Letter from the Family

Heni's grandson, Mr Alfred Foley

Dear Jenny,

Thankyou for your letter of 25 Sept. enclosing a copy of your manuscript on the Battle of Gate Pa in which my grandmother Heeni Te Kirikaramu played such a compassionate part. I cannot see anything conflicting about your story apart from that which you have already acknowledged, her being of Te Arawa descent and not Ngaiterangi. I don't think it matters that you have called Heni

(with only one 'e') when the true pronunciation is Heeni with the double vowel sound. Another point of interest for you may be what Heni was wearing during the battle. This is an extract from her own written account: "I was not much encumbered with clothing; it consisted of a hikurere (or loose blouse) with petticoats and a flaxen rapaki (kilt) about my waist. I was barefooted and bareheaded." I don't know how your artist has depicted her but some in the past had shown her in fully Maori costume While others had her dressed in a long loose fitting robe with a hood. I don't think that any of them quite realised that she was a highly intelligent, well educated young lady who was still only 26 years old when the war was over and she had returned to her home on Mokoia Island.

Please carry on with your good work,

Noho ora mai,

Alfred Foley

Above: Heni, also known as Jane