PALMERSTON N. OR MANAWATU ?

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 847, 2 June 1910, Page 3

PALMERSTON N. OR MANAWATU ?

[to the editor.]

Sir—Thedebate re changing Palmerston North's name took place on the 17th hist. A resolution was passed in favour ot change. By a strange coincidence both Palmerston North papers reported, in error, that the motion was not carried. Both papers appear to be approaching the question with the caution it requires. The Palmerston North Debating Society resolved on the 24th “That the attention of the papers be called to the error,” both reporters were present and possibly nothing more will be heard on that point. The debate showed the inconvenience of retaining the present name. Palmerston and Palmerston North will grow, particularly the latter, when it might be necessary to designate the different localities by the points of the compass N., E., W., S. It was shown that Palmerston could use these letters for convenience, but if Palmerston North used them it would appear at times absurd. Only fancy Palmerston North N., Palmerston North E., Palmerston North W., and Palmerston North South. Letters addressed to consignees “Palmerston North” might arrive here because the postal authorities would probably be acquainted with the firms, while the goods would be sent to the northern part of Palmerston which is in the other island. It was stated that the postal officials favour the change so does the Government. Our worthy Mayor has expressed himself as averse to the change, probably on account of the temporary inconvenience, but when he considers statements that Mr Gardner will probably adduce, let us hope he will use his influence and abilities for the good of the generations following even at a little temporary sacrifice. During the debate the writer read an article from the Manawatu Herald when the following slight altercation occurred : “What’s the name of the paper ? The Manawatu Herald. Who wrote the article ? A capable editor. Where was the paper printed ? In the chief port for the Manawatu.” One gentleman addressing the meeting could not recollect my name and referred to me as “The proprietor of the Manawatu Herald.” A voice in the hall ejaculated “The proprietor of a Manawatu Herald.” The desirability ot changing the name is becoming more apparent. Some think we might retain the name by prefixing “New” and erasing the present affix N., thus—New Palmerston. Manawatu is a nice name. I have heard several interpretations, the best that I remember is a mythological tradition by the late Rev A. Honore, viz., “A young Maori chief fell in love (nothing new). The loved one ran away along the coast over hills and across streams followed by her lover. She swam the Manawatu, but alas! when the lover came and saw it was “such a wide river” he said : Manawatu! My heart faints.”— I am, etc.,

Edmund Osborne. Palmerston N., 30/5/xo.