Ms Main yesterday acknowledged a breakdown of those submissions was given to her but said she did not pass that information to other councillors "as this was not a survey but an opportunity to have submissions passed on without comment to the Geographic Board".
"The council agreed that submissions were to be sent without analysis or comment to the board," she said.
The council called for submissions from early January to early February after a December vote to call for a name change.
In March the council said it would be sending the 1939 submissions to the Geographic Board, but it would not be revealing how many submissions were for, against or neutral to the proposed spelling change.
The Geographic Board also called for submissions as part of its deliberations process and today is the closing date for those submissions. It will consider all submissions and if none of the objections hold sway, the proposal will go to the Minister of Land and Information for a final decision.
The earlier name proposals for the river and town/city, recognised "Whanganui" as the correct spelling but this proposal would enable the council to change its name to the Whanganui District Council.
None of the councillors the Chronicle contacted yesterday were aware of the tally of the submissions.
Jenny Duncan said she never asked the mayor for the details "and didn't expect to get them".
"I viewed the Geographic Board's process as carrying more weight and don't know the result of that either."
Rob Vinsen was not told the numbers but said he did not think it was important.
"I do find it interesting, though, that on the evidence of this it would appear that there has been a considerable swing in support of the 'H' spelling."
Helen Craig was not aware but said the number favouring a change was "interesting".
Martin Visser said the submissions indicated a growing preference for the "H".
"What you can definitely say is that there were equal numbers feeling strongly enough on the issue to make a submission."
However, Philippa Baker-Hogan said she was surprised the information was considered confidential.
"I believe council and the community should have been privy to the information on an issue of major public interest."
Ray Stevens said he was not aware of the breakdown "but there are many things that can go to a mayor's office that don't see the light of day".
Jack Bullock said: "I know the information will come out eventually but I'm a bit disappointed the mayor knew about it but decided not to share it with us."
Charlie Anderson declined to comment.