THE NAVAL HOAX.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13710, 18 April 1910, Page 7

THE NAVAL HOAX.

BOGUS PRINCES PUNISHED.

United Press Aseociation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

LONDON,' ApriI .14,

The "Daily Express" states that a number of young naval officers have been identified as the authors of what -is "known as the "Abyssinian Hoax." One was compelled to apologise to the Commander-in-Chief, two of the hoaxers submitted to a caning, and a fourth, who is ill, and the girl, were pardoned.

According to the published details of the Gilbertian incident known as the "Abyssinian Hoax," a telegram, sent ostensibly from the Foreign Office, was received on board the T>re_nought off Portland. It announced tbat Prince Makaliu and suite would arrive that afternoon, orid were to be treated with, every attention. A steam pinnace conveyed two "Abyssinian princes," an attache and an interpreter to the flagship. During them inspection of the ship the visitore were by no means voluble, contenting themselves with murmuring "Bunga! Bunga!' : which the interpreter explained-meant, "Isn't it lovely?" The impudent hoax was cerried through to « triumphant conclusion. Tli© perpetrators displayed great attention to detail, and after spending a fortnight in, their preparations, invoked the aid of a well-known theatrical costumier to supply correct Oriental clothing and other necessary made-up. A sky-blue robe, beautifully embroidered', "was made for the lady of the party, and the men were provided with equally gorgeous attiro. Black woolly >w%b were worn by the men, the lady's hair was concealed beneath a magnificent turban, and the faces and hands of the party were stained an arjpropxiate hue. The lady, who was dressed in male attire, dubbed herself Prince Mendax, The leader of. the party made his preparations regardless of expense,, and actually purchased £500 worth of genuine precious,/ stones to complete the outfit. He also insisted on absolute accuracy in make-up.