The "H" in Wanganui

Levin Daily Chronicle, 22 February 1917, Page 3

The "H" in Wanganui

4 AX INTERESTING DISQUISITION. 3J r .John R. Cole, in a letter to the editor of the Dominion newspaper, writes interestingly oil the aßove subject. He says:—■ In reply to your correspondent, "Tail 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 the Wanganui natives do not sound the "h" in the. manner that some other Maori tribes do.. The Wanganui tribe is the cockney representative of the Maoris. According to a Maori legend, which I translated ([ am quoting from memory, lying in a hospital bed), an ancient ancestor or demi-god named Hiaunui Ananaia( please don't make it Aananias) went over to the "West Coast and dug his heel in the ground, thus forming the Rangitikei • river (tike'i, to dig the heel in the ground); lie lowered himself until his heaving chest touched the ground, after the fashion of- a certain gymnatic exercise, and lo! the Manawtu river was formed (manawa, the lunge or breathing organs; tu, to touch or come in contact with). After making one or two other improvements to the landscape, he swam out to sea, and, in making a vigorous ruha. or swimming stroke, he scooped out Whanganui Bay (wlianga, an opening in the sea; mii, large). Mr Taiawhio te Tail, of Miasterton, is one in direct line of descent from Haunui. There are many interesting items of nomenclature, including quite a num.' her of places names which are now hidden under some old-fashioned English or Scottish name, and Ibe history of which will soon be lost to New Zealand. One old Caledonian, remembering, perhaps, the old stone houses -<1 policies of his far-away land, changed the name of his farm from Nikaumaru (shady palm) to C'reocli. Ye gods! Perhaps someone more conversant with the subject will be able to enlighten your correspondent further.