In 1929 John Sclater from the Orkney Islands got the Wellington City Council to name the street on land he subdivided Scapa, after the massive harbour in the island group. Its fame as a British naval station in the First World War may have prompted the council to agree.
Sclater's letter to the council reads:
“Orkney” Donald St Karori
The Chairman, P.W.D.
Dear Sir
As the new street which I am having put through my
property in Karori is nearing completion, I wish to
suggest a name to you for same. The name that I would
like to have it called is Scapa Street. Scapa harbour (or
Scapa Floe which is its proper name) is the harbour which
I looked out on practically every day for the first 25
years of my life, and although it is over 40 years since
I last saw it it still claims a warm corner in my heart.
Hoping you will be pleased to grant my request
I remain
Yours sincerely
J. Sclater
Using this item
Wellington City Archives
Reference:
00009:1696:35/85 Pt 1
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