KING’S GOLDEN TOMB.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11175, 7 April 1930, Page 2

KING’S GOLDEN TOMB.

■’ EXCAVATORS’" NEXT TASK, ALEXANDER THE GREAT. Another season is beginning in Egypt which means tho arrival of the archaeologist and of the tourist. Tito last-named comes to se'o the treasures of Ancient’Efeypt which already have been unearthed; the former comes to search for further treasures. It is always an exciting gaihSble, for at any moment there may be another discovery like the finding of tho tomb of Tutankhamen, writes G. Waterfield in the Daily Telegraph.

Mr Howard Carter is among the early comers. He is now in Cairo preparing his first three volumes, which are to give a popular account of Tutankhamen and his burial/There is not much more work to bo done in tho tomb in the Valley of the Kings; all the relics will bo out by the end of 1930. The four beautiful alabaster shrines are still there.

They can only Ire moved out through the tunnel-like entrance if they are taken to pieces or if the tunnel itself is enlarged. Mr Carter has decided that the latter course is the less dangerous, but he cannot begin •work until next September, as lie does not wish to have the tomb shut to tourists during the winter, and summer is too hot for the work. In the meantime he will begin work on the five big scientific volumes on Tutankhamen which ho proposes to write. These will describe the numerous subjects in great detail, and be illustrated with over 400 plates. They will cost from £3O to £4O each. All the expenses are borne by tlie Carnarvon Estate and by Mr Howard Carter himself. AFTER TUTANKHAMEN. The Egyptian Government has paid nothing towards the bringing of the Tutankhamen treasures to the museum, and negotiations are now proceeding with regard to tho division of the spoils. A considerable amount of money lias been expended, and the Egyptian has benefited enormously by the discovery of this tomb through the increase in tlie tourist traffic. It has been suggested to Mr Howard Carter that he should look for tho body of Alexander the Great, which is reported by Plutarch to lie buried in a gold coffin somewhere under the present town of Alexandria, which he founded. Alexandria has never been excavated systematically, and it would lie a sensational and interesting discovery io find either Alexander’s body or the remains of tlie famous library which was burnt. It is probable there would he a considerable number of charred remains which could he deciphered. But there is no chance of Mr Carter thinking of undertaking any new work ior some time after he lias finished with Tutankhamen. Tho British Museum has been given a eonsession ten kilometres in length near Mat-mar. When this stretch ol desert has boon excavated about thirty miles of desert edge will have been completely explored.