Marking Revolt

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31001, 5 March 1966, Page 5

Marking Revolt

Hungarians in Christchurch will hold celebrations on March 15 to mark the 118th anniversary of the day on which Hungary threw off its Austrian oppressors. On March 13, 3ZB will run a 15-minute programme for the Hungarians which will feature, among other items, excerpts from two of Ferenc Erkel’s operas, and the Rakoczy (Hungarian March) by Berlioz. The bloodless revolution which took place in Budapest on that day in 1848 obtained the freedom of the press for the nation, and a manifesto which gave expression to the wishes of Hungarians for reform. As a result of the uprising the privileges of the nobility were abolishd, all were declared equal before law, the land was declared free, and the right of free worship was accorded to all. The Hungarians’ liberty was short-lived. The Parliament, led by Louis Kossuth, decided to banish the House of Hapsburg which had ruled the nation for three centuries. The Emperor Francis Joseph then entered into an alliance with the Tsar of Russia with the object of reconquering Hungary. In 1849 Russia sent in 200,000 troops reinforced by 60,000 Austrians. After months of resistance the Hungarian Army surrendered on August 13 of that year. The uprising is commemorated under the present Hungarian regime and special stamps are printed to mark the occasion.