STARTLING NEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1815, 18 April 1918, Page 3

STARTLING NEWS.

PALMERSTON PROSTRATE. This is how the Feilding Star humorously deals with the scratching of Biplane at yesterday’s race meeting: — “It was Palmerston that got the news. At first it was not believed. The people simply refused to believe it. Then, Avhen.it was beyond doubt true, frozdn consternation seized the people. Only the most hardy constitutions were able to recover under the blow. These expressed themselves so deeply that the sound of their voices seemed to come through their hoots. The Times thundered. Something must be done. “The neAVs spread like Avildfire. From all parts of the Dominion came reports of the staggering effect of the blow. Premier Massey Avas prostrated. Sir Joseph Ward avus so completely overcome that he had not strength sufficient to close the loan. Even overseas tho effect was felt. Premier Hughes is reported to have bounced right over to America. Charlie Chaplin, Avho avus in Ncav York, being measured for a pair of boots, Avas so affected that he immediately enlisted. On being informed at Washington, President Wilson undertook to once more speed up the American preparations for war.'

To-day reinforcements are pouring into Palmerston from everywhere. Five hundred Australians have arrived. Feikling, amongst other places, has sent its quota. Sir James Carroll is on the spot. It is feared,., however, nothing can be done to retrieve the position. It is too late. The' Germans may have Bailleul, Hazebrouck, Amiens, Calais, or any old ,place. It does not matter. Nothing matters. , BIPLANE HAS BEEN SCRATCHED.”