20 MAY 1955, Page 6

FAKE AND FIGHT

General news this week ranges from Trafalgar Square to San Francisco. The National Gallery has announced that a Virgin and Child with an Angel attributed to Francesco Francia, which had been thought to be a fake, is in fact a fake. General Maxwell Taylor is to be the new American Army Chief of Staff. Erich Maria Remarque is marrying Paulette Goddard. A lot of good, clean fun is being had by all in the London courts these days. A new distance record for two-seater gliding has been set. The new German ambassador. Herr von Herwarth, has arrived in London. Don Cockell's courage in defeat in San Francisco at the hands of Rocky Marciano brought him high praise from the same American critics who had christened him `Fatso' before the fight. However, the Daily Mirror had ensured that no aspersion would be cast on the standard of British boxing. Its headline last Friday, 'They're putting Cockell on the spot,' with its suggestion of krans- atlantic sharp practice. provided for every eventuality. Finally, it is pleasant to record that Mr. William Brownrigg, a Cum- berland tarmer, is standing as an independent candidate in the General Election with a programme including home rule for his native county. better pay for mole-catchers and the aboli- tion of tail-docking for Clydesdale horses. This is the spirit that has made Cumberland what it is. We must hope that, if Mr. Brownrigg gets in, he will agitate for the revival of more of the ancient traditions of the county. Cattle-raiding into Scotland, for example.