University Students Kidnap Test Match Commentator

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28987, 31 August 1959, Page 13

University Students Kidnap Test Match Commentator

Five University of Canterbury students who carefully engineered the kidnapping of Mr Winston McCarthy from his hotel on Saturday morning are now worried whether the original purpose of the plan—the obtaining of £lOO ransom monev for the hospital chapels’ appeal—will be attained. Mr McCarthy paid £2 2s "bail ■money” to be taken back to the city in time for him to broadcast the third test, and the sudentsconsider that this is only a bond to ensure that the Canterbury Rugby Union will pay the ransom for getting Mr McCarthy back in time.

It all started when the five science students, 1 Campbell. R. Scott, P. Andrews. M. Stadnyk and D. Palmer. heard that Mr McCarthy had not missed a test for years. Their plan was simple. One of them rang the football commentator and explained that he was a doctor and had a patient who would like to meet Mr McCarthy before the game. Mr McCarthy readily agreed to this and was picked up from his hotel about 10 a.m.

Although he did not realise it at the time, the kidnapping car had the door handles removed from the inside so that the victim could not escape. If he made any fuss, it was planned that the kidnappers would wave university scarves and shout loudly to give the impression that the group was celebrating.

A second car was stationed behind the kidnapping car to stall accidentally in front of any pursuing police cars. It was not until the party had driven out past Burwood Hospital that Mr McCarthy began to realise that something was wrong. When the plot was explained to him he said: “You can’t do this to me. The people of New Zealand are

expecting me." according to the students. "He was stunned, and remained silent for at least 10 minutes." one of the students said last night. Later the party started to talk football and continued to do so until Mr McCarthy was returned to his hotel. The car cruised around North Canterbury with Mr McCarthy. He was quite amiable and joined his captors for a cup of tea at one stopping place. As match time drew closer Mr McCarthy became desperate and offered, the students the “bail monev.” This was agreed on and

he was returned to his hotel soon after 1 p.m.