An H for Whakatipu? Yes, and an S for Mossgiel
IT is difficult to see the point in claiming to know with certainty the correct traditional spelling of any Maori place name, given that, prior to the introduction of the Roman alphabet by European settlers, there was no written form of the Maori language, hence no traditional spelling.
The language acquired a written form only as settlers learned to understand it then tried to represent in writing the sounds they heard.
Noone today can know exactly how Maori or any language may have sounded some 200 years ago.
Rather than make an issue of the spelling of Wakatipu, Sir Tipene O’Regan (ODT, 12.11.20) might do better to honour his Celtic heritage by campaigning for a return of the missing ‘‘s’’ in Mossgiel, the name of the Ayrshire farm once owned by Robbie Burns and his brother Gilbert, thus the childhood home of the Rev Thomas Burns, one of Dunedin’s founding fathers.
If the Australians can spell the name of the New South Wales town of Mossgiel correctly, why can’t we? John Bell
Forbury
Champion horse
CARDIGAN Bay, the first standardbred (pacer or trotter) to amass $US1 million in stake earnings, had his first win at Winton, not Forbury Park (ODT, 11.11.20).
The race was the first division of the Winton ThreeYearOld Stakes in April 1960.
Cardigan Bay, having his fifth start, was driven by his Mataura trainer, Davey Todd.
He operated from Chimes Lodge, where Cardigan Bay was foaled on November 6, 1956. Davey and his brother Sandy bred Cardigan Bay (Hal TryaxColwyn Bay).
Cardigan Bay earned his first stake, $80, when second, beaten by a nose by Flag Four in a saddle race at Omakau at his fourth start.
Cardigan Bay won at Forbury Park in April 1961 — his fifth win.
He was then sold to Merv Dean, of Auckland, and transferred to Auckland trainer Peter Wolfenden.
Cardigan Bay won 29 races in New Zealand, 14 in Australia, and 37 in the United States. His 80 wins came from 154 starts.
Tayler Strong
Mosgiel .................................
BIBLE READING:
Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me. — Mark 9.37.