LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 263, 30 July 1908, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A MAORI MAP. Sir, —Many years ago I urged that a purely Maori map of New Zealand should bo made. Such a map would be of immense historical interest in time to come in preserving tho native place names; and unless this is done soon in many parts of tho country they will most assuredly vanish. As tho older Maoris pass away the younger generation will only be familiar with the English names. Many of tho native place names are very beautiful (when properly pronounced), and often refer to somo local feature of tho country, which gives them a peculiar interest. It is, to say the least, sad to see them replaced by such bursts of' European originality as "Tin-pot Creek," or "Jam-tin. Gully." In Otago, for instance, the native names have for tho most part entirely disappeared, or so corrupted that they aro almost unrecognis--able. I know that in many cases private individuals have been patiently collecting and recording the native names in their districts, but it is a matter that should, I think, be taken up by the Survey Department, say, in conjunction with tljp New Zealand Institute and. tho Tourist Department, and I would urge that tho Government should be asked to make a small grant for tho purpose, and that some of our young educated Maoris from tho New Zealand Universities bo employed to carry out the work under the. supervision of the Survey Department.— I am, etc., > J. S. RTJTHERFURD.. Nelson, July 22.