Renaming Newton Borough, 1898

 

Image: Ponsonby, Auckland, featuring the Newton Borough Council Office, and Fire Station.
Beere, Daniel Manders, 1833-1909 :Negatives of New Zealand and Australia. Ref: 1/2-096250-G.
Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23024816

I used to think the Whau Highway District Board in 1882 went through quite a few hoops in choosing their new name of Avondale back then (with proposals for Greytown and Salisbury in between.) But nothing at all, by miles, like the controversy of 1898 when Newton Borough Council felt the need for their own change.

They were getting a bit fed up with folks confusing their area for that other Newton in the gully beside Karangahape Road. So, the council embarked on their search for a new moniker.

At first: "Windsor" (Auckland Star 31 May 1898)

Then: "Westville" (Auckland Star, 13 June 1898)

The Observer (18 June 1898) noted: That the Newton Borough Council, in deciding to change the name of the borough from Newton to Westville, must have ignored the alarming fact that they have made it easy for the inhabitants being branded as ' Westvillains.'

The Auckland Star (28 June 1898) noted: “The Mayor gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move that the resolution re changing the name of the Borough from Newton to Westville be rescinded in order to enable him to move that the name be Surrey Borough. The Mayor said Westville had met with almost universal condemnation. He never hoped to please everybody, but he had had a lively time of it for the last fortnight over the name of Westville.”

And then, it was all on.

Auckland Star, 12 July 1898: “The Newton Borough Councillors had another long discussion last evening on the question of clanging the name of the district. On the motion of the Mayor the resolution fixing the name as Westville was rescinded. The Mayor mentioned that one ratepayer had suggested Martinborough, in memory of the late Sir William Martin. Another name submitted was Ngatitamatewakatituki, but neither of these found favour with the Council. Westbury, Richmond North and Richmond-cum-Surrey were likewise rejected, and at length the motion, was adopted changing the name to Surrey.”

Auckland Star 18 August 1898: “The Post Office authorities object to "Surrey " as the new name for the Newton' Borough, and suggest "Tokaroa," which is the original Maori name of the reef which stretches from Motion's Creek across in the direction of Kauri Point.”

Auckland Star 23 August 1898: “The suggestion by the Government officials that the name of Newton borough should be changed to Tokaroa did not find favour when considered at the Council meeting last evening. The two Richmond ward members present, Messrs Warnock and Donald, each expressed disapproval of the name "Surrey," but the rest of the Council were unanimous in resolving to ask the postal authorities to withdraw the objection raised to that name. Not one of the Council spoke in favour of Tokaroa.”

Auckland Star 4 October 1898: “Naming the Borough.—A letter was read from Mr A M Smith, Wellington, stating the postal authorities still objected to the name of the Borough being changed to Surrey for reasons already stated. Letters were read from various people suggesting the names of Moekau and Onslow.—On the motion of Cr. Ambury the matter of selecting another name was referred to the Legal Committee to report.”

Auckland Star, 1 November 1898: “Whareou.—It was agreed to change the name of the borough to Whareou, and that necessary steps be taken to have the name gazetted.”

Auckland Star, 29 November 1898: “Naming the Borough.—Mr A M Smith wrote regretting that the Government would not gazette the name of Wharehou for the borough, as it was not a true Maori word. The names of Tokaroa and Te Rehu were suggested, Mr Smith stating that the latter was the real Maori name of the borough. The Mayor suggested that consideration of the matter had better be deferred for six months. Cr. Warnock said they had better give in with good grace and call the borough Tokaroa. Cr. Brown moved that the borough be called 'Greylynn.’ In doing that they would commemorate the name of one of the greatest men who had been in New Zealand, who was also the last member who represented the Newton electorate in Parliament. Cr. Stewart seconded the motion, which was supported by Cr. Davenport, who asked all who favoured an English name to support Greylynn. Cr Sexton moved that the borough be called Te Rehu. This was seconded by Cr Warnock, but was negatived. Cr. Donald proposed Roseborough, which, however, was not seconded, and ultimately Greylynn was adopted unanimously. Cr. Warnock saying it was the best English name suggested.”

Auckland Star 17 January 1899: “Naming the Borough.—Mr A M Smith wrote stating the Postal authorities had no objection to the name of Greylyn [sic] for the borough, provided it was spelt Grey Lynn in two words, otherwise it might be mistaken for Greytown. The Mayor said the Postal authorities were very fearful of making a mistake. Cr. Brown moved that the name of the borough be changed from Newton to Grey Lynn. This was seconded by Cr. Sexton, and agreed to.”