WAIKATO OR TONGARIRO?

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19892, 10 March 1928, Page 14

WAIKATO OR TONGARIRO?

Sir,—-I note that your contributor, "F.C.R.," in his interesting article, "The Waikato River," appearing in the Herald of 6th instant, revives the old question as to the correct name of the river usually known as the Tongariro. As *'F.C.R." indicates, the Waikato, in common with many other rivers, was given various names by the old Maoris in different parts of its course. For the sake of avoiding confusion it is not possible nowadays to revive these various names, but it is desirable to choose the most suitable name of those offering. In stating that, "geographically, of course, it is the Waikato River from its source under that huge black rock on the slopes of Ruapeliu to Lake Taupo, and from Taupo to the sea, and as such it should be known to visiting anglers," your contributor seems to rtie to miss two important points. The. first is that the largest tributary of the river under discussion is the Waipakihi, flowing from the Kaimanawa Ranges. It is larger than either the Mangatoetoenui, or the small Upper Waikato, the latter stream rising, by the way, not on Ruapehu itself, but in the Ooetapu desert. Geographically, therefore, Waipakihi would appear to be a fitter name than either Tongariro or Waikato for the main stream. Secondly, it is as the Tongariro that this river has become world-famous as a fishing river. In olden times the river was known as the Tongariro quite as often as the Waikato, particularly below the point where the Poutu joins it. All things considered there seems to be no reason, ideographical or historical, why the name Tongariro should not bemused for this river.' It is worth mentioning perhaps that there is no connection between the Tongariro, and the Waikato which leaves the Lake at Taupo, other than the fact that the former is the largest of the many streams entering the lake and the latter is the only one leaving it. I noticed recently that an automobile association's notice labelling the Tongariro bridge on the main road the "Waikato" had been removed, but an other one some distance south, on the roadside, still remains. This nse_ of the name Waikato. instead of Tongariro. the better known name, is a cause of . confusion, and could be wisely abandoned. Rauh H. Ward.