CORRESPONDENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1921, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

XOMKXn.ATI'IiK. (To tlio Editor!. I Sir.- I was miiili interested ill Mr Payne’s letter of the previous issue on 'the interpretation of the meaning ol Aoraiigi. the native name of Mount j Gook. I must emifri'S I have been I always under the impression that the f interpretation “The (’loud Piercer was the correct meaning of the native name 1 have a recollection that the word was derived from “An” a cloud, and ‘■Hanoi”- the heavens. From this it was intended to describe by the name that “ Anranrii' ’ reaching to the heavens pierced the clouds. Possibly. I was misinformed and Ml Payne who has more deeply researched than I. is correct. i lint this native nomenclature is a i most interesting subject, and it would be educative to many European natives | of this pleasant uart of Maorilnnd, if | the meanings of many of the names l the Maoris and others have applied to the various centres, lakes, rivers. , mountains etc. could ho described “Hokitika” or instance. I believe, ; means the turning point on the jour | ney ; “Kumara”—the sweet potato; “Hiiri Ila.ri’’ —a soon to make people | pull together; “Arahura”- the diseov- . ered pathway (which disclosed the greenstone find). And so on. It would be both instructive and interesting; if this list could be extended by some ol your readers with la more intimate 1 knowledge of topographical nomenclature of the Maori. T am etc., I A IA O R II jA N !>KII. j j