The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, August 28, 1909. FIGUREHEAD OF THE HYDRABAD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 473, 28 August 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, August 28, 1909. FIGUREHEAD OF THE HYDRABAD.

We have been shown some correspondence by Mr A. Jonson in respect to the offer of the figurehead of the ill-fated Hydrabad, (which was wrecked many years ago some miles south of the Manawatu River) to the Palmerston Borough Council. The effigy was placed under offer to the Palmerston Council by Mr Sim, on behalf of Mr Jonson, for The offer has been formerly acknowledged by the Palmerston Town Clerk.' Mr Jonson informs us that he is willing to let the Foxton Borough Cotmcil have the turbaned Hindoo effigy for £$ less than the figure quoted to Palmerston, and he is also prepared to burn off the skin or paint, and examine the sacred Hindoo’s body to ascertain whether it has suffered from old age or disease, also to cover its nakedness with a modest dress of slate colour in preparation of the gaudy Oriental colours and trappings with which the artist must again adorn the Maharajah if he is to keep ward and watch over Palmerston’s Squares or the Triangle. The spirit of the departed Maharajah would wreak vengeance on Palmerston or any other town should any slight be cast upon his effigy. We doubt whether Mr Jonson is acting wisely in sacrificing the idol at the altar of the god Mammon. It’s bound to raise trouble. If Palmerston purchases that lordly Hindoo and its citizens are stricken with an attack of the hot fly, then shall they know that the feelings of the departed great one have been outraged.