HAKATERE v. HAMPSTEAD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1288, 14 July 1886, Page 2

HAKATERE v. HAMPSTEAD.

TO THB EDITOR. Sib, —I have been struck with the great Interest you and year correspondents are taking in our Town District, apparently because the majority of the Commissioners are of opinion that Hampstead la a more suitable name, and are trying In a lawful manner to get It changed. In doing so they are only | carrying out theit promises made before the election, and also the wish of a public meeting which was called for the purpose, and which decided to leave the name to the incoming Board, Some seem to think we cannot find a name, and have kindly offered some beauties. Thinks, generous people, but we can do without your assistance on this occasion. Such offers do not always smell well. I think, Mr Editor, y u ought to bo better acquainted with district* than to write as you did on Wednesday last. Sour allusion to Hampstead as an hackneyed imported name is quite out of place here. You might better apply hackneyed to Christchurch, because that is much used. That historical place, “ ampatead ’eath” you quoted has nothin-; to do with the name in question. Ift I to see how it can create a confusion, because the school and Town District boundaries are not identical If so, why is it the B trough School District and Borough have not caused a confusion ; they are very d ffer.m in s ; ze ? How ia it some native name has not been found for one of them to save repetition? Perhaps you can suggest a new came for the Tinwald School, s > as to distinguish it from the Town Board. A a far as the meaning of Hakatere is concerned it is neither here nor there. lam not superstitious if some are, but there ia a greater objection to the new name than you have stated. You may have forgotten, or posaib’y did not know, that Hakatere is proye ly gazetted as a Ward, with only the railway line dividing it from the new Board Ido not think we have any need or right to take the r name, whether they are willing or not. I have also been told there are other places of tho same name in the county, and I have no doubt there are many in the colony, but I have not heard of another Hampsteac. The Natives give names from some oiuse, consequently there are many alike—see map. Your advice re securing the voice of the ratepayers is good, hat yoa must not forget the elections only a short tim * back, which was quite definite enough in rhat direction—notice the majorities Yonr correspondents appear to have a surprising knowledge of all the rows at the Board’s meetings. Just to put these wiseacres right, I have great pleasuie in informing them that there nevtr have been any qnaireis. The qu< stion of name came op, and was discharged in a few minutes, in a business-like manner Those wise writers seem to inter that nothing has been done by the Beard bat discuss names. If they only take the trouble, they may see that all that a new Board can reasonably do, is done. Two poor creatures have the presumption to say that the members of the Board ought to do the clerical work for nothing. I expect the next thing these prolific mind will suggest will be that the members of the Board give two days each week to clearwater tables, fill rota, etc., just to save tbegratefnl ratepayers a few pounds. “Economy study, but don’t ho mean.” No, no, not for William. I deny most positively that the Board ever expected the clerical work to be done for nothing, and any ratepayer who is so generous better take a seat on the same and do it. Thanks, Mr County Mayo, for compliment re intelligent portion of the Commlssioners, but I am informed Mr Carter resigned because he has to earn his bread chiefly by the pick and shovel, and wished to be free to get a share of the Board’s crumbs. I think he had a good reason. Mr White’s reasons I have not heard ; it may be because he was not appointed Chairman, neither could have his f'wn way in other things, that the disappointment was too much for his nervous temperament. or perhaps he is going to apply for the clerkship. Of course, that wise man ‘ County Mayo” is so fully acquainted with all the attainments of the remaining Commissioners as to be well qualified to sit in judgment on them, and give a correct verdict. However, if I were free from the Board I s odd be quite prepared to undertake the duties and be willing to give good security that the work would be done as correctly as even “ County Mayo,” with all his intelligence, would do it. “Evil b« to him who evil thinks" may stf ■; sore, for my part, that no dodgu ooiug w or ked re clerk, neither does that mean insinuation, “ private interest,” fit. Why, the poor ignorants on the Board never thought of such a w eked thing until that bad spirit, “ County Mayo,” suggested it. Ratepayers, beware of him when filling the vacancies, for you on see the man by his pen. I hope the next time these men have an Itch for writing they will be bravo enough to sign their r wn names, so that we may know which color ihey are, that is, if it ia not all used. Thanking , r ou for space.—l am, etc , Geo. W. Andrews