THE BUCKET STICK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19813, 3 December 1919, Page 6

THE BUCKET STICK.

STORY OF A SMASHED CAREER. In a cafe in Vienna 1 came upon a man who might furnish the plot lor another "Kismet,” writes C. J. itm.cbault. in tiio " New York Times.” Ho was carving a ham in full sight of the public, which indicated his latest occupation. In 1914, when the war began, ho was a millionaire, with the prospect of many more millions. Ho had just floated a company to build 'Vienna's biggest and most luxurious hotel, and Vienna was always a prosperous field for good hotels. Ho was, the possessor of a title—Herr von—and he had a. reputation in the highest artistic circles. Much earlier ho had been a lion m New York and Chicago. In fact, it was in America that he had laid the foundation of his fortune. Nature had endowed him with strangely contrasting talents—an unusual instinct for business and a by no means contemptible skill with the brush and the palette. Had lie been born in America., ho would doubtless have become a captain of industry, in which case his flair JoV the arts would have been an invaluable aid in making his collection of pictures and antiques. But the way to business triumphs is more difficult in the old countries. Merely to begin one must have a background—family and friends of influence. He had neither. In the circumstances both his instincts told him Unit his start in life must be under Uie banner of art. Unlike the vagabond of " Kismet.” he worked hard, not waiting for chance to promote bis progress, and while ho mastered tho technique of painting, lip also planned the campaign with which he proposed to open his artistic career. Others might rest content to- starve in a garret while wailing for the world to discover their genius. He meant to force, recognition. From the outset ho had decided upon portrait painting as his specialty. It gave special scope to ono whoso commercial talents included the ability to ingratiate and to manipulate the human species. Likowi.se it would bring him in contact with tho rich and tho mighty. livery citizen of a certain village in Hungary was of _noble birth. In a remote past the inhabitants had found tho way to royal favour, and ho had granted a wholestfle patent of nobility, including a butcher, baker and swineherd. To this village the aiUist repaired when his studies were completed, and there ho sought out the oldest, poorest and greediest inhabitant. Would he like to earn livo hundred crowns? Veil, the way was open to him. All that was required was that ho adopt the speaker as his son and heir. As good luck Would have it, the village posse-sod no port) ait of the Kmperor, then Franz Josef, and the new citizen npeedily convinced the Burgomaster that this was a deficiency to be remedied. An official request that tho Kaiser permit himself to bo painted, so that his loyal subjects might always bo able to look upon his benign features, went fonyard promptly, and was promptly granted. With gonernus selrsacrilico the artist volunteered to do tho work without charge, and an acquainttiuico with some Bohemian journalists cultivated in the student days served to make the bourgeoise millionaires acquainted with the fact that the brilliant Herr von had been selected to paint a now portrait of his Most Gracious Majesty. The news was spread throughout tho Empire and sent across the seas, even to America. It was brought to tho attention of ricli Americans who had travelled in Austria, and whose names had been carefully collected from tho registers of tho best Viennese hotels. The noble artist was invited to come to New York, and paint some portraits there. He came, set a price which justified his reputation and high social standing, and soon had more orders than lie could fill. But he was equal to the .situation. There was in New York at that tune a talented Austrian artist who lacked the business instinct, and who was consequently on the point of starving. Io him was entrusted the work of 'hushing the sketches begun by the great man. The latter travelled all over America, and his work is now treasured in many cities. Everywhere tho host homes weiv opened to him, and our leading hostesses vied to do him honour. When lusailed homo he bore with him the foundation of his future fortune. Vienna was suffering from a lack of housing accommodation when Uio artist returned, and ho patriotically sot to work to remedy this comtitiii. Art had served its purpose, and wan now laid aside in favour of the commercial talent. Vheii the war came be was recognised as the most daring and most successful real estate speculator in Vienna. The hotel project was his latest achievement. It involved so many millions that he had to call upon Geiman and English capital. This full away at the critical moment, and the uniontunate sponsor was left with an incompleted project. The best he could do was to use the ground floor for a cafe—and carve his own meats.

Those in search of Christmas gifts will find it to their advantage to call at 9fi, Worcester Street. Hero arc to be I'ound in groat variety, choice perfumes. Is 6d to 30s: choice caskets, 2s fid to 395; dainty manicures, 2s fid to -555; assorted scented soap and sachets, Is to os fid; high grade face powders, 2s fid to 21s. E. Cameron Smith, Chemist. 96, Worcester Street (just oil' Square). MWS l