§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that an English antiquarian proceeded to dig up the most ancient portion of the ruins of Tara; whether he had any authority to do so; and whether steps will be taken to prevent such action in future.
§ MR. HANBURYThe excavation of one of the mounds was suggested by an English gentleman, who, I understand, is interested in searching for the Ark of the Covenant, and the work was actually begun by the owner of the property. The Board of Works (in whom the guardianship of these mounds is vested) had given no authority for the excavation, and on learning that it was contemplated they took immediate steps to warn the owner of its illegality. He abandoned the work at once, and the mound has now been restored to its former condition. The Board of Works are thoroughly alive to the interest felt in the remains of Tara, and they will not consent to anything which would interfere with the structure or appearance of the mounds as they stand. Nor will they permit any examination of them, however harmless, without the fullest consideration and conference with the two principal antiquarian societies of Ireland.
§ MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)Will the right hon. Gentleman give us the name of the antiquarian who 74 is searching for the Ark of the Covevant?
§ MR. HANBURYNo, Sir.