RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31652, 11 April 1968, Page 16

RANDOM REMINDER

AULD ACQUAINTANCE

It is only a couple of weeks ago that we remarked in this column on the colourful creek names to be found on parts of the West Coast; there was speculation on the possible derivation of some of them. Since then, a thoughtful soul has sent in a clipping from a West Coast newspaper, a report of the monthly meeting of the Inangahua County Council. It also provided much scope for reflection on the pageantry of the past.

The heading was delightful: “Flash Flood Damaged Bridge at Dirty Mary.” It was reported to the council that the flood had collapsed the bridge over the Dirty Mary creek. But who, or what, was Dirty Mary? It is easy to picture a bedraggled hag, ekeing out a living by telling fortune for those on the way to the goldfields. Or perhaps she was simply a woman who did not use one of the well-advertised detergents of the day. But there were many

other reminders of a picturesque past in the report —references to Dauntless, Soldiers and Landing Creek Roads. A mention of the Pensioners’ Flats, Broadway, however, failed to conjure up any likeness to that other Broadway. The report also stated that timbers in the last flood had damaged the Auld Creek water-line, but repairs had since been effected. Pity, that; otherwise it could have added to the glamour of the place by being re-named Auld Reekie.