SIR JAMES ALLEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 41, 18 February 1937, Page 10

SIR JAMES ALLEN

PORTRAIT FOR DUNEDIN

Representatives of The Appreciation of Sir James Allen Fund in Wellington have been advised by the president of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society (Dr. F. S. Batchelor) that the society has accepted the portrait of Sir James. Pending the time when provision may be made in the Art Gallery for suitable" display, the portrait was offered on loan to the Otago University Council.

Advice has been received from the chancellor of the Otago University stating that the council has appreciatively accepted the offer of the portrait on loan, and that it would be displayed on the landing outside the Allen Hall.

It is noted in the communication from the . Otago University authorities that the Hon. Sir James Allen, M.L.C., was for many years chancellor of the university, and gave great service to the university not only in that position, but also as a member of the council.

Sir James has completed 50 years of national and Imperial service. With the exception of a period in London as New Zealand High Commissioner, the veteran legislator has been almost continuously in active politics for half a century. On Trafalgar Day (October 21) this year it will be exactly 50 years since Sir James first entered the House of Representatives by sensationally defeating at the polls for the former Taieri seat the late Sir Robert Stout, who at the time was Premier.

The excellent portrait of Sir James was painted by Mr. Archibald Nicoll, and is similar to the one that was presented to the National Art Gallery trustees. Over 300 subscribers in 50 towns of New Zealand contributed to the Appreciation Fund.