FOUL PLAY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 June 1924, Page 7

FOUL PLAY

DEATH OF-ITALIAN DEPUTY. BY CABLE—PRHSB ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT ROME,, June 14. ‘The body of a Socialist deputy named Matteotti, who has been missing for several days and \yiio was believed to. have been kidnapped by Fascisti, was found in a wood with the skull fractured. Received June 16, 9.25 a.m. ROME, June 15. It is believed that the kidnappers of Matteotti did not mean to murder him, but in the struggle he was struck a heavy blow which fractured his skull. The kidnapping has caused a most serious position in the Italian Chamber. The entire opposition have absented themselves as a protest. Signor Mussolini and other Fascists expressed execration and horror against the murder, and promised that if the perpetrators were caught they would be brought to speedy justice, but hoped that, the Opposition would not utilise the incident for party purposes. In consequence of the absence of the Opposition, the Chamber voted estimates to the end of the year, and adjourned sine die. Mussolini stayed at his office all night long personally superintending. As a result of a search by the police three arrests have been made. —Sydney Sun Cable.