"SIMPSON AND THE DONKEY"

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22195, 11 September 1937, Page 16

"SIMPSON AND THE DONKEY"

[ ORIGINAL PAINTING SAID TO BE IN AUCKLANDV AUCKLAND, September 10. Although it is claimed in a cablegram from London that the original painting of "Simpson and the Donkey" by the New Zealand artist, Sapper Horace Moore-Jones, has been sola to Mr F. C. C. McCann, Agent-General in London for South Australia, on behalf of his Government, the original painting is recognised as that hanging in the foyer of the Auckland Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association building. The painting in the association's premises is definitely asserted by Mrs Moore-Jones, who resides in Auckland, to be the original. Mr R. A. Singer, who was probably the best personal friend Moore-Jones had, states, "I had it from his very lips that this was the original, and he was a man quite incapable of guile." The picture, which is in water colours, was conceived from a photograph of Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick and his donkey on Gallipoli, and was begun in 1915, being finished in the following year. This one bears the inscription "Sapper H. MooreJones, - 1915." A second picture wag made, and sent to England, where Moore-Jones's publisher had reproductions made without first ascertaining whether or not it was the only and original specimen. This one is believed to be the picture purchased for the South Australian Government. NATIONAL PARTY J ♦ MR. STERLING DENIES REPORT WELLINGTON, September 10. With reference to a report that Mr H. H. Sterling may be appointed head organiser of the National Party and that he had a conference on the matter with representatives of that party, the "Evening Post" is authorised by Mr Sterling to say that both statements have no foundation in fact He is fully occupied with matters of his own concern. He said emphatically that he had no such conference in Auckland. " -».