FALSE RUMOURS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 December 1942, Page 4

FALSE RUMOURS

STILL BEING SPREAD INSTANCE GIVEN BY PRIME MINISTER, POLICE TO TAKE ACTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. It seemed necessary once more to warn the public against rumours and rumour-mongers, the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) declared today. “There seems to have been a recurrence of this kind of thing,” Mr Fraser said, “and I am astonished that people can be ready to believe and spread all kinds of absurd stories. “One such talc in particular, which seems to be widely current just now. related to the alleged sinking, with heavy loss of life, of a certain ship. The story is absolutely without foundation, and those who assist in spreading this and similar rumours should realise, not only that they may do great harm, but also they assist in causing quite unnecessary distress to others. Whoever' passes on a rumour, whether through thoughtlessness or mischief, is deserving of severe punishment, and the police have been given strict instructions to take action in any case that comes to their notice.” Mr Fraser appealed to the public to do their utmost to stop such rumours, and added that whenever a ship was lost the next of kin of all on. board were advised immediately, and they should pay no attention to any other story.