AN OLD VIOLIN.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 136099, 25 April 1908, Page 9

AN OLD VIOLIN.

Tho Nagier correspondent of the "Dominion" telegraphs:—"Tho discovery of a rare violin fcas been made by Inspector MacDonell, head of the local police. The instrument is stamped with the name of the younger Maggini, and boars the date 1625. Experts declare that tlie instrument is a genuine one, and from all accounts it has had a wonderful history. It was raffled in Wellington ! some forty years ago, and Inspector MacDonell recently traced it to the possession of a granddaughter of Mr Jas. Wilson, of New Plymouth, from whom he purchased it in Melbourno, Mr Wili son supplies a most interesting account of the violin, and says it was brought to New Zealand from Poland' by Major Yon Tempsky. On Yon Tempsky's death the instrument came into tbo hands of one of tho soldiers attached to his command, Mr Tim Howard, who is now settled on a farm at Oropuki. Mr Wilson purchased it from Mr Howard in Inveroargill about 1898 for a considerable sum of momev. According to the story told by Mr Howard, the violin was on one occasion., during the progress of the Maori war, placed on top of a six-horse waggon, which capsized over a precipice. Tho horses and driver were killed, and tho wagon snjashed to pieces, but the violin and case slid to the bottom, and' were picked up none the worse. Twice the violin fell into the Wanganui River and floated down stream. The first time it was brought to shore by a pointer dog, and tho second time it was picked up by a boat, escaping injury on each occasion. The most wonderful • Jung about the instrument is some beautiful inlaid work on the back characteristic of Maggini. The scene depicts an old Italian castle or monastery, and the workmanship is wonderful. A quaint inscription in old Italian adds interest to the relic, which is undoubtedly one of rare value "