A NEW ALBANIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 103, 1 April 1929, Page 3

A NEW ALBANIA.

" BATHTUBS AND PHONES. DAGGERS UNFASHIONABLE. Bathtubs are making their first appearance in Albania’s capital, along with electric lights and telephones. A trolley line has been projected and a modern hotel and a new hospital are being erected. These changes are part of the preparations for the coronation of King Zogu, an event which has now been set for April. In its effort to get ready to entertain adequately the representatives of foreign Governments who are expected for the coronation, the Government is constructing a new royal residence and many other buildings and is rebuilding an old narrow gauge military railway which was first laid down by the Austrians. This road, running from Tirana, to the poit of Durrazo, is the only rail line in the country. The westernising process has been extended to other things than roads and buildings. Formerly Albanians were afraid to venture on the streets after dark unless they were well equipped with daggers and a full complement of firearms. Now they go about armed only with canes or umbrellas. The coronation proper is to take place at Kruya, and Italian army engineers are constructing a new macadamised road so that Zogu and his court may ride over it in state to the coronation place. Kruya in olden times was Croia, or <f the White f*— le.” It was the stronghold of

Scanderberg, the fourteenth century Albian leader who made himself the all-time national hero by his victories over the Turks. The town is built on a mountainous spur of rock, which rises COO feet above the plain on three sides. King Zogu lias already had a new throne erected in the present twostorey palace. It is simple in design, but its of solid mahogany. A set of Louis XV furniture had also been installed in the royal residence.