WHERE IS PONSONBY?

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22098, 2 May 1935, Page 15

WHERE IS PONSONBY?

Sir, —Can anyone tell me what lias become of Ponsonby? In a report of a recent accident there was reference to Collingwood Street, "Freeman's Bay," and to Jervois Road, "Heme Bay." I submit that both these addresses should be Ponsonby. Collingwood Street is not Freeman's Bay any more than Hobson Street is, and Jervois Road is not Herne Bay. As far as I can ascertain Heme Bay is a tiny little beach at the foot of Heme Bay Road. At one time all that area westward of the Ponsonby reservoir and Richmond Road to the waterfront was; known as Ponsonby (the favoured parts as Sunny Ponsonby). Many of Auckland's worthiest citizens received their education at the old Ponsonby school; through many a hard fought Rugby battle, the' lads in blue and .black brought the Ponsonby colours to victory; many man who served with distinction in the mosquito fleet in the Great War learned to swim, to pull an oar and handle a boat in the Ponsonby bays, and on its beaches, and were associated with the Ponsonby Cruising Club. What has become of Ponsonby ? Is there any sane or valid reason why its honoured name should be discarded and Herne Bay substituted? Is it crass ignorance, or just stupid swank and snobbishness? It would certainly be amusing wei-s it not so puerile to see in print such addresses as liardinge Street, Hei'ne Bay. Lincoln Street, Herne Bay, New Street, Herne Bay, Pompallier Terrace, Herne Bay, Wanganui Avenue, Herne Bay. These are but a few of the stupid misnomers that one sees. Why not Ponsonby? Shelly Beach, Ponsonby, St. Mary's Bay, Ponsonby. If all these are to be miscalled Herne Bay, why not include Cox's Creek with all its malodorous associations. It really is next door neighbour to, if it does not include, Herne Bay. In connection with, and to demonstrate the confusion caused by the misuse of the name, I heard a lady give a graphic and amusing account of her experience of Herne Bay. Recently arrived in she was keen to see our beauty spots. She had seen Milford and Takapuna, had travelled by train to Point Chevalier and Mount Eden and was favourably impressed by what she saw. Then the name Heme Buy caught her eye and excited her interest as she saw the cars traversing the city streets. One day she and a friend took tickets for Herne Bay. Arrived at the terminus she asked the conductor where is the bay? The bay? He scratched his head—he didn't know —then he woke up and realised the situation. The ladies had come too far, so he took them Itack to Shelly Beach Road and carefully directed them to Point Erin Park. Thus ended a lady's quest for Herne Bay. But why in the name of common sense call all Ponsonby Herne Bay? J. A. Hughes.