IN PALESTINE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1929, Page 5

IN PALESTINE

VOICES OF PROPHETS!

LATEST FROM PALESTINE

United Press Association—By Eleev**** Telegraph—Copy right).

JERUSALEM, Sept. 23

The Arabs residing in the Hebron neighbourhood are abjectly terrified as the result of ghostly voices that are coming from the Cave MacPelah. where tradition ascribes Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as having been burned.

Before sunset, it is declared, there is low moaning and wailing till darkness. Then there are cries of “Why have niv children been slaughtered, Sons of Islimael ? Why have ye dishonoured the Father’s name?’’ There ajlso are subterranean women’s voices heard saying, “Why have ye shed innocent blood? Why have ye no pity?’’ The Arabs are trying to discover means of calming the troubled spirits.

ARABS’ FEAR.

OF POISONED SWEETS

POLICE MAJOR’S ACTION.

(Received this day at noon.) JERUSALEM, September 23,

Crowds of Arabs trooped from the office of Major Harrington, Deputy Superintendent of Palestine police, shouting “ Maashallah ” (wonderful).

The visit was the outcome of wildfire rumours that Jews were selling poisoned sweets to Arabs. They took along samples.

“My friends,” said Hnrrington, “do not he silly, look here.” Then getting back into his chair, the Major took the sweets and ate them, one by one. The Arabs watched, dpen-moiithed with fear and astonishment and waited for the Major to die. When nothing happened, loud cries of amazement went forth. They spread the tale of the miracle.

The action prevented what might easily have been another racial outbreak.