RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32301, 20 May 1970, Page 21

RANDOM REMINDER

RUNNING RINGS

We had occasion to attend recently a variety concert presented by staff and pupils of a Christchurch secondary school, and while there was much to admire in the virtuosity of some of the students, there was no mistaking the fact that as far as the audience was concerned, the principal reason for attending-was the masters’ play. This sketch, which naturally brought to surface a whole host of school personalities and school traditional jokes, was based on a “medico Olympics” in which the New Zealand team of four was shown competing in the final of the heart transplant event It was all very bright

leaving the subject of a set question, but without actually answering it Some very sophisticated electronic timing devices would be required to help the judges in the trade unions’ international championship for the swiftest to hold a stopwork meeting. New Zealand bus drivers might not be eligible, because of a ban on professionalism. Beer drinking, slaloms for cyclists, lake level lowering, and subdivision of park lands with motorways are other activities in which we could show we excel. They don’t play Rugby at the present Olympics, because we would win. Its about time we had a Fair Go.

and amusing, but we have since wondered whether this frivolous little fantasy might not have held in it a suggestion for a possible outlet for the New Zealanders’ competitive instinct. Internationally, we are renowned in sport for Rugby football and not much else. But all over the world, queer contests are being staged and attracting attention; should we not bend our efforts towards giving our country a chance to show the way in international competition? Some of our more experienced politicians could put up a splendid showing in an Oral Olympics, with the competitors being required to speak as long as possible without