WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Southland Times, Issue 21088, 21 May 1930, Page 5

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

DEBATABLE SUGGESTION SHOULD INVERCARGILL BE CHANGED? COUNCILLORS WAX FACETIOUS Both perturbation and amusement were in evidence among councillors last evening when the following recommendation from the Finance Committee came before the City Council for consideration: “Recommend that the council take into consider ation the suggestion that the name of the city be changed from ‘lnvercargill’ to ‘Cargill.’” Councillor H. J. Macalister, as chairman of the Finance Committee, in moving the report, said that the clause had been inserted in order that the council might fully discuss the matter and that the public should also have ample opportunity to express opinions before anything was decided on. “What bright intellect suggested the change?” asked Councillor T. O’Byrne. . “It was a bright intellect,” replied Councillor Macalister, “but as it was in committee I cannot disclose the name.” (Laughter.) Continuing, Councillor Macalister said he thought that the suggestion was well worthy of consideration. He knew there was a rooted objection to a change in a great many people. “Of underclothing,” interjected a councillor.

“The council ought to go into committee,” thereupon remarked another councillor in a shocked tone.

“I think not,” said the Mayor with a glance at the reporters.

Councillor Macalister said that he knew many would oppose the change purely from conservatism. The change of name was not a big matter if ratepayers thought it desirable. There was ample precedent for a change both near at hand and far distant. Campbelltown had been changed to Bluff.

“An awful mistake,” remarked the Mayor, Mr J. D. Campbell. The change of Christiania to Oslo was also mentioned by Councillor Macalister.

“What about St. Petersburg,” said Councillor O’Byrne. “We don’t want to follow that example,” retorted Councillor Macalister.

Not Euphonious,

Continuing he said that Invercargill was not a euphonius name. It consisted of two Scotch words “Inver” and “Cargill.” “Inver” meant “at the mouth of.” The Scotch word Inverness was a good word, for it meant “at the mouth of the Ness” but there was no sense in “Invercargill’s” meaning. He understood that the name was bestowed in Dunedin as a joke during a banquet at which the superintendent, Captain Cargill, was present. The name had been put up with by Southlanders long enough. There was no reason why it should go on for ever. He did not think that Invercargill citizens when travelling were proud of the name. Auckland, Dunedin, Napier, Wellington, Wanganui, Timaru and almost any other name in New Zealand were to be preferred to Invercargill, which he described as a “bastard absurdity in the correct sense of the word.” The change to

“Cargill” was merely a suggestion. He personally was not keen on “Cargill,” but was keen on a change. An- suitable name could be suggested. He hoped that conservatism would not stand in the way of the matter receiving serious consideration. The Mayor suggested that the clause be altered to end at the word “change.” Councillor C. J. Brodrick said that when he first read the clause he thought it was a joke, but then he found it was seriously intended. He considered it the most absurd suggestion he had ever heard. (“Hear, hear” from several councillors). The name “Invercargill” was as good as any other name. He was proud of it. (Hear, hear.) He knew that it had been described as a nomenclatural absurdity, but that could easier be remedied. The name of the Puni could be changed to “Cargill.” Then the word Invercargill would be quite correct.

“I should like to see the clause obliterated and kept out of the Press,” continued Councillor Brodrick. “I know that the whole body of public opinion would be against the change. Furthermore Invercargill is a distinctive name. A letter addressed to “IngU” without the word New Zealand would be sure of delivery, so distinctive is the name.”

“I move that the clause be struck out,” said Councillor O’Byrne. “Invercargill is a beautiful name. I should be sorry to see it changed to ‘Cargill.’ ” “Sounds too much like ‘gargle? ” said Councillor J. G. Imlay. Opposition to Change. Councillor O’Byrne, continuing, said that the name had stood for 70 years. When he had gone abroad he had been proud to say that he came from Invercargill. Councillor G. J. Reed seconded Councillor O’Byrne’s amendment that the clause be struck out. He said that Councillor Macalister, since he had succeeded in having the name of the theatre altered, must have become imbued with a desire for change. He should extend his researches no further. Invercargill had stood the test for a long time. Even if it was a hybrid word it was a good one. Many names in the Old Country might be hybrid. What about Liverpool? “I always have great satisfaction when I send a cable from Sydney addressed to Invercargill,” he continued, “for I feel that I am getting full value for my money.” Councillor Imlay said that, while he was not necessarib’ in favour of seeing the name changed he thought the clause should not be struck out, but should be considered. “I should like to congratulate Councillor Macalister on his fearlessness,” declared Councillor W. Hinchey. “Though a change might seem strange to us at first we should not be put off by the initial blush. I think Invercargill is an awkward name. We should hear an expression of public opinion.” Councillor O’Byrne’s amendment was then put and was supported by the following: Councillors Sheehan, O’Byrne, Robertson, Reed and Brodrick. It was therefore declared lost. Some discussion then arose whether the council had agreed to delete the words “from Invercargill to Cargill” from the clause.

Finally a division was taken on the point. Councillors Hinchey, Ball, Imlay, Macalister, Gilkison, Ford and the Mayor voted in favour of the deletion of these words and in this amended form the report was adopted.