Collection Record

letter, 09/11/1934, H D Skinner to T W Downes, Glad to hear acceptance from Hocken Library Committee. Sending by post now the two volumes of the second edition of Buller's Birds as arranged when Skinner was last in Wanganui. On examination, the Morocco of the backs has perished somewhat, otherwise volumes in mint condition as received by Mr Hart, subscriber who gifted them. Sorry Downes cannot make it down at once, will have to be postponed to next year, suggests combining the trip with when Downes is in Dunedin in May for his Science Congress trip. Glad to remit 10 pounds for travelling expenses, the arrangement has advantages, but means he would not be able to stay with Mr Fels as he leaves for England in March, however could stay with the McNabs or with the Skinners. Has no doubt that Downes will make a successful chairman of the section, and will be acceptable to all New Zealand ethnologists. Suggests the subject for his presidential address wood-carving among the Maori of Wanganui valley, or something that nature that can be illustrated by the lantern. District studies of that kind are of great scientific importance and are also interesting to the general public. Asks of disposing of the hei tiki that was discussed.