Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, NOVEMB. 25, 1920. WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2207, 25 November 1920, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, NOVEMB. 25, 1920. WHAT’S IN A NAME?

TJS many moons since the Maoris, during (heir southern migration, lirst sighted (he ancient river which joins the sea. a few miles from Poxlon. As the rangilira of the tribe gazed across the wide expanse of water at the river mout.h, “his heart stood still” with wonder, hence, so it is alleged, *?s derived the name Manawa (heart), In (to stand'), as applied to the river, and subsequ.ently to the district along ils tortuous course from flic Gorge lo Ihc sea. We do not intend to weave any romantic story in regard to (lie river’s cognomonlalion. A member of the Palmerston Chamber of Commerce has given notice lo move that the Chamber take steps to substitute “Maltawain” for “Palmerston N.” His reason for so doing is that all the- mosl Important businesses and societies in (lie city had adopted Manawalu in the registration of (heir names, and the post ulficc officials had told him that it would overcome a Jot of eon fusion in their Avork.” Probably he has had a A’ision —a dip into the future. He lias seen the hounds of his beioA-'cd eily extend from the Gorges south and west, to the sea, covering the Avhole area of the Maria Avani, and of which Palmerston borough is now a speck, and, like the rangitera of ancient time, his heart stands still at the prospect. The difference, however, is dial what the ancient Maori saw was a grim reality. May avc suggest to the Chamber consideration of the following sub.'dilutions: “Nashville,” “Jayemjee,” or “Crabbopolis”! Shades of: a departed statesman, Avhat liaao you done to deserve oblivion ?