Letter from Megaw to Schaeffer, with two plans and construction estimateArthur Hubert Stanley Megaw

Printed: No. 36/36/2

Printed: TELEPHONE No. 61

Printed: DEPARTMENT OF ANTIQUITIES, CYPRUS.

Figure: Cyprus government coat of arms; crowned shield with supporters

Printed: Nicosia, 31st December, 1949.

Handwritten: Dear Schaeffer,

Since I wrote last there is some news to report on the following subjects.

Enkomi Excavation House additions. I enclose a new plan and section which shows that Pironin's revised scheme is practicable, though the height of the new rooms at the east wall will only be about 2.10 m. The windows will consequently be rather small (1.0 x 1.20 m. inclusive of frame) so, if you agree, I will have small "fan-light" windows provided over the doors.

I enclose also a draft specification in case you or your architects have any comments. If mud-bricks are used this will entail the use of gypsum plaster, a less satisfactory material than the lime plaster on the existing house. It is a dampabsorbing material and even if 2 months [handwritten: a] allowed to pass before plastering, the gypsum is almost sure to crack as a result of further settlement. However, we calculate that the contractor would be justified in asking about £18 more for building entirely in stone and using lime-plaster, even if we provide the stone.

If you approve of the plans and specifications I shall advertise for tenders and report the result in due course. I shall wait to see what the final tenders are and how much the tenderers will deduct for the windows etc. which we can supply before deciding whether to contribute in this way or in cash. There is no great hurry as we should not start building until the Spring.

You will be glad to hear that the existing rooms stood up to the recent torrential rains and did not leak.

Acquisition of further plots at Enkomi. Negotiations regarding the three additional plots which you agreed we should try to purchase have reached the point where all owners agree to sell at the same rate as was paid for the others. The prices are thus as follows:-

The position of the 3 plots in relation to the excavations is shown on the attached plan. I am glad to say that in these 3 cases compulsory measures were not necessary and consequently there would be no obstacle to selling again at a later date any part which we agreed it was unnecessary to retain. I should be glad if you would let me know whether you will be able to contribute your share of the cost in 1950. We have still on deposit for you the sum of £59.2.2 of which £6 is earmarked for Mikail's wages. I hope to have our share available by April 1950.

Objects lent to the Louvre. In checking your list of things absent from the Island on loan we find that the Mycenaean and other sherds from the 1946-1947 excavations taken by Coche were due back on the 19th November last. If it is your intention to bring them back when you come for your next campaign, a year's Dr.C.F.A.Schaeffer, M.A. D.Litt., /extension

Handwritten: Enkomi 1950 credit ready for April 1950

Handwritten: vu cP