89

Toowong,
June 3rd, 1939.

Dear Mr. May,

I note that the Parks Committee of Brisbane has
turned down the suggestion that the name Mt Coottha, which, I
think, was also once spelled Coother, should be given its
proper name, Kuta, as given to the authorities by the pioneer,
Tom Petrie, for the reason that it is known by its present
designation all over Australia.

"What's in a name" anyhow. If tourists ask the meaning
of the name it can be explained that it was a native bee (kuta)
but it was knocked in the head with a club or nulla (coothar or
kuthar). In fact, I would suggest taht the Parks Committee
erect a plate at the lookout on the Mountain inscribed to that
effect for the benefit of visitors.

Yours faithfully,
FJWatson