ROYAL BIRTHDAY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 240, 24 July 1935, Page 5

ROYAL BIRTHDAY

EMPEROR OF ABYSSINIA. CELEBRATION IN HIS CAPITAL. A GREAT MILITARY DISPLAY. (United Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.35 a.m.) LONDON, July 23. The Addis Ababa correspondent of “The Times” says that a salvo of 21 guns, announcing the Emperor’s 45tli birthday, awoke the city. The streets were early packed wijfch, armed soldiers and hordes of people aiid chiefs. The Imperial Guard marched to the gates of the Palace, where the Ehiperor, arrayed in a black cape, embroidered with scarlet and gold, and wearing the golden collar of Solomon, entered the throne-room.

The long slopes to the palace were packed with the modernised Imperial Guard, military chiefs and other officers, who carried both rifles and spears. The only great Governor present was Bidaded Makonnen, of allega, in the far west, whose province is not threatened. The others were commanded to remain at their posts.

The Ethiopians, whose etiquette is most formal, gravely regard the absence of Count Gilluicci (Italian Minister). A message was received from King George. The Emperor presided at the banquet hall, over a meat feast for 5000 soldiers.

The Emperor devoted the remainder of the afternoon to watching patriotic plays in the schools. He gave a dinner, followed by a reception in the evening. The Emperor’s decree forbids the mutilation of prisoners.

ITALIAN MINISTER ABSENT.

HOSTILITY IN A SPEECH

(Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, July 23

The Italian Minister at Addis Ababa (Count Vise! Gigluicci), alleging hostility in the recent Emperor’s speech, absented himself from the celebrations in connection with JSilussie’s birthday, though the Empepor of Japan cabled greetings.