CHANGING THE NAME.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 82, 20 December 1887, Page 2

CHANGING THE NAME.

THE PROPOSAL QUASHED.

A MBBTiNtii called for ths jjiirpose of considering the advisability of changing the name of the Bay, was held in McFarlane's Hall last evening, The attendance was not as large as the importance of the subject under discussion demanded. Ths Mayor oe< copied the chair. The Chairman apologised for not having called the meeting at an earlier date. It was not called prior to his trip to Wellington owing to the numerous other meetings held abbti.t that time, Me had been reminded sihee his return that it was his duty to convene the meeting before he vacated the Mayoral chair. The meeting was not so well attended as might have been, but he thought that any decision arrived at by those who were present would meet with the approbation of those absent. For his part he favoured the changing of the name, as the present one had indeed become obsolete.

Mr Townley advanced several reasons why the name should be changed. He said the present name represented a condition. The place in reality had never been named. He had never yet heard a single argument in favour of the present name, and the people had a perfect right to change the name. He believed the name was Very injurious to the district. He proposed that this meeting is of opinion that a change is desirable, and would have a beneficial effect. Mr M. Macdonald seconded. Mr E. F. Harris, as the oldest inhabitant in the place, confessed he could sea nothing in support of the change—rather the other way. If the name was going to die let it die. He thought, the proposer should have suggested a name. Mr E. ff. Ward coincided. He did not think there was any necessity for changing the name. People were not deterred from coming here owing to the name—settlers were prevented from coming here simply ow. to the native land administration. It seemed to him a fad.

Mr D. Crawford was going to propose a new name. He had travelled a good deal since he was here, and. he got so muoh laughed at on account of the name Poverty Bay, that, when he got to the end of the Suez Canal, he changed it himself, and called it Cook County, On the voyage out many passengers who had money and nowhere in particular to go would not come here on account of the name.

Mr Joyce was very much against changing the name. He had contended that if a meeting were held in town others should be held in the country, He heard no reason* from Mr Townley that would cause him to thiiik that the name should be altered' None of those who had spoken need regret coming here—he did not do eo. It would take centuries to alter names on the charts, etc. The name was good enough if only some of the people changed their habits.

Mr Walsh wanted to know whether the meeting Would be considered to represent the public. He did not think such a motion should be put to such a small meeting. Mr Brodie, a very old settler, said " Poverty Bay ” had always been known as a splendid place for fruit, stock, etc. He objected to any change.

Mr Gannon felt very perfectly indifferent, but he thought those who opposed the change should give some reason why they did so. The only argument against it was that the name had been given. There was not a place that had not had a change of name. It was perfectly legitimate to consider the question. He assured them the name was an injury to the district. [Loud cries of" No,” and " Yea,’’ and applause.]

Mr Whinray thoroughly endorsed what Mr Crawford said. The first expression could not ba dispelled with ctrangers. Mr Macdonald said Oil the objectors had admitted that the name was a bad one. Every day we were telling people we were poverty-stricken. He had had similar experiences to those of Mr Crawlord. It was impossible to let the name sink. In the name of common,sense let the uame be changed. Mr U. Smith said there was no reason to be ashamed of the name. We had reason to be pioud ot the name. The popular impression as to now the name was received he had found tu be wrong. He believed we were on the eve of au era of prosperity. The fact had been proved that we had at last got oil iu payable quantities. oxr E. K. Brown did not think the meeting was competent to change the name. He thought a petition should be got up—be Cquamered a change was desirable. Mr Townley was almost inclined to ask that the question be adjourned, but this was a step in the right direction. Not one reason had been given why the name should not be changed. The name could not die out of itself. People outside were astonished that such a name was held. He did not think the question concerned the country people to aay great extent, because a great many seemed quite careless about the matter, and he thought those living on the Bay were entitled to do so. They might as well say people should have adopted the Maori customs as they should retain the name. He was prepared to accept any now name. The Chairman pointed out that the name Poverty Bay was very often not used in official documents. At the present we were working uuder half a dozen names. He believed the name was certainly dying out. Mr Townley said all they wanted was to have the stigma removed that Captain Cook had placed ou the Bay. On the motion being put there were 12 for and about 40 against.