MANAWATU PLACE-NAMES.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 65, 17 March 1928, Page 21

MANAWATU PLACE-NAMES.

Several correspondents have written with reference to tlio jingle on Manawatu place-names, published in thia column last Saturday. Those authorities who were appealed to for a correct version quoted from memory, as was stated. Mr. M. C. Smith's version is as follows: Ohau shall I cross this swift river Ohau? Waikanae I not cross to yon shorn? Otaki a boat and row swiftly In the Manawatu did before. Oroua 'way swiftly, for life in a boat Is a Horowhenua afloat. Mr. 11. W. Blake, Plimmcrton, writes: "None of the versions of the wordplay on Manawatu aro quite < correct, nor do I think it should be ascribed to Crosby "Ward. I think, a lady visitor was the authoress. The following is a nearer version: • Oh, how shall I cross this river Ohau? . Waikanae not swim to yon shore? Otaki a boat and rapidly row In the Manawatu did before. Oroua away gently, for you must beware Of the Horowhenua afloat. Mr. Blake, like the first correspondent, quotes from memory. Another correspondent submits a version identical with that of Mr. Blake, except for some forgotten and omitted words in the fifth lino. "Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian" is the promising title of a book of reminiscences written by Mr. John Boon, who, as a member of the editorial staff of "The Times," has had a long and varied experience at Home and abroad.