WAIWETU OR WAIWHETU?

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 137, 6 December 1929, Page 10

WAIWETU OR WAIWHETU?

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Referring to the correct spelling of the above name, I have no desire to eugugo in a controversy as to the imaginative beauty aud poetry of the Maori language, as this would prove interminable; my concern is of a more practical nature. As an old resident of the district, I protest against any irresponsible individuals taking upon themselves the right to alter the spelling of the word Wanvetu, which has been the official designation so far back as I can remember, it a change is to be made, there is a proper method of giving effect to it, but to perpetuate the optional way of spelling can only lead to confusion, and I respectfully suggest that the Press is serving no good purpose by encouraging the practice. It would not be permitted in the case of i ?-? e'.Lt aiwarra> Wanganui, and others ad lib, the spelling of which according to so-called authorities is incorrect. It is a matter for surprise and regret that both the Education Board and the Church should lend themselves to a movement in. contravention of the civil authority The unnecessary insertion of the extra lefx ter h after all would accomplish nothing as the name would invariably be incorrectly spelt and pronounced, and as for the alleged meaning attaching to many Maori place names, the less said the better.—l am, etc.,

RESIDENT.