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The timber from
which the two instruments were constructed is New Zealand Kauri Pine which
was extensively imported from the NZ North Island Kauri forests. It is
particularly prone to attack by the borer Lictus
Anobium and the earpiece of one instrument
had been badly infected by this insect, to the extent that the earpiece
was virtually only a shell. To ensure there would be no further attacks, 
the
earpiece had been previously treated with an unknown insecticide of an
oily nature with a powerful smell.
Altogether over 120 holes, burrows and tunnels were uncovered, most not being noticeable until the paint is removed. These were injected or filled with 'EPIGLUE', a high strength, two-pot gap filling epoxy glue. The oily nature of the insecticide caused 'bleed-through' to newly applied paint, so after removing all the old paint, a sealing coat of shellac was applied. This was followed by coats of matt black enamel and finely sanded to a smooth finish. Final coat of black gloss enamel to match as closely as possible the finish of the other instrument.
Of the four screws holding the ear cap in place, only two of the original screws remained, and one of these was damaged. Three similar sized brass screws plus one original now hold the cap in plus.
Over the years,
the wood in the body of the instrument has shrunk, allowing the magnet
to 'pole' against the diaphragm. To avoid the necessity to carry out any
remedial work on the wood work, two paper gaskets have been inserted under
the diaphragm to give clearance between the pole piece and the diaphragm.
These can be easily removed if desired. (Ric Havyatt January
1999)
