THE CORONATION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 115, 25 February 1937, Page 5

THE CORONATION

INVITATION TO HAILE SELASSIE. OBJECTIONS BY ITALY. SET BACK TO RELATIONS. (United Press Association —Copyright.) LONDON, February 24. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says the British invitation to Haile Selassie to be represented at the Coronation has badly impressed Italy. It is pointed out that deposed sovereigns do not lose their claim to the title of “Majesty” when they have lost their kingdom. Therefore no objection could be raised if the invitation were addressed simply to “his Majesty Haile Selassie” ; but the case would take on a very different complexion if it were addressed to “Haile Selassie, Emperor of Abyssinia,” since the King of Italy now holds that title.

The Rome correspondent of the “Morning Post” declares that AnglO'Italian relations have suffered a definite setback through the invitation, which sections of the Italian press describe as an affront to Italy, if not a challenge. According to the diplomatic correspondent of “ The Daily Telegraph,” Haile Selassie may himself attend the Coronation. He is at present staying at Bath, where he is known as. “Mr Tafari Makonnen.”

RAS DESTA MAY ATTEND. LONDON, February 23. A spokesman, of the Abyssinian Legation told the “Daily Mail” that it was possible Ras Desta would he asked to visit London if he can find time to leave his troops in Eastern Abyssinia. Otherwise three other Rases now in exile who had won honour in war worthy to represent the Emperor at the Coronation. BROADCASTING ARRANGEMENTS LONDON, February 23. King George gave an audience to Sir John Rcith (Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation). It is stated that the audience was in connection with the arrangements for broadcasting the Coronation ceremony.

PRESENTATION AT COURT. LARGE NUMBER FROM THE dominions: LONDON, February 23. The application of 500 British debutantes for presentation at the Coronation courts have been refused owing to the King’s wish for a larger quota than usual from the Dominions and Colonies. Forty each from South Africa, Australia and New. Zealand will be presented at the second court on May 0. ISSUE OF AUSTRALIAN STAMPS. HEAD OF QUEEN ON ONE. (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. For the first time in the Commonwealth’s history, stamps bearing the head of the Queen of England will bo issued during the Coronation. Two denominations of stamps are being prepared, one bearing the head of King George VI. and the other the head of Queen Elizabeth.

THE NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT TTMARU NURSE INCLUDED. WELLINGTON, February 24. Major N. W. McD. Weir has been appointed commander of the Coronation contingent and Captain L. L. Andrew, V.C., second in command. The non-commissioned officers are Staff-Sergt.-Major A. Mathieson and Sergt. H. V. Douglas. • . The two nurses selected are Miss A. C. Inglis, matron of tlie Pukeora sanatorium, Waipukurau, and Miss F. A. Adams, District Nurse, Timaru.