INFLUENCE OF MUSSOLINI

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1930, Page 9

INFLUENCE OF MUSSOLINI

“IMMENSE DRIVING" FORCE.”

NEW ZEALANDER’S TRIBUTE. ’ A high regard for the influence that Muesolini exerts on the destiny of Italy is entertained by Mr. R. J. Gilmour, of Invercargill, chairman of the New Zealand delegation to the Imperial Frees Conference, who returned from London by the Ulimaroa, via Sydney. . Mr. Gilmour was in Rome when the ninth: anniversary of Fascism was celebrated, : and Mussolini made one of Iris “sabre-rattling” speeches. “Whatever may be thought in Europe of Mussolini’s menacing utterances there is’ no doubt that-hia°powerful personality has proved an immense driving force among his own countrymen,” said Mr. Gilmour. “It would be idle to pretend there is no opposition to. him in Italy, but the opposition is afraid to make itself heard and meanwhile he is directing the Italians toward a higher sense of national entity,. toward a . greater industrial and social achievement, and toward loftier ambitions and aspirations.. Italy has undoubtedly made good progress. On the surface, at least, there is no trouble with political dissensions;- and under the. Duce’s firm hand national energies are well organised and well employed.”