A VISIT TO ROME.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18804, 28 November 1932, Page 7

A VISIT TO ROME.

N.Z. HIGH COMMISSIONER. INTERVIEW WITH MUSSOLINI. United Press Assn. —Elen. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Nov. 26. The High Commissioner for New Zealand, Sir Thomas Wilford, returned to London to-day. In an interview about his visit to Signor Mussolini in Rome, Sir Thomas said that he and his daughter Isabel were ushered into the Duce’s audience chamber in the Palazia Venezia through a door 30ft. high. They found -themselves in tlie largest and most magnificent room of its kind he had ever seen. At tlie far end sat Signor Mussolini at a plain desk which, apart from chairs, comprised tlie only furniture. Signor Mussolini was wearing a lounge suit and a black shirt and tie. He greeted the visitors cordially and in excellent English discussed foreign affairs. He expressed tlie hope that Italians in New Zealand wero proving worthy citizens. He was delighted at Sir Thomas’ assurance that many of them were his personal friends. At the conclusion of a 20 minutes’ conversation Signor Mussolini chose a red rose from a number on bis desk and asked Miss Wilford to accept it. Then he arranged for them to Inspect the palace apartments, including tha Fascist council chamber.