Otago Museum Records/Archives

letter, 26/02/1935, T. Buick. Prof W.B. Benham to Dr Benham, Three letters. Moa-bones from Stewart Island. Major Bunbury went to Stewart Island to secure signatures for the Treaty of Waitangi and declare sovereignty declare by right of Cook's discovery. Accompanied by Cpt William Stewart who surveyed coast line. Following up sighting of Cassowary, did he confused Cassowary with Moa ? Did he actually sight them or was he quoting a Maori source who was saying ancestors had seen them?

letter, 17/06/1935 to Mr Brasch, Discusses his visit to Rockefeller Lab and polariscope to study pottery. Also Dr Nusabaum chief archaeological officer Mesa Verde National park.

letter, 04/07/1935, T.W. Downes, Wanganui [Whanganui] River Trust, Wanganui to H D Skinner, Notes that comb is a gift to Skinner and that he ( Brown) did not attend Nelson College. Reflects on his life and writes: "I still have my garden, my books, my river and my friends." Discusses and details grandfather's (?) sketch books and sketch of Te Rauparaha. Mentions Hocken Library, own books and local museum.

letter, No date , Illegible to H D Skinner, Letter requesting the identification of a 'strange weapon' which the writer suggests is 'undoubtedly' a Maori article and possibly used for skinning dogs or seals. It featured a 'polished black stone' blade in the shape of a semicircle with a long handle. The writer says the item was in the possession of an elderly lady, whose husband found it on the beach a number of years prior 'out mangamahu way'. The item is described in detail with a small illustration, and it is stated in the letter that a detailed full-size drawing was also sent. There is some talk of having purchased the item for preservation and something about a museum, but the relevant portion of the letter is largely illegible.

letter, 30/03/1935, H D Skinner to Mr Hugh Ferguson, Swan Road, Motueka, States interest in receiving a collection of Maori material which Ferguson is considering presenting to a museum.

letter, 23/10/1935, H D Skinner to Mr. W. A. Ferry, Kaikoura, Requests prompt reply re material to purchase as Skinner will be travelling overseas soon.

letter, 25/09/1935, W. A. Ferry, Kaikoura to H D Skinner, Describes search in cave and difficulty locating materials.

letter, 20/09/1935, H D Skinner to Mr. W. A. Ferry, Kaikoura, Reports that he saw Louis Vangoni's 'large and important collection' in Akaroa. Thanks Ferry for his help when Skinner visited Kaikoura. Would like Teviotdale to visit again. Includes receipt to be signed for museum's purchase of Maori bone comb and greenstone adze.

letter, 28/08/1935, W. A. Ferry, Kaikoura to H D Skinner, Postal notes have not arrived. Discusses Skinner's planned visit to Kaikoura. Mentions Curran.

letter, 24/08/1935, H D Skinner to W. A. Ferry, Kaikoura, Encloses postal notes for 12/6. Comb will make 'quite a fine exhibit.'

letter, 21/08/1935, H D Skinner to Mr. W. A. Ferry, Kaikoura, Regarding travel arrangements for visit to Kaikoura. Hopes that Pat Curran will drive him about and will return from McTaggarts.

letter, 21/08/1935, W. A. Ferry, Kaikoura to H D Skinner, Has purchased comb from boy at Clarence Bridge. Also found a bone spear.