STATUE’S CLOTHING

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 October 1929, Page 3

STATUE’S CLOTHING

“LITTLE MAN” OF BRUSSELS. The world famous baroque statue of a little man that serves as a fountain in Brussels and that still counts as one of the sights of the Belgian capital, was honoured by the Japanese Ambassador recently with a brand new silk kimono. Maitre Adolphe Max, burgomaster of the city, thanked the Ambassador foi’ his token of goodwill and decreed that the statue was to wear the Japanese' national costume for three weeks, except in rainy weather. After that the kimono will be stored away in a local museum with the dozens of other costumes that the statue has worn from time to time. The kimono replaced a dark blue uniform placed on the statue by a detachment of the Chasseurs Alpins, the famous Blue Devils, who in doing so made the little Brussels man a “poilu d’honneur.” Every nation that entertains friendly relations with Belgium is bound to dress up the stattie some time or other. Spain, France, Japan, and Scotland have already done so. Others will follow. The Highland kilt, they say, became the statue well. The hat with plumes and feathers sent by Italy was even more picturesque. One of these days the Hollanders, will dress him up again in flowing trousers and a fisherman’s cap. And then will come the turn of the United States, no doubt. Mr Hoover knows the statue well, although it was hidden behind a boarding when he was in Belgium during the German occupation. The planks were put up by General von Bissing, as the naked statue gave offence to’ Teutonic military susceptibilities.