"A.W. Reed's introductions to both works are reprinted here along with a preface to the present edition, a biographical note by Ray Richards and a foreword by Max Cryer. The alphabetical listing that constitutes the bulk of the book preserves A.W. Reed's aim of recording the origin and meaning of all New Zealand names (both Maori and English) for which such information is available. Reed recorded names even where their locations are obscure or where their origins are disputed. So while main cities and towns, major mountains and great lakes are duly included, there are also forgotten mining camps and isolated coves whose naming makes for a good story"--Book jacket.