The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1935. A COVETED PRIZE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12951, 16 May 1935, Page 4

The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1935. A COVETED PRIZE.

j-ew territories in the world are as impregnable as Abyssinia, and few as coveted. That is understandable when we realise the potential wealth of this rock-bound stronghold surrounded by its - sandy deserts and having as its centre a high plateau of fertile plains, precipitous valleys and mountain ranges. It is a land of undeveloped wealth upon which, for- centuries, covetous eyes Tiave been east. Mohammedan hordes, on isolated occasions have invaded the fastnesses but the ruling tribes have never yielded their independence, have never submitted to foreign influence. More than any other Power Italy has very good reason to know the difficulties of a. campaign in this inaccessible country and the inevitable loss of life attendant upon any and every sortie into the rugged hills of the neighbouring state. It seems that the spirit of Ethiopia is unconquerable. Leading into the heart of the country there are practically no roads, only caravan tracks and no villages of any size. Even water is scarce in parts of this hostile country. But no one can dispute its wealth. ’There are deposits of gold, silver, platinum, iron, manganese, lead and tin to an extent never yet fully determined. No foreign prospector is allowed to explore this underground wealth. Only sheer force will ever prize open this treasure chest. Is it any wonder that Italy has designs upon little Abyssinia? Is it- any wonder that Signor Mussolini bridles under the hint of the mildest interference, from any other foreign nation? Abyssinia he regards as his own pet prize and no war dog has ever snarled louder at the appjioach of others who may hope to snatch this very meaty hone.