Letter from Coche de la Ferté to Schaeffer on the organisation of the excavation siteÉtienne Coche de La Ferté

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… detail except in the following case: I did not think I should accept to take, as Gioghios proposed, his son as interpreter and remained faithful to Michaïl. I think we shall not have to complain about it. It was necessary to buy equipment, the Museum not being able to lend us more than 10 shovels and 10 pickaxes. I therefore made up to 30, leaving it to you when you arrive, if you judge it useful, to try to obtain more. Thursday Gioghios left for Enkomi by lorry with Molivos & the equipment. I followed the next day, after making an excursion to Vouni whose natural and archaeological beauty I admired. At Famagusta the working conditions are a little more difficult than last year, the Jewish camps employing a great many people prices being slightly up and various social measures having intervened since last year (including the government authorisation to increase wages by 10 %). I saw the mayor, Mr Adamandros, who was full of goodwill – then after a quick trip to Enkomi where I was able to ascertain that the area had suffered the minimum of damage one could expect from a winter – I contacted the Union. Much understanding also on that side, although I ^had to deal with a new secretary. We have set up the following agreement: day's of 8 h. for 1 man 11 shillings, 1 woman 8 schillings, bonusation of 1 shilling for the best workers who will receive respectively 12 and 9. Week of 44 h. but full pay for 6 days (48 h). This last rather draconian clause is mainnow generally applied, the representative of the Union told me (Mr Psathas) and I had to submit to it. Dikaios makes … continues