HIDDEN TREASURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19069, 15 January 1924, Page 8

HIDDEN TREASURE

A MODERN ALADDIN’S CAVE. SPANISH COUNT’S SECRET HOARD. Frees Association—By Telegraph—Copyright ROME, January 12. The executors of Count Gaetano Bonoris, a rich Mantua resident, received a great surprise when they opened, according to instructions, the count’s first sealed hiding place behind the chapel at his castle in Mantua. It proved to be a veritable Aladdin’s cave, containing untold treasure. It is clear now that this has been for generations the secret treasury’ of the count’s forefathers. The executors found a vast iron sate containing hundreds of piles of gold coin of ancient mintage. As they were too numerous to count, a weighing machine was employed. Besides the coins there were nuggets of pure gold, gemmed rings set with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, necklaces of gold and platinum inset with rare ’stones. The gem of the whole collection yv-as a necklace consisting of a string of Oriental pearls. Each pair of pearls is separated by a flawless diamond. There was also a collection of modern paper money of all countries, about 50,000 lire worth from each nation. An inventory 5 , of this wonderful discovery is only beginning. The count had little faith in banks, and it is known that he hid money in different places in the three castles which he ownedThe whole of his property, including the money and jewels, he left to the apostolic congregation of Bressia- in trust for his third son, who is warned that, while he may use the money and the jewels, he must not sell anything. After his son s death everything will go to charitable objects.—A. and N.Z. Cable.