FASCISTS' DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 256, 29 October 1929, Page 7

FASCISTS' DAY.

NATIONAL REJOICING.

Great Festivities On Seventh

Anniversary.

DUCE'S FIEEY EXHORTATION.

("Times" Cables.)

LONDON, October 28,

The Rome correspondent of the "Times" says the seventh anniversary of the Fascists' march on Rome was celebrated yesterday. It began with the Duce's review of the Roman garrison and the local militia, which afterwards marched to the Piazza Venezia. There were gathered thousands of "Black Shirts" holding up gay banners. Around them were thousands of the general public. All acclaimed Signor Mussolini when he appeared on a balcony.

Addressing the crowd the Duce began by warning mischief-makers that they were plaving a dangerous game. Let them not attempt to disturb the liarmony which existed between the ELing, the Crown Prince—(loud cheers)—and the most humble villager.

While that harmony persisted what availed "this vile, perfidious % ociferation of a few people whom we should have put up against the wall in 1922 and shot?" asked Signor Mussolini.

The crowd shouted: "Death to political exiles."

The Duce continued, saying: "Whereas after seven years of existence other revolutions have shown signs of uncertainty and decrepitude we are still courageous enough to put a bullet into a traitor's back."

Italy to-day was exactly as he wanted it—an army "of citizens prepared for the tasks of peace, hardworking, silent and disciplined.

•'•'But," said the Prime Minister, "if anybody tries to disturb our harmony—" The remainder of the sentence was drowned in the cheers of the crowd.

Later Signor Mussolini inaugurated a number of improvements in the city. These included the removal of buildings which had disfigured the capital.

The Governor of Rome announced a decision to remove from the centre of the city what the Duce once called "that stupid contamination," namely, the trams. Sixteen miles of track will be torn up and the trams will be replaced by omnibuses. This will remove an eyesore, which spoils some of the city's most famous monuments.