An Arabian Knight

NZ Truth, 15 March 1924, Page 1

An Arabian Knight

Beyondthat it was tho fabled home of the Arabian Nights, very little was known of Persia a generation ago. In our own time it is*' still generally associated with dates and perfumes.' But modern exploration has chased the spirit of mystery and romance from the remotest corners of the globe. . Besides, m this century, the Shah has come out of his shell. In 1873 and 1879 the reigning Shah, Nasru'd-Din Shah, visited Europe, breaking away from .the rule of his predecessors. It was evident, however, that Nasru'd-Din was happier at home than abroad. .Ahmed Mlrza, the present ruler, at least m name, is one Shah removed from Nasru'd-Din, and was called to succeed to the throne m 1909 owing to popular discontent with a corrupt and incompetent administration. Apparently he Is far happier abroad than at home. Most of his time of late he has spent In Paris, and recent illustrated papers have shown him m white trousers and sports coat parading the boulevards. A. very different spectacle from the rainbow-garmented comic opera Shah to be sure. The time was bound to arrive when the Persians would object to paying taxes to keep the Shah holidaying m Europe. And last week his' deposition was reported m the cablegrams.