violin matters

A young violinist busking to save for university has had an unexpected setback.

Juliet Ayre's been asked not to play in a prime spot outside Nelson's Michael Hill jewellers, even though the chain's founder is passionate about the instrument.

"The manager sent out one of her workers to complain about my playing and ask me to move away. The music was too loud and the customers were complaining," says Ayre.

She's popular too, making $40 to $50 an hour.

The irony is that the chain's founder once dreamed of being a concert violinist.

He even runs an international violin competition. But in a clash between music and money - it's no contest.

Nelson's mayor believes buskers add to the city's charm, and says only the council has the legal right to move them on.

"We say to them stay 20 odd minutes, wherever you are and then move on, especially if you've only got one tune," says Paul Matheson.

Juliet has moved on because there are plenty of other places where her music is appreciated.