HERMITS IN PETTICOATS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 November 1935, Page 6

HERMITS IN PETTICOATS

Abyssinian Priests Extend Welcome to Italian Troops AN AMUSING SIGHT SAINTS IN BATTLE LINE

lUnited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) .■Received 3 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Nov. 6.

“The Times” Rome correspondent says that General Biroli’s native troops encountered in the Asllo Valley, due north of Makale, a remarkable collection of Copt churches of some architectural merit excavated in the jiard rock. Resident priests received the troops with full liturgical ceremony, carrying crosses and many coloured umbrellas, but somewhat detracted from the dignity of the occasion by wearing women’s garments given them by the troops. The sight or 100 venerable black bearded hermits draped in gaudy petticoats and gay bodices solemnly chanting psalms sent the soldiers into shrieks of laughter.

The “Telegraph’s” Addis Ababa correspondent says that Emperor Selassie will take Father Gabreab to Bessie as his personal confessor, also two famous arks of the Covenant, one of Saint George, reputedly the organiser of the victory at Adowa in 1896, and the other of St. Gabriel, who gave Emperor Selassie his victory against Ras Michal, father of the rebel Lij Eyassu, in 1916. Abyssinian warriors assert that they saw St. George riding a white horse at Adowa, leading Menelik’s hosts to the conquest thus repeating the Roman legend of Castor and Pollux at the battle of Lake Regillus. They declare that St. George and St. Gabriel are more than a match for Signor Mussolini.

Two Italian ’Planes Brought Down in Ogaden Received 3.15 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Nov. (3. The only news from Ogaden is Dedjazmatch Afework’s wireless report from Gorahai that only seven Abyssinians were wounded in the Italian attack on November 2. Survivors of the capture of Takerekatama have heen reorganised into new units. The officer commanding the western Ogaden front recommended several chiefs for decorations for bravery. He adds that the Italians strongly attacked with tanks and planes. The garrison resisted to the last round. A Somali chieftain did ferocious execution with his sword and rifle, and ordered his followers to retreat when the ammunition Avas exhausted, Avhich was methodically executed. All four occupants of one Italian aeroplane shot down Avere immediately killed. Another plane charged Avith bombs was bloAvn to pieces upon striking the ground. Many of the garrison Avere injured in the explosion.

An Italian air reconnaissance discloses intense Abyssinian activity in Shibeli Village, 30 miles north-east of Walwal, where Ras Nasibu is building strong defences to impede the Italian thrust.

Emperor Selassie has promoted a Mohammedan general, Omar S'amater, to be leader of the Abyssinians. Samater deserted the Italian army in Somaliland after killing an officer. He then formed his own Somali army. An Asmar correspondent says that the vanguard of the Italian Askar is south-west of Hauzen went to the mouth of a cavern, in which 200 Abyssinians had taken refuge and demanded their surrender, but the Abyssinians rushed forth and hurled themselves on the Italians. In a savage hand-to-hand struggle two Italian officers, two non-commissioned officers and two Askaris were killed. The Abyssinians lost heavily.