AMUSINNG HOAX

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 55, 7 March 1946, Page 8

AMUSINNG HOAX

CUBAN BASEBALL CROWD A FALSE MR. CHURCHILL While Mr. Winston Churchill was quietly enjoying the sunshine at a private beach a few miles away an amusing incident occurred at a stadium on the outskirts of Havana, where 30,000 spectators were watching a game of baseball, reports the Havana correspondent of the “Times” of London. Word was passed through the crowd that Mr. Churchill was among the spectators. Immediately all interest in the game ceased and there was great clapping and cheering as a man was seen in a box high ’n the stands, smoking a large cigar and making the V sign. Even the officials of the stadium were deceived, and the loud-speaker announced: “Ladies and gentlemen, we have among us this afternoon Mr. Winston Churchill.”

Play was stopped immediately, and the police guarding the field rushed up to the stands, followed by press photographers, while the crowd continued cheering. A broadcaster who was describing the game having announced (hat Mr. Churchill was present, more reporters and photographed’ rushed out from their officers to the stadium. Meanwhile the man in the box continued shaking hands and signing autographs for some time before it was realised that he was hot Mr. Churchill, but a practical joker taking advantage of a physical resemblance to him and assuming an appropriate dress. Cuban crowds are good-humoured, and this one showed no resentment at having been hoaxed.