NATIONAL EVENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 285, 30 October 1933, Page 7

NATIONAL EVENTS.

CELEBRATIONS IN ITALY. SPEECH bYtHE DUCE. LONDON, Oct. 28. Europe is celebrating three important anniversaries—the march of the Black Shirts on Rome, the independence of Czechoslovakia, and the foundation of the Turkish Republic. “Italy must lead the world in the air, on land, and in the realm, of the spirit,” declared Signor Mussolini from the balcony of the Plazzo Venetia at the climax of a glittering march of 16,000 war veterans and Black Shirts celebrating the eleventh anniversary of the Fascist march on Rome, inaugurating the “Imperial Way” Signor Mussolini has reconstructed through the historic city of the Ceasars on which the Roman, soldiers inarched 2000 years ago. As Fascist Eagles and other emblems were dipped under the ancient arch of Constantine, newly revealed by the excavations, cheering thousands were impressed by the spectacle of the revival of the ancient triumphant march of the legions, which was heightened by the presence of the King taking the salute for the _ first time in the anniversary celebrations. The whole of Italy is on holiday. Bands are playing in the squares, and bonfires blazed on the peaks of the Alps and Appennines throughout the night. A huge works programme involving 40 million sterling was inaugurated among the day’s celebrations. Signor Mussolini’s message to the people challenges democracy and party government. He says the old doctrines are capitulating everywhere. The newspapers print maps showing that Fascism has crossed the frontiers of Italy. Germany and Austria are coloured grey, and a grey arrow points questioningly toward Britain. TURKISH ANNIVERSARY. COLOURFUL SCENES. ANGORA, Oct. 28. The Soviet is presenting Turkey with five fighting aeroplanes in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the republic, which Turkey is celebrating with a three days’ holiday. The arrangements reflect the striking testimony, of the reforms instituted. Kemal Pasha takes the salute at a mammoth parade of soldiers, sailors, police, Boy Scouts and students, on the Angora racecourse. Houses throughout the country are glowing with illuminations. A national anthem specially written for the occasion extols Kemal’s leadership, and medals bearing his head are selling at 6d. An official summary of national progress shows that a £48,000,000 unfavourable trade balance in 1926 was converted into a £15,400,000 favourable balance in 1932. Turkey is connected with thirty-two countries by air mail. The numerous international guests include M. Vorosliiloff, who arrived escorted by Soviet cruisers. The British Government has sent a congratulatory message to Kemal Pasha.