EARLY CANTERBURY NAMES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 90, 15 April 1908, Page 3

EARLY CANTERBURY NAMES.

AN INTERESTING STUDY

Research work of a most interesting character is being conducted by Mr Johannes C. Andersen, of the Land and Survey Office, Christchurch (says Truth), who has been commissioned to. delve into the depths of the long ago, and bring to light some facts which may be of historical value and interest. Mr Andersen Tias been engaged on the work for some time past, and by the application of both diligence and enthusiasm he has made considerable progress. Mr Andersen has studied the earliest reports made by explorers on the Canterbury .Plains and Banks' Peninsula, and they will be published at some future date. In many cases these will show how original names became changed, how native names were retained, and _ how existing English names were given. Illustrations will indicate the different places on the Plains where the natives had settlements, and besides tracing the tracks from one settlement to another, will also locate the original swamps and lagoons, which, although they have now disappeared, were of great importance to the natives. Investigations had proved that at one time there was an extensive bush near Kaiapoi, and Mr Andersen has discoveied a map tracing a track from the bush to the old pa Kaiapohia, the history of which will be given1. An intezesting example of the almost imperceptible process of name variation is provided by the place known as Ohohoa Bay, on the Peninsula. On different maps and reports examined by Mr Andersen there are no less than eight variations, and, strange to say, the proper name, an English one, is shown on a French chart of 1844 and 1845, "Go-ashore." Mr Andersen is also prepared to prove that "Okain's Bay" is a corruption of the original name. It has been generally supposed .thaL the present name was given by Captain Hamilton, who used to sail paoL the bay in one of the vessels which traded in the vicinity. The original and uncorrupted name, however, is "OkenVßay," the bay having been named after, a German naturalist. The .name also appears on a French chart of 1844 and 1845, before any trading vessels such as Captain Hamilton commanded were in these waters.

Tiiere are numerous other discoveries of interest, but these will serve to show the character of the work being done. The task is one of Fnme magnitude, or, Mr Andersen has to ieaa :luough L-iia lilty years" files

of Canterbury, newspapers, and study Parliamentary and provincial documents and records. By examining the early provincial records he wasv able to ascertain where much of the information he wanted was obtainable. He considered that valuable aid might be given by old colonists, especially»as to names and dates, and he hoped to receive some information from them before his work was completed in the Diamond Jubilee of Canterbury, 1910.