A GIGANTIC HOAX.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIX, Issue 8125, 25 April 1906, Page 3

A GIGANTIC HOAX.

1!0KJ0 THROWN INTO A PANIC OF TERROR. TOKIO, March 1. Prinoe Arthur of Connanght, in popular superstition, has come to Japan at an unfortunate time, this, under the old calendar, being the "year of the kicking horse," when disasters innumerable are to overtake the land. Already there have been several great fires. On Friday night there waß an earthquake, but only a slight one. Next morning a moie tevere shock was felt, and several collapsed, but only two people were wounded. This quick succession of shocks */ set the wbolo city on its nerves. For .some time past it has been learned that the professors were prophesying that sooner or Tokio would be largely DESTROYED BY AN EARTHQUAKE or tidal wave, and they pointed put that>t was now Japan's turn in the oycle of events. These statements are nut forgotten, and consequently the minds of the two million residents were ready to receive any rumour. On Saturday the whole population of the city, including the Emperor and Prinoe Arthur, were made the viotims of an elaborate hoax. Some people representing themselves as the Central Observatory telephoned in all directions that between two and three in the afternoon, or the same hours next morning terrible shocks involving THE DEMOLITION OF TOKIO, would ocour, adding, "lie ready." Within a few minutes the whole telpbone system of the city was going. The newspaper offices were besieged by inquiriers; peoplo warned their friends and relatives; the Observatory was invaded by an anxious throng asking exaotly what time they might expect the crash of doom. The report reached bis Majesty, who was alarmed, until he had sent a SDecial messenger to ascertain the facts. Meanwhile p rince Arthur and"his suite, with a brilliant assemblage of the Diplomatic Corps, were attending a concert at the Uyeno Park, where Japanese performers were carrying out a programme of Western music. A trio was being rendered when the Master of tho Ceremonies of the Imperial Household RECEIVED A MYSTERIOUS and ominous message. He communi- ' oated it to the British Ambassador, who proceeded to the platform and whispered to Professor Kunker, the director, to hurry through as a terrible disaster was about to happen. In order to avoid a panio it was decided to conclnde the first part of the concert as soon as possible. Some Russian and Bohemian ohoruses were given. In the meantime only Sir Claude Macdonald and Professor Kuuker knew of the impending fate of the city. Then Prince Arthur quietly left, the rest of the company following, and the seaond part of the programme WBS left uniendered. The whole affair WAS SLPENDIDLY MANAGED, and only a few people were aware of the reason. WbiJe this was proceedng the oity was terrified. The awful prognostication was announced by the Speaker to the House of Commons, wbiob was sitting at the time. Immediately all fires were extinguished and the members of tho House in the confujion seized the wrong hats and rushed into the open spaces! The same thing happened at the conferwhich were taking place of the great political parties. Merchants left their shops and went into the streets; some people PACKED UP THEIR VALUABLES and prepared to fly: others ran from their dwellings and rode about the street on trauicars until the vehicles stooped. Then, seeking the safeßt places for the night, watches were organised, and a good many people slept in the open air in- the Hibiya Park. Professors ceased lecturing; employees were ordered to leave the factories; from the Finance' Minister's residence all the valuable furniture was carried out into the garden; many of the teahouses refused guests, and the geisha declined to dance. Although extra editions/ of tho newspapers, were issued containing an authoritative statement to the effect that, while it is always necessary to be ready, therp was nothing scientifically to warrant the report, it was not till the city awoke on Sunday that it was realised that the WHOLE SCARE WAS A HOAX of a magnitude quite unprecedented in tho history of practical jokes. Much indignation exists, and it was suggested that the report was put about to facilitate the work of burglars.