A MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 608, 19 November 1881, Page 3

A MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR.

A mysterious affair, recalling the strange disappearance of the Gainsborough picture some years ago, is now being investigated by the Scotland-yai d authorities. The picture known as the ‘ Monarch of the Meadows,’ painted by Mr T. Sydney Cooper, R.A., and the property of Mr Allcroft, of Lancaster gate, Hyde Park, has been destroyed or stolen. On the morning of the 13th instant a room in Mr Allcroft’s house, in which the picture was atanding during the general repair of the building, was discovered to be in flames. The tire brigade were ap once summoned and the fire rapidly got under. On examination it was, found that the picture had been cut out of the frame either before or after the fire had commenced. The police were at once communicated with, and the most searching investigation is being made into the matter. There is distinct evidence that the canvas was cut from the frame, but there are also signs of a tallow candle having been applied to the lower portion of the frame, and two theories have therefore obtained favor wijh the police. Seeing tie jagged manner in which the canvas has been cut, it is thought that it is possibly the work of some vindictive person wishing to inflict an injury upon Mr Allcroft, and that the painting was cut up, and being set light to on the floor, caused the Are in the room. The other supposition is that th.e culprit, having cut away the picture, set fire to the frame, in order to destroy all evidence of the robbery. The surprising part of the affair is that no traces are to be found of an entrance to the house having been effected. During the absence from town of Mr Allcroft, there were only two female servants staying in the house, though during the daytime there have been some twenty or thirty workmen in the premises. On the evening of the 12th instant the house w r as made thoroughly secure, and as there is no evidence of any of tiie bolts and bars being tampered with, the whole affair is wrapped in mystery. The police are of opinion that the fire must' have smouldered for some time before it wms discovered, as the smoke has penetrated into the drawing-room. Another singular fact is that a quantity of canvas which had been used for wiping up turpentine, etc. ; and had been thrown over the handrail at the top of the stairs during the painting, was found smouldering behind the picture frame, and that a portion of the same canvas was discovered next morning, with two smah bnrna in it, lying in a cupboard in the basement. The painting was valued at £SOOO.