SPANISH MAJESTIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 21 November 1923, Page 5

SPANISH MAJESTIES

VISIT TO. ROME

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z., Cable Association

ROME, Nov. 20. King Alfonso and Queen Victoria-' and suite drove to the Vatican in motor'Cars. The Pope, wishing the highest honours to their| Catholic Majesties, desired that they come in tho ancient go r&eOUs: Papa i gala carriages with picturesque coachmen and outriders; but experts found the coaches so long unused that they had fallen into disrepair. The Pope urged repair, but it was discovered 'that the cost was prohibitive Even in . the Vatican the economy axe is used nowadays, owing to the decline in revenue due to the- collapse in exenanges and general depression. Nevertheless the procession was an attractive 1 ' spectacle through decorated and crowded streets Hooded with sunshine. ‘ : '

The Spanish Majesties were received at the Vatican with old-time ceremonial and remained with the Pope nearly three hours and afterwards with M. Gasparri for half an hour.

King Alfonso last night had a conference with Signor Mussolini for an hour. King Alfonso' presenting General De Rivers to ah Italian general said: “Here is my Mussolini. You have accomplished your work. We are beginning ours.” A stoim prevented a successful meeting of the Italian and.Snapish fleets on the high' seai. . Two Spanish and a submarine ■ for : a- long' time were miss* "’no- and a submarine which was damaged had to be towed. An -Italian sailor: was washed overboard from a destroyer.