STATUES OF BOER LEADERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12071, 15 September 1902, Page 6

STATUES OF BOER LEADERS.

«. _—. LORD KITCHENER'S GIFT TO HIS OLD SCHOOL. The four bronze statues brought, from Pretoria and Bloemfontein by Lord Kitchener adorn already the fine parade-ground of the Royal School of Military Engineering at Chatham. They are- handsome and romantic trophies, and in order to settle a number of bets made about I hem since they were unpacked names of Boer leaders will be given to them. These names were on the pack-ing-cases, but some say that Botha is Cronje or Do Wet, and Oronje Joubert, while Kruger and Steyn are allegorical figures. It seems to be'forgotten that tea sculptures were modelled by a Continental artist. They bear the signature, "F. Bruno. Roma, 1899." Ex-President Kruger is easily recognised by the handsome and thoughtful features fringed by a short beard and the huntinghorn at his waist. Ex-President Steya wears his hunting-horn with a difference, and seems to smile. Both statesmen hav» flintlock guns of considerable size. One gathers that iu 1899 they were is the prime of manhood. Neither is at a'l stout. Signer Bruno conceived them as hardly pioneers of civilisation, sitting on rocks in their shirts and trousers. Botha and Cronje sit on rocks, too, ant) have the look of calm lions : but they are armed with breechloaders and cartridgebelts. The two ritles have been significantly broken in transit. Chatham sculpture tells the whole story of Africa. Onslow Ford's line figure of Gordon on the camel dominates these Bond heroes from the head of the parade-ground,! and a statue of Lieutenant Waghorii* creator of the overland route to India, points their way from the foot of the hill.