CHANGING NAMES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 746, 18 June 1886, Page 20

CHANGING NAMES.

TO THE THE EDITOR OF NEW ZEALAND MAIL SIR,— Changing names of places and of streets is a French fashion, which seems to have been copied by the Corporation of Dublin, and is a custom not to be commended. In France, when the Government is Royal we find a certain set of names; when Imperial, these are changed : and when Republican, another set takes their place. Nothing can be conceived more childish. It is to be hope that we are not to adopt this silly system in New Zealand, and change names with every change of Government. Within the last few days we find Pqint Gordon changed to Fort Ballance, ion the p ea that the former name was given in honor of an unpopular Governor. The p’ea is bad in itself, but, also, it is not true, for to the best of my knowledge and belief, the name was given at the time of the first settlement of the Colony in the year 1840, and before Sir Arthur Gordon was heard ot in these parts. If the place had had no previous name that of Ballance might no be objected to. Mr Ballance is a good man, but his name is certainly not so distinguished as that of Gordon, which both in arms and in diplomacy is oneotttie most illustrious names of Great Britain. It is hard to throw a slur on the name ot Gordon so soon after the fall of the hero of Khartoum. Ido not suppose that Air Ballance had anything to do with the matter—-it is doubtless the act of some subordinate. —I am, &c., Sans Changer.