WAIWETU OR WAIWHETU?
(To the Editor.) Sir,—lt should be a very simple matter to set at rest for all time the correct spelling of this Maori place name. In the first place, Waiwetu is not correct Maori. "Wai" means water, but "wetu" is unknown in the language. Waiwhetu is onv safer ground, and means a watery star. "Wai" might also mean recollection or memory, and in this ease, with a poetic translation, we might get star of hope or star of memory. Seeing that "wetu" is not a Maori word at all, it is very clear that Waiwhetu is the correct spelling of the word. Now, for the correct pronunciation of "wh" in Maori. It is commonly supposed that these two consonants, coming together, produce an "f" sound, thus "Waifitu." Even modern half-castes give it the "f" sound. The "wh" in Maori is the same sound that a cultured English speaker gives to the words "what," "where," "when," "why." We do want a little teaching in the simple pronunciation of this beautiful Polynesian language. It has been suggested that lessons over the air could be given. Some of us do squirm when Maori place and shipping names are announced from our YA stations.—l am, etc., "UNCLE SANDY." .
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19291203.2.45.2
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 134, 3 December 1929, Page 10
Word Count
207WAIWETU OR WAIWHETU? Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 134, 3 December 1929, Page 10
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