ARDENT FASCIST

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 671, 24 May 1929, Page 11

ARDENT FASCIST

NEW ITALIAN CONSUL FIRST VISIT TO AUCKLAND IDEALS OF MUSSOLINI A neat little emblem worn by Cav. Dr. J. Formichella denotes the ardent and enthusiastic follower of Mussolini. Cav. Formichella is the recentlyappointed Consul for Italy for New Zealand and the; South Seas. He arrived in Auckland from Wellington this morning on his first visit.to this city. “Fascism is the spirit of Italy—it is no longer such a small thing as a ‘movement,’ ” said the Consul this morning. Though he is oniy 29 years of age Cav. Formichella has seen considerable service with the Italian Consulate in various parts of the world, and has been attached to the Foreign Office in Rome on important diplomatic business. He was born at Capua, and later studied at the University of Naples and the University of Florence, where he took his degrees of Doctor of Law and Doctor of Social Science. From his boyhood the new Consul was trained for the diplomatic service, and is the first member of the Italian Diplomatic Corps to be appointed to the Consulate in New Zealand. Cav. Formichella’s first appointment was vice-consul for Albania, with headquarters at Scutari. From there he was recalled to Rome to service in the Foreign Office. After serving there for a year he was apiioqited to New York and then promoted to Consul for New Zealand with headquarters in Wellington. The badge worn by the Consul means that he is a member of the Fascist Party in Borne. “Yes, we are most enthusiastic about Mussolini,” be said. “He has done wonderful things for Italy which, but for him, wotiid have suffered a revolution.” “What will happen when Mussolini dies?” the Consul was asked. “There are plenty of capable leaders now,” he assured his questioner. “The whole of the Italian nation is Fascist, which is now the name of the feeling which pervades the whole country. “Yes, we will inculcate the spirit of Fascism in the Italians in New Zealand,” continued the Consul. "Mussolini’s ideals make for lawabiding citizens.” Cav Formichella, in explaining Mussolini’s ideals, said that tile idea of Fascism was to create good citizens, to respect people and the laws of the country in which they lived, and to leave a good example of cleanliving and exemplary behaviour. The ideals of Fascism also tended to strengthen the friendship between Italy and the country in which Italians were living. Many reports which emanated from Italy did not give the true state of affairs, said the Consul. Any news items had to be sent through the London newspaper offices and similarly any news from New Zealand, and there was only very, very little ot this, had to go to the Italian papers via London. Cav. Formichella confessed that he did not know a vew great deal about New Zealand before he left Italy, but since he had arrived here the country and the people had fascinated him. "I think it is a marvellous place and everyone has been very kind to us. Both my wife and I hope that we are able to stay here for a long time.” Donna Formichella. who is with her husband, has already made lots of friends in New Zeauand. But then that is the prerogative of this very charming woman. Today Cav. and Donna Formichella were busy visiting various parts of Auckland and meeting their countrymen. They will be officially welcomed later by the Italian community here.