THE PROPOSED OPENING OF SHAKESPEARE’S TOMB.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1168, 1 November 1883, Page 3

THE PROPOSED OPENING OF SHAKESPEARE’S TOMB.

The proposal toexhume Shakespeare’s remains came formally before the Strat-ford-on-Avon Town Council at their meeting on 4th September. The Mayor said he had been inundated with telegrams and letters from all parts of the kingdom protesting against the pro posed outrage, and calling upon the Corporation to resist the proposal to the uttermost. The Mayor, said : —‘ The attention, I may say, of the whole civilised world is just now being directed towards our town in consequence of this proposal ao desecrate the tomb of cur immortal townsman, William Shakespeare. I feel that I must, from the high position which I occupy, disabuse the public mind that this Corporation would ever allow such a proposal to be carried out. I would have it understood that any such impudent proposal would meet from us a contemptuous refusal. Not only would the Corporation strain every nerve to prevent such an act of desecration, but I feel certain that the townsmen generally would band themselves together to guard the sanctity of the poet’s tomb. I could not myself think that anyone could be found so base and depraved as even to suggest the violation of the poet’s last resting-place.’ Several speakers followed the Mayor in denouncing the project, and the Council then decided unanimously to offer their most strenuous opposition to the scheme. As lay rectors of the chancel they bad an important voice m the matter, and they meant to exercise it.