A Song for Makorori

This small tribute to Toby White was published in Beachlife magazine in 2011.


Toby White – also known as the “Mayor of Makorori” – was a colourful identity who played a big role in the life and times of Makorori Beach for several decades.

Toby and his wife Ruth lived in an equally colourful beachside bach, festooned with crayfish pots, and other flotsam and jetsom, overlooking the lagoon along the middle section of Makorori village.

As president of the Makorori resident’s association he had a great interest and enthusiasm for the well-being of his community. He kept a siren on his balcony to alert residents of swimmers or boats in distress and in case of fire.

At Christmas, dressed as Santa Claus, he would arrive at the beach in Keith McCullough’s boat from the Tatapouri ramp, to start the annual Christmas party to the delight of local children.

Toby died in 1997, sadly too soon to see the eventual completed restoration of the Gisborne steam train Wa165, a project in which he was one of the original enthusiasts.

In the April 1997 issue of BeachLife we noted Toby’s passing and published this song he wrote about his beloved Makorori, which was sung at many parties and barbecues along the beach before the turn of the millennium. We print the song here again in the hope it will be remembered – and maybe sung again.

It appears to be to the tune of the Irish folk classic Galway Bay by Dr. Arthur Colahan (1947).

 

A SONG FOR MAKORORI

From my cottage on the hill at Makorori,

I gaze upon the sea spread out below.

And I think of the wonders of nature,

From early morn until the sunset glow.

The crayfish pots are bobbing in the sunlight,

While fishing boats go gliding slowly by.

The children on the beach are building castles,

And surfers on their boards are riding high.

At night I see the lights of far Wainui,

A-twinkling in the sea across the bay.

And I thank my lucky stars that I’m a dreamer,

And have this paradise in which to play.

For there are folks in far off bustling cities,

Who think our eastern coast is out of reach.

They should take the time to truly sample,

The lazy days at Makorori Beach.