SATURDAY

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 27 May 1915, Page 3

SATURDAY

Italy Declares War—Huge Government Majority—Preparations for Action. !j Melbourne, May 21.

Mr Fisher, Prime- Minister, stated in the Federal House of Representatives to-night that he was able to confirm the news that Italy had declared war and definitely ranged herself on the side of the Allies. The announcement was received with cheers.

ROME, May 21.

Thousands assembled in the vicinity of the Chamber. Many business places were closed and the Austrian and German Embassies were strongly guarded.

The Chamber was crowded when Parliament met, 480 deputies, out of a total of 508, being in attendance. Signor Giolitti (exPremier) was the only notable absentee. The Ambassadors of Biitain, Japan, Russia, France, and the United States were present.

The deputies, except forty-five Socialists, applauded ' Gabriel d'Annunzio, the famous author, who was in the gallery.

Remarkable scenes occurred in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. ' Signor Salandra introduced a Bill conferring on the Government extraordinary powers in the event of an outbreak of war. The Chamber of Deputies,appointed a Committee to consider the Bill, and report during the evening.