KING ALFRED’S LEGS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19505, 13 June 1925, Page 13

KING ALFRED’S LEGS.

DOWNING STREET PICTURE A POLITICIAN ANNOYED. Tho question was asked recently in tlie House of Commons by Mr A. S. Sandeman, M.P., whether, “on account of its irritating effect on members, the First Commissioner of Works will remove from Committee Boom No. 10 the painting of Alfred inciting the Saxons to prevent the landing of the Danes.” ’ You have only to look at the picture to see how really bad it is,” Mr Sandeman stated. “ I have no objection whatever to the subject, but the picture itself is almost beyond w'orda. Every time you look up or get up to speak there it is staring you in the face. You have just to glance at Alfred’s legs to wish you were far away from it. The legs are dreadful —not only deformed, but one is much thicker than the other.” Little sympathy was shown by the First Commissioner of Works in reply to the question. He said that he had looked at the picture and did not know whether the hon. memoer realised that it was a very line example of the early work of Watts. Mr Macquiston (Conservative M.P. for Glasgow): Will tho Minister consider tho advisability of getting a picture painted for the other end of the room, showing tho members for Glasgow resisting the invasion of Irishmen into Scotland ?—(Laughter.) Mr Neil Mac Lean (Labour M.P.): Will ho also consider putting another picture on the side wall showing tho member for Argyllshire being rejected by Glasgow at the election? —(Laughter.) Mr Horo-Belisha; In view of King Alfred’s connection with cakes, will the honourable gentleman have the picture put in the tea room ? —(Laughter.)