Collection Record

letter, 09/07/1934, H D Skinner to T W Downes, Thanks for letter, sorry Downes' committee is restricting choice of exchange material to the Maori field exclusively, had hoped he could prepare to take Cook Island things, of which we could give excellent value. Could send Downes a finely carved Ngati Porou pou, but this would be of considerably greater value than the Fijian club. Asks what else could be added to the order to make up value, notes that he will not consider sending any Maori material. Perhaps best to wait for the Universities Winter vacation when it's possible for Skinner to be in Wellington. If he does go, will try to visit Wanganui and arrange things personally, would be able to look over the Gilfillan books also. Surprised to hear the Buller's Birds second editions were sold for so low of a price, 11 pounds, doubts whether Shepard is rightly informed as the copy allegedly sold for five pounds in London. If the figure is authenticated, would not suggest a value of 15 pounds. Interested in hearing Downes notes in regards to the Polynesian Society. Skinner has now sent in his resignation of the joint-editorship of the Journal, matters have never been satisfactory. Andersen does virtually the whole routine work, which constitutes a very heavy load. Example, Skinner has never had a paper submitted to him for decision as to include or reject. In second place, Andersen and Skinner do not see entirely eye to eye. In a recent letter Andersen told Skinner that Downes supports Andersen's opinion against his in a discussion had over an instalment in Skinner's amulet paper. Does not believe Downes had seen his paper and that Andersen's rendition would be of accuracy, he asks Downes to look through his paper when the journal is published and see if his view stands correct. Andersen also quotes Bishop Williams and Oliver as supporting his view over Skinners. Skinner has not communicated with them, but thinks they will be surprised when they see the journal for themselves. Ought to say his real reason for resigning is that he has less time than needed for editorial work. When Skinner accepted the offer he had planned to do a great deal of reviewing but this he hasn't been able to do.