The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. TUESDAY, JULY 27, 1943 SAWDUST CAESAR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 93, 27 July 1943, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. TUESDAY, JULY 27, 1943 SAWDUST CAESAR

THE news that electrified the world yesterday told with dramatic suddenness of the resignation of Benito Mussolini as Prime Minister and virtual dictator of Fascist Italy. Once again Italy by this dramatic stroke has joined the ranks of the monarchies and in spite of Badoglio's assurance that the war would be prosecuted, the decapitation of Fascism can mean only one thing—the collapse of the war-regime and the adoption of the saner view which reflects the genuine desire of the Italian people. The final decision of Mussolini to resign from his position at such short notice only serves to reflect the bitter straights into which the country had drifted and the chaotic condition of the: once arrogant party whose doctrine was sufficient ta keep the whole Mediterranean States in a state of continual preparedness. The words of a famous English poet as they were applied to Napoleon over a hundred years ago could well describe the fate of Italy's strong-man, Italy's deliverer, —the great II Duce. They are: —"Fallen, fallen, fallen, fallen, fallen from his high estate." Thus in retrospect we can glimpse him even though a bare twenty-four hours have separated his final official act. Son of a school master, blacksmith, socialist, agitator, revolutionary and finally ruler-Dictator with none to gainsay him. Twenty years ago his 'blackshirts' instituted the famous march on Rome. Twenty years ago his successor, Marshall Badoglio offered to stop the demonstration should his Sovereign command it. Weak and vascillating, King Victor Emmanuel hesitated until it was too late. Mussolini, seized power, won over the masses by sheer force of personality, obtained recognition and overnight became the uncrowned ruler of some 40 million subjects. His fierce energy restored order and fled the chaos into which the country had fallen after the severe strain of the 1914-18 struggle. To his ciedit it must be said that he instituted many useful and promising industrial and agricultural schemes. His colonising plan of Italy's North Africa captured popular imagination. Mussolini in six years despite five attempts on his life brought Jtaly once more to the forefront of the nations of the world. Dreams of imperialism however clouded the outlook of the man who in the guise: of a Saviour, exploited his position in order to attain the ends of his own aggrandisment. The King, became a mere puppet. Having built up his navy and air force, the undefended state of King Zog was selected for first prey. The unoffending Albanians were annexed to the Italian Empire with barely a shot being fired—and the scared Democracies looked on. The next victim was Abyssinia, the conquest of which will be recalled by all who viewed with growing anger, the weak kneed attitude of the British Government of the time. It too was successful and the fame of the man who dared, grew. The Spanish Civil War gave the Duce his next chance to meddle surreptitiously in the thrilling game of international affairs —and still the world winked its eye and heeded not the call of the oppressed peoples. The outbreak of the new European war, found Mussolini sitting on the box seat —not actually involved himself but able to play the contestants one against the other, a pastime he doubtless thoroughly enjoyed until the fall of France. His action on that occasion has served to blacken the whole of his career, for without reason or excuse: his armies poured into prostrate France and openly declared for Hitler. The long tale of the struggle since then is too well known to need any repetition here. Picture him therefore in his solitary confinement, a prey to his own bitter thoughts and the knowledge of what might have been had he not allowed himself to become a prey to his own boundless ambition. Undoubtedly his resignation is but the beginning' of the end of Italy, for it marks the downfall of Fascism whif;h first drove the nation into the conflict. Active Italian participation in the struggle can now be measured by weeks a thing unheard of last month. Will the German collapse be as swift! GREATER CARE NEEDED WHAKATANE district is using some 6 per cent, above the quota of electricity allowed it under the emergency allocation scheme. Such practice must stop, warns the controller and unless it does we have but ourselves to thank should the whole of the power supply be cut off at a moments notice. In accordance with the rationing of power, this town receives 3.2 per cent, increase on the amount used last year. vLast week this figure reached 9 per cent*, and the week before 8 per cent. Following the last warning through this paper the margin of excess was lowered almost to disappearing point. Now it is creeping up again and the P.W.D. warns that the whole of the Eastern Bay will be deprived of all supply unless more care is exercised by consumers. The average person can help considerably by economising in the home, in the office or in the milking shed. Lights, radiators, water heaters and milking machines should all be watched carefully to avoid wastage.

A.T.C Edgecumbe Meeting Attention is drawn to the fact that a meeting of those interested in the Air Training Corps movement will be held at Edgecimibe. (Bell's llall) this evening. The idea is to answer the questions of youths or young men who may be tempted to join up and also to satisfy jiarents as to the objectives of the corps ami the type of training which is given.

The Waimana Welcome Home The Waimana ladies who organised the, Welcome Homes wish to apologise for the over zealous ones who collected contributions from the guests and. to announce that all money so collected has been refunded. They also wish to thank Mr H. Bell for donating the hall on both occasions and also far paying the orchc&tfra for the dance.