THE SPILLER VIOLIN

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1929, Page 8

THE SPILLER VIOLIN

A WRONG J .VI PRESS I OX. (Dominion.) In Monday's article concerning the violin sent Home for identification by the beneficiaries in the Spider estate, it was inadvertently .conveyed- in the heading that the instrument had been lost. Such was not the case, as the story left the instrument in the possession of English Customs authorities, from whom, it may have been lifted by accredited agents. A subsequent reference to the fate of the instrument being unknown was intended

to convey that it had not yet been determined whether or not the instrument was by a famous maker. Although the late Mr. A. D. Riley was to have handled the business of identification in London under an arrangement with the beneficiaries, it had transpired that the violin only readied London three days before Mr Riley left again for New Zealand, and, as he was in London, it is assumed that he never so mu'ch as saw the instrument. ft is understood, however, that the late Mr Riley’s London agents (Messrs. Wright, Kerr,, and Co.), wore to communicate with Mr Alfred Drury, the famous sculptor, who was to secure expert opinion on the violin whilst it was still held by the Customs officers.