Samwell’s journals give good history of ‘Otago’

THE first record of the name Otago appeared in the diaries of David Samwell.

Samwell recorded and transcribed hakas in the Marlborough Sounds in 1777. Otago appears as Otagoo. It may well have been rendered in the dialect of a tribe we would describe as Rangitane.

A considerable amount can be learned from Samwell’s journals — since he recorded the interaction of peoples wherever he went, throughout the Pacific.

He was a witness to the death of James Cook in Hawaii. Being a Welsh speaker, he had an ear and a flair for language.

The question of whether to call the whole province Otakou is interesting and timely. Our family has numerous links to Kai Tahu — a daily interaction. Rather than quibble about a name, I would like to see our iwi and hapu expand organically and establish new forwardlooking hapu, wherever the tribe sits.

The old bases — or palaces — on the coast, serve us well. But it is time to expand and to establish new names.

Toroa nui, toroa roa, toroa iti i te hauiti.

The saying is about the albatross — unless we have wind to fly we are nothing. David George

Cromwell

Dunedin harbour bridge

NEWS of the gamechanging giant bridge has brought warmth to the heart of ratepayers. I am enthused by this progressive attitude towards visionary infrastructure projects by our civic leaders.

On this note, may I suggest a budget is likewise fasttracked for some barrows of gravel for the cave system that has appeared in the city council’s Ward St car park in the nearby ‘‘Railway Station precinct’’.

I fear the situation may have moved to the next level though. Just this morning I leant over one of the chasms and could see light at the other end. Victor Billot

Kew ...................................

BIBLE READING: When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. — Colossians 3:4.