Canadian Capers

Press, 7 August 1978, Page 6

Canadian Capers

From

LES BLOXHAM,

VI, in Edmonton

Games organisers appear to have been caught short of a few New Zealand ensigns. Although the Australian flag fluttered from at least six of the 80 masts around the perimeter of the stadium on opening day, the New Zealand ensign was missing. Even the smallest of African nations had their colours displayed from more than one masthead. However, the New Zealand flag can be seen in one prominent position — alongside the Canadian and Australian flags above the stadium scoreboard.

The best-kept secret of the opening ceremony was that the “Antiguan” team in the march past was not really the team from Antigua. The 10-member team was delayed in New York by an air strike and volunteers were hastily assembled to take their place. “It was a great experience,” said Monica Lipscombe, one of the volunteers, “but I wish I knew where Antigua is . . .” ❖ V V

The hot Edmonton afternoon proved too much for some of the woman team members from New Zealand. Immediately after the march past they kicked' off their shoes and stood in their stockinged feet for the rest of the ceremony. # *

Two of the more elderly women in “The Press” Games supporters’ group caused a few raised eyebrows when they returned to

their Edmonton hotel in the back of a police car on opening day. The Mounties escorted the Christchurch women back from the stadium after one fainted in the heat. Their 10-minute homeward ride was quicker and more comfortable than their 90-minute journey to the stadium by taxi, bus, and train as 42,000 people converged for the opening. * * «

Advance knowledge of Alberta’s worsening beer drought enabled two Christchurch men each to pack half a dozen cans of New Zealand brew into their cases before leaving home. Two days and 11,000 km later they celebrated their arrival in Edmonton by draining four of the cans. The rest was given to the hotel receptionist to keep in cold storage for a day of need. The receptionist passed them to the bellboy, and the bellboy dutifully placed them in the bar refrigerator. At lunch the next day, four Australians were pleasantly surprised when the hostess said she could fulfill their order for beer. The first round disappeared with undignified haste. A second round was ordered and met. The Aussies called for a third.

“I’m sorry.” the hostess replied in all innocence. “I could only find eight cans.” Last night the hotel staff were drawing straws to determine who would tel! the New Zealanders the fate of their precious commodity.