Naming a bad sign for Abbotts Bridge

PUTTING IT RIGHT: Carterton resident Jack Abbott would like to see his family's name used correctly at the first bridge on the Rimutaka Hill Road.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The bridge over Abbotts Creek on SH2 at the bottom of Rimutaka Hill seems to have many names, but what is its official name?

Carterton resident Jack Abbott says a sign should be put up with the name Abbotts Creek Bridge, after his ancestors who were early settlers in the area.

However, the bridge, which is actually two separate bridges, is sometimes referred to as the Twin Bridges, and is officially named Rimutaka Bridge No 4 (Abbotts Creek) by NZTA.

Mr Abbott, 90, said most Wairarapa people knew what bridge it was when referred to as Abbotts Creek Bridge.

"Why don't they call it Abbotts Creek Bridge?"

He said the name Twin Bridges was too ambiguous and there were many bridges in New Zealand known as that.

Mr Abbott said at one point there was a sign with his preferred naming but it was misspelled with only one "T" . Then the bridges were numbered, which left out the name, he said.

He said both he and his father had raised the issue on numerous occasions.

The creek is named after his pioneer grandparents, who had a farm near the creek where they milked cows.

"It [the bridge] should carry on the name."

The misspelling of Abbott is also common, said Mr Abbott.

On some maps and documents it is spelled "Abbot", including Lands and Survey Department topographical maps.

Adding to the mix, confusingly there is an historic bridge, no longer in use, called Abbotts Creek Bridge, not far from the two SH2 bridges.

Mr Abbott said it was important to maintain heritage names, especially for a country like New Zealand that relies on tourism.

Visitors need to know the right names, he said.

He also believes the Rimutaka Hill summit should be named Phillips Reserve, after the Phillips family, whom he was fostered by and who ran tearooms on the summit during the Great Depression.

He said there was a little community up there, with regular swaggers like Russian Jack, passing by.

"I'm sure Dad gave away more cups of tea and sandwiches than he sold."