Southern Māori Archives Project

letter, 05/02/1934, H D Skinner to Mr. S. Russell, P.O. Box 64, Papeete, Tahiti, Includes the museum committee's offer for a group of whale teeth and bone pieces. Also asks after some Tahitian stone figures and a stone bird.

letter, 24/09/1934, H D Skinner to J C Wadmore, This letter accompanied a set of prints, and parliamentary papers.

letter, 08/10/1934 to J C Wadmore, Enclosed payment for photographs. Also notes and correction re "Matatua". Hope to include photographs in the handbook with section explaining tukutuku panels.

letter, 31/2/1934, J C Wadmore to H D Skinner, [hard to read] Think we have ascertained the site of the Tuata Tua canoe up North. Making names on the paper of Matatua with help from G Graham. Request repeat copy of publication. Discussion use of chisel tools on Taonga.

letter, 17/10/1934, J C Wadmore to H D Skinner, [hard to read] Discussion re what the 3 tapu, as advised by the late Te Hurinui Apanui (sp?). The chief probably guided them safely over the Wha? Bar. The Manuka tree was cut for firewood. The Pururi .. Wahi tapu and rigging. The third tree was ake ake used for making Taiaha. There was no rata.

letter, 31/07/1934, J C Wadmore to H D Skinner, [hard to read] Enclose photos of Matatua house. Discussion re work on panels, pou. Turn images into lantern slides to use for lectures.

letter, 28/07/1934, J C Wadmore to H D Skinner, [hard to read] enclose two type written sheets for history and use for lectures. The figure with the ? Is Tanutine ? the other is Toi and other is Toroa. … Rangi-te-ra and Huki-ra

letter, 26/07/1934, H D Skinner to Dr J C Wadmore, Whakatane, Request for student to take photos of Matatua was forwarded to Dr Macdonald. Work given to Mr Scott Russell. Some enclosed, discussion on costs.

letter, 09/07/1934, H D Skinner to Dr J C Wadmore, Whakatane, Sent notes on Matatua, would like further information. Asking for translations. Query was the origin of house the dowry of a Whakatane chieftainess who married chief at the Thames. Discussion mermaid motif suggest not European but maori as per evidence verbal history and also on greenstone maraikehu in Auckland museum.

letter, 11/06/1934, H D Skinner to Dr J C Wadmore, Whakatane, T.E. Donne stated that the carved figures were outside, not inside - house correctly installed at Melbourne, not in England. Have photo of house in England, "whoever was in charge of it at the time stands easily supreme among all the idiots who have dealt with such matters." Suggest tukutuku panels deteriorated due to climatic exposure when new, ditto damage to wood. Vertical carvings have gone missing or very badly damaged. Names of ancestors are cut in roman letters across figures. One at most honourable sleeping place has no name, has an eel in each hand. Can you identify them? Discussion funds and building works at museum.

letter, 26/05/1924, J C Wadmore to H D Skinner, Have information from Hurinui Apanui re house Mata-atua. Requesting photographs. Maori members on the committee will give information. … Toi's pa Kapu-te Rangi.

letter, 20/03/1934, H D Skinner to Mr. S. Russell, P.O. Box 64, Papeete, Tahiti, The letter was an introduction to a Mr J M A Ilott, who was interested in the Orsmond manuscript.