The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 12, 1910. MANAWATU FOR PALMERSTON NORTH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 838, 12 May 1910, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 12, 1910. MANAWATU FOR PALMERSTON NORTH.

Mr Robt. Gardner is the moving spirit in an agitation to have the name of Palmerston North changed to Manawatu. His anxiety for a change in name is not backed up by any sound argument, consequently Palmerstonians are not taking the matter seriously. It, however, Mr Gardner could clearly demonstrate that the name “ Palmerston N.” is detrimental to any of the town’s interests, then no doubt the matter would receive serious consideration. So far he has been unable to do so. Mr Gardner’s dream of substituting “Manawatu” for Palmerston N. is altogether too funny —about on a par with New Plymouth swapping to ‘‘Taranaki,” Napier to “Hawke’s Bay,” Masterton to “Wairarapa,” Blenheim to “Marlborough,” and so on. Mr Gardner will have to hit on another name if our big sister is out for notoriety. Mr Gardner says we are timid and jealous and we are afraid that it Palmerston N. assumed the name of “Manawatu” it may “cast a shadow over the greatness of our luture Liverpool and its surroundings.” We don’t care a tinker’s cuss whether Palmerston changes its name so long as it does not attempt to take to itself a name which designates a vast and important district.