THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1949, Page 4

THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE

At long last the seven northern counties of New Zealand have had gratified their desire that the official designation of the territory they comprise should be Northland, instead of North Auckland. An announcement to this effect was received yesterday by the Northland Associated Chambers of Commerce, it being stated that the Minister of Lands, Mr Skinner, has confirmed the Geographic Board's approval of “Northland” as the name of the counties of Mangonui, Whangaroa, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, Hobson, Whangarei and Otamatea. The Minister’s approval marks the culmination of a campaign extending over the best part of two decades to secure for, the seven* northefn counties a distinctive identity which, it was argued, was denied them by the use of the title ‘'North Auckland." The campaign was hindered at times by inability of some supporters to agree upon a name which it was suggested should replace North Auckland, but eventually Northland was, accepted as an appropriate and distinctive name. From then on advocacy of Governmental approval of the change in nomenclature was undivided and persistent. As evidence of confidence that the change would be made ultimately, the use of “Northland” in the title of institutions of various kinds has

increased in recent years, until today it is well on the way to general employment.

With few exceptions, there has been from the outset general agreement that the large northern peninsula of the Dominion, geographically distinct and destined to become one of the most important areas of New Zealand, should have its own identity, even though the appellation of “Province” could not be given official countenance, save in an honorary sense, the division of the country into provinces having been abolished in 1875. Some time will probably elapse before Northland passes into universal use. especially in- connection with legal documents of infinite variety, but a much-coveted goal has been reached, and Northland, by reason of the credit it will obtain for its contributions to the Dominion's wealth, now hidden in North Auckland statistics, will be seen in.true perspective. <» This, of course, is but one of the advantages which may be expected to flow from state' recognition of Northland as the official title of the seven northern counties, which constitute indeed “a delectable land.” Those who in season and out of season have persistently urged by voice and pen a claim which has now been granted, Reserve the gratitude of Northlanders.

Registered for transmission through the Post as a newspapoi FRIDAY JULY 29. 1940. Northland !