MAORI PLACE-NAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23170, 17 October 1938, Page 16

MAORI PLACE-NAMES

Sir, —While deeply appreciative of the radio announcers' work during the election. I would like to express m.v keen disappointment at the stupid studio regulations that compel our announcers to try and imitate the Maori pronunciation of native place-names. Speaking from actual experience, I can assure the radio authorities that scores of friends of mine—mostly Aucklandborn —were in a quandary when they sat down to copy out the election figures. Hauraki, aa pronounced, was understandable, but Otahuhu proved mysterv number one. When it came to Waitemata and Manawatu pencils dropped in amazement and the record was lost. Surely the common and familiar place-names are good enough for us. After all, common usage should determine this matter. The names of our electorates have all been Anglicised during the past 90 years. Why all this attempted precision at this late hour? What purpose does it serve? Are we to pause at every Maori street and juggle with the native pronunciation? If so, the sooner the City Council renames our streets the better, for only a tiny few will ever master the real pronunciation, and in doing so will add still more confusion. For goodness sake, let us get back to "O-nee-hunga," Why-t'-matter," and "Manna-wa-too." By doing so we will be able to intelligently answer a neighbour's question, sav© time, and get through the day's business. Old Aucklandeb.