A GIGANTIC HOAX.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10638, 14 April 1906, Page 2 (Supplement)

A GIGANTIC HOAX.

TOKIO THROWN INTO A PANIC OF TERROR, TOKIO, March 1. Prince Arthur of Connaught, in popular superstition, has come to Japan at an unfortunate time, tliis, under the old calendar, being the "year of the kicking horse," when disaster innumerable are to overtake the laud. Already there have been several great fires. Ou Friday night tliere was un earthquake, but only a, siight one. Next mornuig a more se. vera shock was felt, and several buildings collapsed, but ouly two people were wounded; This quick succession of shocks set the whole city on its nerves. For some time past it has been learned that th© professors were prophesying that sooner or later Tokio would be largely destroyed by an earthquake or tidal wave, and ttiey pointed out that it was now Japan's turn in the cycle, of events. These statements are not forgotten, and consequently the minds of the two million residents were ready to receive any rumor. On Saturday the whole imputation of the city, including the Emperor and Prince Arthur, were made the victims of an elaborate hoax. Some people representing themselves n_ the Central Observatory telephoned in till directions that between two and three iu the afcernoon, or the same hours next morning, terrible shocks, involving the demolition of Tokio, would occur, adding, "Be ready." Within a few minutes the whole telephone system of the city was going. The newspaper offices were besieged by inquirers; people warned their friends and relatives ; the Observatory was invaded by an anxious tluong asking exactly what time they might exjwet the crash of doom. ALARM OF MIKADO AND PRINCE ARTHUR OF CONNAUGHT. The report soon reached his Majesty, who was alarmed until he had sent a special messenger to ascertain the facts. Meanwhile Prince 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 beiug rendered when the Master of the Ceremonies of the Imperial Household received a mysterious and ominous message. He communicated it to the British Ambassador, who proceeded to the platform and whispered to Professor ICunker, the director, to hurry through as a, terrible disaster was about to happen. Iu order to avoid a panic it was decided* to conclude tiie first part of tlie concert as soon as possible. Some Russian and Bohemian choruses were given. In the meantime only Sir Claude Macdonald, and Professor Kunker* knew of the impending fate of the city. Then Prince Arthur quietly left, tlie rest of the company following, and the second part of the programme was left unrendered. The whole affair was splendidly managed, and only a few people were aware of the reason. TERROR IN THE HOUSE OF , COMMONS. Wliile this was proceeding the city was terrified. The awfui prognostication was announced by the Speaker to the House

of Commons,' which was sitting, at the time. Immediately all fires were extinguished, and the members of the House in tho confusion seized the wiofig hats and rushed into the open spaces. Tlie same thing happened at the conferences which 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 th,; street un tramcaif until

the vehicles stopped. Then, seeking the safest 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 valu.

able furniture wus carried out into the garden ; many of tlie tea-houses refused guests, and the geisha declined fo dance Although extra editions of the newsl paper s weie issued containing an authori tative statement to the effect that, while it is always necessary to be ready, there 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 the history of practical jokes. - Much indignation exists, and it was suggested that tlie report, was put about to facilitate the work of burglare. "