GOLD FOR THE WAR

Evening Post, Issue 149, 20 December 1935, Page 7

GOLD FOR THE WAR

ITALIANS' SACRIFICES

50,000 WEDDING RINGS

_ ROME, December 18. On the Day of Faith, Signor Mussolini inaugurated the Commune of Pontinia, the third commune that has been redeemed from the Pontine marshes. It will be followed by Aprillia in 1936 and Pomezia in 1937. "It is a day on which Italy's mothers will bring their wedding rings to the country's altar, and a day of the people's unfailing faith in Italy's destiny," he said. The Duce's parallel was illustrated by the pre»nceof a crucible for melting the wedding rings and earrings of the Ponfine women. :-It was surrounded by steel helmets. Signor Mussolini embraced many donors of rings, kissing a mother who deposited the medals of three sons killed in the \wef. Others brought helmets filled with gold, which Signor . Mussolini' poured :into the crucible. ■ The aggregate of 8086oz of gold just compensated for the reduction in the Bank of Italy's gold deposits since-October 20. Silver totalling .771602,- and 13331b d* scrap iron, were also contributed. , : Signor Mussolini concluded: "As we conquered the Pontine marshes, so shall we fight our African battle to emerge victorious. : It will take time, but time does not matter as much as victory."' , • '

Similar donations were made in the chief cities of Italy. The Naples collection included a ring, though not a wedding token, which Haile Selassie gave a woman attendant at the baths where he underwent a cure in 1927.

Queen Helena presided at a ceremony in Rome at the altar of the Unknown Warrior. The Queen, after depositing her. own ring and King Emanuel's, broadcast a speech wishing the Italian troops victory and a happy Christmas. After this, mothers and widows exchanged wedding rings and trophies for steel rings which were blessed by. priesta Among the 50,000 rings were those of Signor Mussolini and his wife.