258 
The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. 
[Sept. 
ethnology, and of the Maori people themselves, on the part of the legislators 
and electors. The probable absorption of the Maoris in the people of the 
North Island will produce a type differing from that in the South Island, 
and it is desirable that this problem should be properly envisaged by our 
thinkers. 
Any future expansion of New Zealand in the Pacific islands will bring 
further problems, for all of which ethnological knowledge will be necessary. 
Those who are directly concerned in the administration of these islands 
should above all receive such a training. New Zealand must play a part 
of some kind during the next five hundred years in the solution of the 
colour problem—the relations between black, yellow, and white peoples. 
If it is to be a worthy part there must be an increase of ethnological studies. 
This does not mean that a new subject should be introduced into the 
syllabus of the primary and secondary schools, for it would even now be 
possible for a teacher with the necessary knowledge to introduce very 
interesting and educative lessons on ethnology into the geography course. 
But a prior necessity is the training of teachers to a higher standard, and 
a beginning should therefore be made in the University. Representations 
to this effect have recently been made to the New Zealand University and 
colleges by a number of representative British ethnologists, and we reproduce 
their letters elsewhere in this number. 
ANTHROPOLOGY AS A UNIVERSITY SUBJECT. 
The subjoined letters, which are self-explanatory, have been forwarded 
by Mr. H. D. Skinner to the Registrar of the University of New Zealand 
and to the Chairmen of the Professorial Boards of the four Universitv 
colleges. They are here reprinted for general information. 
(1.) H. D. Skinner, B.A. ( N.Z .), Christ's College. Cambridge ; 27th April, 
1918. 
As a student of anthropology I have several times discussed with 
Dr. A. C. Haddon, F.R.S., the need for instruction in that subject by the 
University of New Zealand. Dr. Haddon has now been good enough to 
make in writing the suggestion which I enclose. On bringing the proposal 
before Sir James Frazer, Dr. Marett, and Dr. Seligman, they also have 
been good enough to support it, and I enclose copies of their letters. 
As one who has had to cross the seas in order to obtain instruction in 
anthropology, may I express the hope that the University will consider 
the matter favourably. 
(2.) H. D Skinner . B.A. ( N.Z. ), Christ's College , Cambridge ; 20th July, 
1918. 
1 should be much indebted to you if you would bring to the notice of 
the Chancellor and members of the Senate the following points which have 
arisen since my previous letter to you on this matter. 
At a meeting on the 18th June of the Council of the Royal Anthropo¬ 
logical Institute, of which I have the honour to be- a member, I proposed 
