—"Never change barbarous names,
For there are names in every nation given from God,
Having unspeakable efficacy."

Zoroast., Chald. Oracles.

This subject of Nomenclature in its entirety is a broad one possessing many branches, some of them differing widely from others. I have long been desirous of offering a few remarks upon this subject, hoping (or, may I not say, believing?) that such may prove to be of service in time to come.

I shall divide my Paper into two principal heads; viz., the first part, on matters appertaining to the Maori tongue; the second, on certain Colonial alterations and innovations made in the English and other allied languages.