THE KING OF MONTENEGRO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1659, 9 January 1917, Page 4

THE KING OF MONTENEGRO.

The visit of the King of Montenegro to the British front on the Somme early last month is described by Mr Percival Gibbon. Old now, his tiny kingdom over-run by his big and gluttonous neighbour, Nicho-; las, of the Black Mountain, preserves still that tine loftiness of demeanour which was his in the days when he administered justice in person before his palace in Cettinge. The title “majesty” is something more than a courtly convention when applied to him; the habit of power and Royal precedence is in his every gesture and tone; and the tall old warrior-chieftain, grizzled, with his eagle-beak and still black eyes, wearing the costume which his mountaineers have made glorious as a uniform, is not a figure that could pass unremarked anywhere. The King was greatly impressed by what be saw of the great organisation of power —the unbelievable guns, the spate of munitions which flows towards the butteries, the vast accumulation of magnificent manhood. The time at his disposal was short, but to all with whom he came into contact he expressed his wonder and his admiration of the great effort which is still growing upon the Somme. Before leaving, His Majesty utilised his last moments in the war zone in a manner which those who know him best describe as entirely characteristic of him. He inquired for the church. There was one nearby, and thither the old King went to offer up prayers for the success of the British arms.