A SCANDALOUS HOAX.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7644, 22 May 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

A SCANDALOUS HOAX.

The advertising columns of a London theatrical paper were lately made use of for the perpetration of a silly and heartless joke. Shortly before going to press that journal received, accompanied by a postal order for the price of one insertion, the copy for an advertisement worded as follows :— "Wanted, ladies, one hundred for ballet, fifty for chorus, Only experienced persons need apply. Good salaries and expenses when on tour. To commence immediately in London. a. Half salaries rehearsing. Apply any day this week (except Saturday) to Mr. Hawkins, J2, Cleveland Row, St. James's." The request for it 3 insertion was signed "W. Forbes Cape], manager." In the hurry the advertisement was inserted, and the consequence was that on the following day large numbers of laflies of the ballet ana female choristers were seen wending their way towards the residence of Sir Henry Hawkins, who lives at the address in question. The neighbourhood was thrown into a state of wonder and surprise ; and the procession of applicants passing the windows of the clubs iu Pall Mall excited much curiosity among the inmates. It was not until Sir Fcnry Hawkin's butler bad seen and dismissed several hundreds of these shamefully - tricked young ladies that it became known amongst the constantly increasing crowd that the advertisement was a hoax.