DUNEDIN ART GALLERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23118, 18 February 1937, Page 10

DUNEDIN ART GALLERY

A VALUABLE GIFT PORTRAIT OF SIR JAMES ALLEN (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON. Feb. 17. Representatives of the Association of the Sir James Allen Fund in Wellington have been advised by the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society that the society has accepted a portrait of Sir James. Pending the time when provision may be made in the Art Gallery for a suitable display, the portrait has been offered on loan to the Otago University Council. Advice has been received from the chancellor (Mr W. J. Morrell) that the council has appreciatively accepted the offer and that the picture will be displayed on the landing outside Allen Hall.

It was noted in a communication from the Otago University authorities that Sir James 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. He has completed 50 years of national and Imperial service with the exception of a period in London as High Commissioner for New Zealand. The veteran legislator has been almost continuously in active politics for half a century. On Trafalgar Day (October 21) of this year it will be exactly 50 years since Sir James first entered the House of Representatives by sensationally defeating 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 Archibald Nicoll. Over 300 subscribers in 50 towns in New Zealand contributed to the Appreciation Fund.