MAORI PLACE-NAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22504, 22 August 1936, Page 17

MAORI PLACE-NAMES

Sir, — In my previous reply to Mr. Macnndrew, Titirangi. 1 endeavoured to show the dilliculty of deciding what is really correct Maori pronunciation, since tbe North Island Maori differs from the South Island, and that in course of time the Maori language must have undergone as many changes as any other language, and for this 1 am called dogmatic and illogical, which is scarcely a courteous or dignified way of conducting a discussion, lie says that out of a total of ]!)!)(! names on the North Island touring map, 17(52 are Maori and 2«W English. Tourists will continue to mutilate the pronunciation just as Karangahnpe Road is still "Karanappy" to many. Less than a week ago I overheard this when in that neighbourhood, and perhaps Mr. Macandrew will remember that suggestions were made some years ago to change the name, because of its difficult pronunciation to the majority. A short time ago a weekly lesson was given over tjie air. I believe, from Wellington, but Mr. Macandrew may rest assured that tbe worst oflenders in Maori pronunciation would be the ones who would not listen, and certainly no one will be induced to study the pronunciation of 1<(32 Maori names before starting on an extensive tour of the North Island. Practical.