Collection Record

letter, 09/03/1934, Mr Drury Low to H.D. Skinner, Has given toki, pounder, wooden fish hook and breadfruit splitter to Makea Ariki. Has 6 adze /toki to send (return if not wanted, and name own price for those kept). Disappointed by artifacts and stories from Rarotonga to date. Requests details on what the Atui stools are made of and used for; concerned about thefts of items later on-sold, and inferior items. Notes more details on what to look out for. Will try old-time trader (Mr Sharp). Writing up stories or arrival of two canoes on Aitutaki. Also two 'ghost' stories; one on their forms, ways, meeting and training grounds, the other, outlined in detail, about a visitor, Tara ...., supposedly from NZ who killed, and was killed by Mauke locals. Will send "Two Years Afloat Sumpter and Alabama (Ralphael Semmes, 1887) for Skinner to read. Advises securing old-time canoe asap as in short supply, and warning Commissions looking to establish museum on Rarotonga so may be hard to get items out of country in future. Description of items being sent along with adzes. Discussion of Islanders coming to him to get back items/trace family history