A KHEDIVE'S GUEST.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 20 June 1917, Page 3

A KHEDIVE'S GUEST.

Trooper Clutha Mackenzie (avlio A\as bluided "a-ik.f'.yiV.iuoli', lias had the unique experience of dining the Sultan of Egypt. He may, perhaps, vdaim to be the only Ncav Zealander who has had the honour. Speaking in Wellington, at the Y.W.C.A. rooms, he said that when he received the invitation he had just returned from a long march into the desert and did not feel that he was in quite a fit state to meet the iSultan. HoAvever. he accepted the invitation, and proceeded to the palace. On his arrival there the guards, who were lined up outside, presented arms, and he felt highly honoured. Inside he Avas subjected to a 'brush doAvn' by servants, and was then led into a hall where most of the "big" men of Egypt were assembled. After some waiting everybody was ushered into an anteroom and received by the Sultan. Dinner, which consisted of countless,dishes was served, and was followed' by a short social chat between guests. On departing from the Sultan's room, each guest was expected to bow several times and back out ut r the room, keeping his face towards the Sultan the whole time. "It was in this way," said Trooper Mackenzie, "that I met

with misfortune. While backing out of the room I lost my bearings, and, in-

stead of going through the door, banged into the Avail,. I felt very uncomfortable, so, to avoid further mistakes

I stood up and left the room in the ordinary way."' (Laughter.)