THE "H" IN WHANGANUI

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3008, 20 February 1917, Page 6

THE "H" IN WHANGANUI

Sir, —In reply to your correspondent', "lan Gilroy," who wants to know why Wanganui is spelt without an "h," I would suggest that it is probably due to the philological fact that tlie Wanganui Natives do not sound the "h" in the manner that some other Maori tribes do. Die Wangauui .tribe is tha cockney representative of the Maoris. According to a Maori legend, which I translated (I am quoting from memory,, tying in a hospital bed), an ancient ancestor or denii-god named Haiinux Ananaia (please don't make it Ananias)' went over to the West Coast and dug" )iis liee) iu tho ground, thus fonning the Rangitikei River (tikei, to dig the heel in the ground); he lowered himself until his heaving chest touched the ground, after the fashion of a certain gymnastic exercise, and \o\ the* ManawatujPuivcr was formed (manawa, the lungs or breathing organs; tu, to> touch or come in contact with). Aftermaking one or two other improvements to the landscape, he swam out to sea, and, in making a vigorous rulia, or swimming stroke, he scooped out AVhanganui Bay (whanga, an opening into the sea; nui, large). Mr. Taiawhio te Tan, of Maeterton, Iβ one in direct line of descent from Haunui. There are many interesting items or nomenclature, including quite a number of places names which are now hidden under some old-fashioned English or Scottish name, and the history on which will soon bo lost to New Zealand. One oW Caledonian, remembering, perhaps, the old stone houses and policies of his far-away land, changed the nanio of his farm from Nikaumaru (shady palm) to Creoch. Ye gods! Perhaps someone more conversant with the subject will be able to enlighten your correspondent further.—Tarn, etc., ' JOHNS. COLE-