ATHENS REJOICES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 277, 27 November 1935, Page 7

ATHENS REJOICES

THE KING RETURNS CARRIED SHOULDER HIGH STREETS THRONGED fßy Telegraph—Frees Association—Copyright* ATHENS, Nov. 25. In brilliant sunshine the King landed at Phaleron and drove to the capital in an open car surrounded by cavalry officers. The cavalcade was headed by high officers of the army and navy, including General Kondylis and Prince Paul. The streets were thronged by enormous crowds. Many people spent the niight in cafes and took up positions at dawn. All windows along the route were- sold at high prices. The cortege halted at Hadrian’s Arch, at the boundary of the city, where a civic reception was held. Aeroplanes which flew overhead dropped Royalist flags. The procession proceeded to the cathedral, where the crowd seized the King and carried him shoulder high. A solemn Te Deum followed, after which the King laid a wreath on the tomb of the* Unknown Soldier. He then drove to the palace. Establishment of New Government ' The King has accepted the Government’s formal resignation, proffered by Kondyliis, who deprecates a Coalition Government owing to the strained relations between parties and therefore considers that the Assembly should dissolve. The people are invitsd to hold an election. The King will consult the leaders before deciding on action. A solution nifty be the formation of a service Government with M. Maximos as Prime Minister in order to carry out the elections on the proportional representation system, which might lead to the formation of a wide coalition of all parties. Impressive Landing When King George landed at Phaleron he dropped on his knees, crossed himself and kissed the soil of his native land while massed bands played the National Anthem, ‘‘Son of the Eagle,” which, however, was inaudible in the clamorous cheering. Five whitekilted evzoncs challenged the Royal cavalcade at Hadrian’s Arch, and the King replied: “I am the King of the Hellenes.” whereupon the soldiers fell back. The Mayor handed over the keys ■of the city, and the procession continued according to plan. There was disappointment in many quarters, despite the general jubilation, when it was realised that the Royal proclamations which consigns the past to oblivion, promises equity and justice for all, but does not mention the vital question of an amnesty for the March rebellion. The Greek flag was flown over the office of the Consul for Greece, Mr. Frank Dyer, at •Customhouse Quay, Wellington, yesterday, on the occasion of the return of King George to