MELBOURNE CUP DAY

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26264, 8 November 1950, Page 7

MELBOURNE CUP DAY

STREAM OF PLANES TO ESSENDON

(From C. R. MENTIPLAY, Special Correspondent of the N.Z.P.A.)

(Rec. 8 p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 7. Although lowering skies and a crippling transport strike, combined to cast a gloom over Flemington as Melbourne Cup time approached, the fever which accompanies the great event reached its accustomed height throughout Australia and her mandated territories.

At the airports of all capital cities and of many privileged country towns sharing in the bounty of wool cheques, aircraft took off in a steady stream for Essendon.

Among their passengers were men in morning coats and grey toppers, and ladjes whose main concern was to keep their treasured dresses crease free, but as these special aeroplanes were available to anyone who had the fare there were also tradespeople, shearers and average citizens, who wou’d take their chance in the Leger or the paddock. Those who could not make the trip could do nothing but look over their sweep tickets, make a last-minute effort to back their fancy, and "plan their afternoon movements to bring them near a radio at 3 o’clock. Some consternation was felt in Canberra because both Houses were scheduled to sit at that hour. Hurried consultations took place this morning among the political leaders and no hostile voice was raised When it was announced that neither house would resume from the week-end recess until 3.13 p.m. Licensed bookmakers report that “the public appears more than usually racing crazy, and the total amount of money, laid must exceed all records.” The keenness in New South Wales was unmarred by the defection of a big number of starting price bookmakers a fortnight ago after a disastrous day at Rosehill on October 21 when six favourites and two second favourites won. Detectives say that several hundred illegal bookmakers have welshed since that day, which is known as “Black Saturday.” As offcourse betting is illegal, punters have no redress. As usual all business came to a standstill at 3 o’clock, as everyone from managers to junior office boys clustered about radio sets, and trams and buses piled up near strategic loudspeakers in the streets outside.

Because of the running of the Melbourne Cup there was no play in the cricket match M.C.C. v Victoria.