Thames (NZ): Hikutaia Cartoon & photo

A sad tale today of how Maori names were often changed to english versions...often because 'Europeans' found it easier. It makes one wonder about the acceptance and use of Maori placenames by the new settlers. The cartoon below makes reference to the Hikutaia railway station. The caption reads:

NOT MAORI LINGUISTS. Tourist (from the South, on an Upper Thames trip) : By Jove I there's a swell name on that station. "Eyeeoosher" eh! Sounds quite Eastern.

Above: Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 28, 30 March 1907, Page 16

Below: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19070801-2-3

A few months later in July 1907, there was a flood at Hikutaia. Severe flooding of paddocks and the railway line - which temporarily disrupted train services.