West End to Remain West End

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 149, 25 June 1937, Page 6

West End to Remain West End

RESIDENTS OPPOSE CHANGE OF NAME By a margin of one vote, a public meeting of West End residents last night decided against changing the name of the suburb. A number of those present, while favouring a change, voted against the proposal solely because of a fear that a more objectionable name might result. Mr. A. W. Just, president of the West End Progressive Association, was in the chair, and there was an attendance of about 20. The chairman explained at the outset that many persons were of the opinion that, in view of the ioappropriateness of the name of the suburb, it should be changed. West End was not the west end; it was the south end. It was not necessary that the name should be changed, but many thought such a step was desirable. A letter from the Palmerston North Golf Club advised that, with a view to finding a suitable name for the links, a ballot had been held, the three names most favoured, in order of popularity, being: Awatapu (sacred stream), West Park and Balmoral. The club inquired if any of the above names would be acceptable to the association as the name of the suburb. “I know of no more appropriate name for the locality than Papaitonga (beauty of the south)," wrote Mr. J. II Stevens, to whom an inquiry had been addressed. “It is easy to pronounco when we divido it into syllables, all ending in a vowel, thus, pa-pai-to-nga." “The proposal to change the name of tho suburb does not have much to commend itself," wrote Cr. G. Tremaine, in forwarding an apology for absence, owing to a meeting of the City Council. “The only valid reason for a change is that, speaking solely from a strictly directional view, the suburb lies in the south, and not west, from the centre of the Square. But how many of our rcsi dents care, or even know, whetner the direction is south or west? We have known our district as West End for many years, and our friends at a distance know we live in the West End That is the name of the school, and all school records are ‘West End' records. “It may be suggested," Cr. Tremaine continued, “that some Maori name might be assumed, but while it is fitting that Maori place-names should bo retained to preserve association with th« the past, this is not always practicable. Tho meaning of the word is sometimes offensive and not realised at tho time or its adoption. Another reason against Maori naming is that the pakeha murders the pronunciation, and you get various pronunciations of tho same word. It will bo realised that it i« easy to name a district that has not previously had a distinctive name (Takaro for example), but where a district has had a distinctive namo fo? somo years, it is more difficult for a new name to be adopted. Unless th* school committee is prepared to recommend that the name of the school be also changed, I am certain that, whatever decision is arrived at to-night, thii district will always be known as West End." Mr. B. IL Just explained that the suburb had got its name from the West End School, which had been so called by reason of the fact that it was at the west end of College street. It had been recognised at the time that the name might have to be changed somo day and, in his opinion, the time had come. He opposed the selection of a Maori name or any tongue-tangling word, and personally favoured Riverside. He moved that the meeting was in favour of tho name being changed to a more appropriate one. Speaking on behalf of the Palmerston North Golf Club, Mr. C. D. Fraser said Awatapu was the old Maori name for the spot where the links were situated. Mr. D. H. Cook said tho Golf Club desired to co-operate with the people living in the district and would like its links t 0 be named after tho suburb, but West End golf links would hardly bo a suitable name. Mr. W. Schwabo inquired whether the City Council's sanction would have to be sought to a change. * The chairman replied that the matter should be referred to tho council as a matter of courtesy, but ho did not think that the council’s consent was necessary. Mr. H. W. Bovis thought it would be unwise to make a change that night with such a small attendance. Mr. A. Penketh pointed out that the meeting had been well advertised. Rather than have the name changed to a Maori one, said Mr. B. 11. Just, ho would vote against his own motion. On the motion being put to the meeting, it was defeated by eight votes to seven.