MAQRI PLACE-NAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21506, 1 June 1933, Page 14

MAQRI PLACE-NAMES

Sir,-—Public interest seems to dwell on this subject, and thc-re have appeared of late several letters critical of the derivation given in " Whitcombe's Guide/' In that brochure ap a list of some dozens of local Maori place names, above which niv name appears as the sponsor. Therefore, as being impliedly responsible, I offer some comment.. Two names in particular nr 3 the subject of varying interpretations, offered as more likely correct than those given in the " Guide." These names are Oiahuhu and Wait*mata. As to the first, Otahuhu signifies only ;is stated—that it commemorates Tahuliu, the ancestor of the tribe that afterwards bore liis nil me, Ngai-Tahuhu, whose headquarters were at the fortified pa or Otahuhu (or Mount Richmond, as it ,s now known). As to Waitemata, its connection with the harbour rock (To Mata), also known as Niko-Kiore, is also a definite historic fact. It never took the form "Wai-o-te-mata," which in any case would not mean " Water of th a eyas." Nor was the legend as to the blossoming of the pohutukawn oil thd arrival of Tainui here connected with the Waitemata. The canoe arrived at Wliangaparaoa (East Cape) when that uree was in full bloom. There took place the incident of the crow of Tainui decor.iting themselves with ' Christmas tree blossom. The canoe, did. not enter the Waitemata for some months after, hating in the interim toyaged to'the North Capo and back and also explored the Flauraki Gulf, The pohutukawa bloon,—in that prqbablo late autumn seaso:i—had disappeared. May I add the name place derivations and" historical notes giveji. in connection with same in th 3 "Guide" are the result of direct inquiry by To Akarana Maori Association's. members made among the native ppople of these districts. They.can ha accepted as correct and not reasonably questioned in that respect. Geo. Graham. '