Lower Hutt

Hutt News, Volume XII, Issue 23, 24 November 1948, Page 6

Lower Hutt

HOW IT GOT ITS NAME

In an article in the Auckland Star, headed "It's Difficult to Change a Town's Name," a writer under the name of "Cyrano" says: -

The best opportunity for a New Zealand city to change its name occurred a few years ago, when the Borough of Lower Hutt became a city. Among the suggestions were "Heretaunga" and "Churchill." "Heretaunga" is the Maori name of the Hutt River, but is more familiar as tl;at of the best golf links in the valley. There'is, however, another Heretaunga, in Hawke's Bay. Without much ado. it was decided to stick to "Hutt," so we have the city of Lower Hutt. The name 1 has an honourable pedigree. It comes from the English M.P. who formed the New Zealand, Company, which planted Wellington and other settlements; he was director and chairman. The word, however, is squat and ugly. It is a label rather than a name. Besides, its retention perpetuates confusion. There are the Hutt Valley, the "Upper Hutt Borough and the Hutt County.