MUSSOLINI HONOURED

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1934, Page 14 (Supplement)

MUSSOLINI HONOURED

GREETED LIKE EMPEROR. GREAT FESTIVAL IN MILAN. Signor Mussolini paid his long-awaited visit to Milan a few weeks ago and was greeted like a Roman Emperor. He drove in state through a triumphal arch; over 1,000,000 flags and pennants fluttered greetings to him; over 15,000 peasants in gay native costume passed in procession before him. There was a heavy drizzle throughout the day, but this did not damp the enthusiasm of the loyal Milanese. None worried about the rain—the Duce was here, reviewing the “fruits of the plain.” It was as colourful a sight as ever has been seen. In the gloom of the drizzle more than 1,000,000 Venetian lanterns shone out, warmth and welcome. Signor Mussolini sat on a raised platform, framed like a plough, while the ; procession moved past him. They were preceded by men bearing the banner of Milan and by six heralds, whose trumpets resounded throughout the city. Behind came a procession of 60 carts drawn by long-horned oxen and full of all the produce of North Italy’s rich soil—grapes, cheese, milk, grain, etc. There were also various types of modem machinery used in agriculture.

In the peasant procession were altogether 250 carts. Many of them carried ■ large families, and one bore the proud inscription: “This family has 13 children and the 14th is on the way.” . From the first carriage in the procession hundreds of doves were released. They flew in circles round the Piazza. Each peasant carried a present for the Duce. Bags of rice, wheat, vegetables and gifts of chickens and pigeons were forthcoming as persistently as the rain. All the gifts have been sent to charitable institutions.

The Duce. then passed in review troopS of young Fascists, after which he inspected a series of buildings which have been erected by the Milan municipality and which hold 288 families. They are intended for “citizens who have fallen into poverty, but who are still jealous of their self-respect.” He also opened a new barracks for young Fascists of from 8 to 14, where they will be given military training.