TAA i.2.1.103

1924

Jan. 15 - 20.

This week has been occupied in dealing with the

two inner shrines - i.e., the second & third N^os 237 and 238.

With which many working difficulties have cropped up

owing to their construction.

Also . the work has been much delayed by renewed Gov.

troubles brought disputes brought to bear on the work.

In removing the roof sections of the second shrine (237)

want of space and <the> great weight added enormously to the problem.

With the roof sections of the Third shrine (238), invisible

copper tongues hidden between the central point, which

again was rebated, made operations without causing

damage to the gesso & gold work very difficult.

Finally when succeeding in extracting these sections the

roof of the fourth and last shrine (239) proved (when

exposed) not to be in two sections as the others but

in one piece including its entablature. Hence, now,

to over come this new difficulty we must return

to the first shrine (207) remove all possible sections,

the second (237) and third (238) until sufficient

space is obtained to deal with the roof of the fourth

(239).

It has been found that the best system of removing

the roof section in the confined space up to the present moment

has been by means of (1) improvised double

hoisting rollers on the principal of a winch, (2)

supporting & sliding along the hoisted sections on cross ropes

fixed accross^sic {across} the scaffold beams. By this means

the parts are gradually slid to their pri temporary

destination. Many of the sections are so large &/<a>s to

prevent any possible egress from the tomb until the

outer doorway & staircase has been enlarged.

For practically each new undertaking incurs a new

kind of tackle & scaffold all of which adds to the

laborious side of this operation.

(15^th.)

Maxwell came to give a/<l>egal advice upon Gov. action

in regard to our work.

(16^th.)

Gardiner & Breasted came to Luxor

(19^th)

Saw Gardiner Breasted came to the Valley in the afternoon.

Had a long conversation with him. Professes to be ready

to back me in Gov. disputes.

(20^th.)

Prince Arthur of Connaught visited the Tomb and Lab. this afternoon

Had a long conference with Maxwell Harkness & Lythgoe

as to action in regard to the Eg. Gov. last letter.