Sir, - It was good news that the Government had bought Farmleigh for the nation, but not such good news that the furniture, and especially the books, were not included in the sale. They are, it would appear, "on loan".
The present Lord Iveagh is well disposed towards this country and seems well pleased that the former family home will remain intact. It is not, however, beyond the bounds of possibility that his descendants, far removed from this country by then, might at some stage feel the need for ready cash and reclaim and sell the house contents and books. Would it not be wise therefore, to make an offer for both furniture and books now, before they increase in value with the passage of time? The house without its original contents would be an empty shell, impossible to refurnish in the same lavish style, while the loss of the books would be a national calamity. - Yours, etc.,
M. M. Ireland, Priory Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.