" PROFESSOR SMITH."

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 101, 29 April 1912, Page 3

" PROFESSOR SMITH."

SAVAGE CLUB'S PRESENT TO THE NATIONAL GALLERY. "When the Savage Club met on Saturday evening Hhe Chief Savage (Mr. Marcus Marks) referred to a clause in the constitution setting foiih thai on© of the objects of the club was to encourage and foster all forms of art. It had been- suggested that the club should donate a picture to the National Gallery, and such a. request had been received i'rotn the secretary of the committee (Mr. Gray). The committee had met aud considered the matter in every aepect, and had decided to vote the sum of £50 from its funds for a picture. With the assistance of Messrs.. Linley Richardcon, R.8.A., E. A. S. Killick, and Charles Wilson they had decided on a picture entitled "Professor Smith," the fcubjoot of which would, he felt cure, make a special appeal to all true savages. Savage Marks asked that, if members approved what the committee had done, they should show it by acclamatfcfu. (Loud and prolonged applause.) The picture would have an inscription on .the frame which would testify to posterity how generous their forefathers had been. (Laughter and applause.) Savage H. M. Gore, president of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, expressed his delight at the generosity of the club. To find such a. ready respoius© gavo them strength and encouragement to go forward. The picture which had been purchased would, he felt sure, be" a source of pride and pleasure to later generations, (-\pplaust.) At a later stage Mr. John Baillie was hit.rod.uced to the club. After some interesting observations on art. in general (reported ekewheie) he stated the club ■had got a, bargain in Oswald Birley't. pictiue "Professor iSmith," which he felt sure they would appreciate. Oswald liirley was, he believed, born in Auckland, and. was certainly one of the. most promising of the younger artists who were making their way to tlie front. His work wa* in demand ajid the chances were the gallery would have to pay double the price foi- such a picture a yeai- hence. . (Applause.)