Stolen Painting Was Hidden In Church

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31121, 26 July 1966, Page 3

Stolen Painting Was Hidden In Church

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 25. The sixteenth-century Italian oil painting by Paris Bordone, which was stolen from the Auckland Art Gallery last Thursday afternoon, was returned today.

The painting was found in St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Symonds street The vicar. Archdeacon K. R. Prebble, said it was found under the frontal cloth of the altar. The gallery’s conservator. Mr L. C. Lloyd, said it was in excellent condition.

and took it to the police, who kept the brown paper and plastic wrapping. The painting was back on display at noon today. Mr Keith said the voice had been a male’s. The painting was insured for £650. Its market value could be more than that but would have to be tested by sale or auction. Appealed To Thief After its disappearance Mr i Keith said the work was wellknown and would be very difficult to dispose of. He appealed to the thief to return it. The painting, which is titled “Madonna and Child with St. Sebastian,” had been carefully wrapped.

The keeper of the gallery, Mr H. Keith, received an anonymous telephone call about 9.10 a.m. today. The caller refused to give his name to the secretary who answered the telephone but said his message was “important and private.” Mr Keith said the caller told him where the painting was. "1 said ‘very good,’ and hung up.” I He retrieved the painting