PUBLIC OPINION

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12619, 2 December 1926, Page 6

PUBLIC OPINION

WHY NOT CHINA? (To the Editor, ‘‘N.Z. Times.”) Sir, —A Chinese friend writes as follows : “ . . . from the foregoing you will see that not only can wool be grown in China, but there is no reason why it should not be grown in any quantity demand would justify. At first the lower grade wools would serve ; when the demand has been firmly established other grades would follow. New Zealand wools travelling to England for manufacture, for eventual sale in China, could not compete with us, etc.” China has both country and climate suited for successful wool growing: there is a constantly growing demand for woven woollen materials, and, at a price, the meat can be disposed of. Tho pelts could also be treated in the country.—l am, eto., MAJOR FARNKWEI. Nelson.

INSULARIC NOMENCLATURE

(To the Editor, “N.Z. Times.”) Sir, —I thank you for your interesting answer to my question concerning the whereabouts of Loper Island. Perhaps you will agree that the gum which caused the name to be stuck to Ngamokopuna should he dissolved without delay. The name Grandfather Island seems to he somewhat of an inversion as Ngamokopuna means (according to Williams) grandchildren; nga signifying the plural and mokopuna being a grandchild. Matin might he taken to be the Maori form of Mathew: if the real name is Matiu it is easy to guess that Somes Island was named “the white oyster,” from its configuration, and apparently was formerly covered with a tussock grass. Makaro—fall down—is expressive for Ward Island. It is to be hoped that the Wellington Harbour Board will consider the propriety of expunging “Leper” Island from its vocabulary, and so help to allow the fate of the unfortunate sufferer and the philanthropy of those who put him there to sink into oblivion. —I am, etc., SEPTUAGENARIAN. Wellington.