TOPICS OF THE DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4306, 15 March 1901, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY

THE ACADEMY OF FIXE ARTS. Mr Charles Pharaayn has set a good , example to many Wellington citizens, from whom a similar action might be expected, in presenting the Academy of Fine Arts with a very valuable work of art. Mr Pharazyn’s letter, which was read at a meeting of the council of the academy yesterday, is as follows: —“.The President Wellington Academy cl Fine Arts. Dear Sir, —I have much pleasure in presenting to your society, for the benefit of the citizens of Wellington, a painting by the late Mr Gully, which I trust may be regarded as one of his best works. Both on public grounds and because cf my strong personal regard fertile late artistappears to mo that such a work as this ought not to be removed from New Zealand. I trust, and feel sure, that no member of such an institution as yours will suspect me of any desire to attain any personal object in making the gift, and that it will be accepted in a very different spirit to that in which my offer of £IOOO to the Victoria College has been met in many quarters.’’ It is really a matter for regret that other citizens have not seen their way to make presentations to the academy with a view to assisting in the formation of a permanent art gallery for the city. Up to the present the only donations have been the) works left by the late Mr Barraud, a portrait of Mr Barraud presented by Mr Nairn, and a picture given by \an English lady, who was visiting the city. Mr Pharazyn’s presentation was accepted by the Council with many thanks. TRAVELLERS’ GRIEVANCES. ‘‘ Another Tra veller ” writes : —ln the “Times” yesterday a traveller complains, and justly, of the scandalous state of aocomraodatiou on the New Zealand Gov. eminent Railways. But that is not the only evil. Yesterday I went, to the parcel office at a. station on the Government line to obtain a bicycle ticket. There were two boys behind the counter, and I happened to address the one , that did not dispense these useful tic. kets. In response to my inquiry for a ticket, ho replied, without deigning to look up, “ Wrong place.” I asked where I should got one, then. He replied, in an insolent manner. “ Oh, anywhere.” Such a state of things would not be tolerated in any private concern. Note, for instance, the difference in the Manuwatu Company’s employees. This is not the only occasion this has happened, not only to myself, but to dozens to whom I have spoken on the subject. If these young snobs are above their, positions, it is high time they were out of them. '