KARANGAHAPE ROAD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 234, 30 September 1908, Page 8

KARANGAHAPE ROAD.

o SUGGESTIONS FOR A NEW NAME. (To the Editor.) | Sir, —It is evident that the time has arI rived when the bulk of the merchants, shopkeepers and residents in the principal suburb of Auckland—if not in the Dominion—are determined that a more graceful and euphonious name than that of Karangahape-road should be secured. It is not only a pity, but a positive drawback, when Newton should have its tine avenue of business places disfigured by such a barbarous name. The name itself has no historic significance, but it hard to spell and pronounce. Translated, 1 believe it stands for ridge, and so is redolent of the early backblock days, when tho cows with their tinkling bells wandered aimlessly in possession through the ti-tree scrub. The name was nearly good enough then, but now the stately edifices, the splendid stores, the busy crowds that throng this great thoroughfare bear eloquence to the extreme desirability for a change of name. That being so, it is very necessary that a name at once short, easily pronounced, having business associations, and not likely to clash with any other from its dissimilarity, should be obtained. "Broadway" is the one name that answers these requirements. Tbe acquisition of such a name would add dignity, would be very easily remembered, and would fit better than any other the width and dimensions ot this fine business quarter. There is no more celebrated street in New York than Broadway, and yet Karangnhape-road is broader and better shaped. The near completion of the bridge, which then, of course, will assume the proud title of "Broadway Bridge," gives a still deep, er interest to the question.—l am, etc., T. FROSSER.

(To tho Editor.) Sir, —In considering the contemplated change of name for our second business thoroughfare, let us look at it pro and con. Auckland has strangely few street names of a native source, and it would be a sentimental advantage to retain what we have—Karangahape and Manukau roads about exhaust the list. Unfortunately the former is really cumbersome of expression, and such a name in the Old Country would long ere this have been cut down in popular usage to '"Hape"-road, which may or may not be deemed a happy abbreviation. If a more euphonious Maori name were to be chosen, Akarana might well serve. Should sentiment he disregarded, and a change of name for both street and ward be desired, what more appropriate could we have than Central Ward and Central-road? —I am, etc., DEMOS. (To the Editor.) Sir, —As a resident of Karangahaperoad, I am very pleased indeed that a movement is on foot to change the name of the street. That suggested by Mr. Buchanan, "Broadway," is in my opinion the very best that could be selected. It is easy to remember, would be characteristic, and would fit the trams like a decoration. —I am, etc., MERCHANT. —