when I was playing Junior tennis, they were playing Seniors with our parents.

Sourced from http://www.shutterstock.com/search/australia+post 

on

3rd April 2018 

In October 2017 I also wrote a letter to this couple as we were planning a get-together when we visited the King Country, NZ in November 2017. The purpose for doing so was two-fold. Firstly, to connect after many decades and share that I was assisting with a memoir for three sisters in New Zealand. When I viewed their family tree I recognized the familiar surname of O’Brien. 

I decided to write to them to see if they were linked to this family tree as some of the earlier generation worked in the milling industry and lived in the area. Secondly, to check if they were available to join us and others for lunch while we were in town.

This provided an opportunity to, speak personally on the telephone, when we arrived as they are in their late 70’s or early 80’s. The joy that was expressed by them in receiving my letter reinforces that we need to continue to take the time to connect with a more personal approach, when relevant. 

Five months later I find myself writing another letter to this couple. Included in this letter were three photos of my father with team members of the Manunui Rugby Club from 1939 – 1945. This same couple came to mind. In later years this same Mr O'Brien was the President of the Manunui Rugby Club and I was missing some of the names in these group photos. 

The letter I posted off this morning was a request to see if he could fill in the names missing so that when I insert these images into the book, I may be able me to acknowledge all the members of each team. 

Fingers crossed.

Trust you enjoyed your Easter Break.

Viti x