STAGGERING NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1918, Page 8

STAGGERING NEWS.

PALMERSTON PROSTRATE. Tlic following satirical reference appeared in Wednesdays FeUding Star: It was Palmerston that got the news. At first it was not believed. The people simply refused to believo it. Tll n, when it was beyond doubt true, frozen consternation seized the people. Only the most hardy constitutions v»ere able to' recover under the blow. These expressed themselves so deeply that the sound of their voices seemed to come through their boots. The Times thundered. Something- must be done. The news spread like wildfire. From all parts of the Dominion came reports of the staggering effect of the blow. Premier Massey was prostrated. Sir Joseph Ward was so completely overcome that, he had not strength suflicient to close the loan. Even overseas the effect was felt. Premier Hughes is reported to have bounced right over to America. Cliarliu Chaplin, who was in New York, being measured for a pair of boots, was 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. Vive hundred Australians have arrived- Feililing, amongst other places, has sent its quota. Sir James Carroll is on the spot, it is feaTed, however, nothing can bo done to retrieve the position. It is too bite. The Germans may have Bnilleul. TliuteTliroiick. Amiens, Calais., or any old place. Jt does not matter. Nothing matters. HAS BEEN SCRATCHED.