Te Kani whānau

Peter (top) and Paora Te Kani with their mother Tangiwai Te Kani (nee Delamere). Their brother Turirangi also served with the Battalion.

The following is taken from a letter Paora Te Kani wrote before embarking on 30th April 1940.

My beloved mother.

Dear mother, it may be my last letter to you but, dear Mother, don’t worry. Please forgive me for not writing more often. We are leaving tomorrow... Mum dear, I know you will be waiting for my return and that you will be praying for me. Keep your chin up mother an ddon’t worry any more ... Give Dad my deepest regret that I was not able to be a good son to him when I should have been while times were good. I cold have been if I only tried, instead I only brought misery to you and Dad. My lingering lvoe to all newphews, nieces, brothers and one and only sister. Please kiss my dearest niece Martha goodbye for me mother, if you see her. Remember me to everybody, boyhood friend and all, both old and young. May God bless you and keep you all. E noho ra. Ka mahara mai ano ki a matau. Kei roto hoki koutou i o matau mahara i nga rangi katoa.(Goodbye. Please remember us. As every day you all are in our thoughts.)

Goodbye from your loving son Paul.

Reference: Soutar, Nga Tama Toa, p.72