Random reminder

Press, 9 March 1984, Page 26

Random reminder

EXPOSURE We swear that this is the truth. There are some things which beggar explanation. But as the summer weather imgoved, anything can happen in SouthIt all started with the 1975 annual meeting of the Sanders Cup, in Auckland. With a lot of fast talking and persuasion (some of it liquid) it was generally agreed that the 1976 Sanders Cup be held on Lake Te Anau by the Marakura Yacht Club. Once the excitement had died down in the Marakura club rooms, the locals set about raising money for the contest A gentleman of heroic proportions (even by Te Anau standards) — known hereafter as “Heck” because his attitude seemed to be governed by the phrase “what the heck” — had an idea, why not bet the blokes in the Working Man’s Club that he could swim in the middle of winter from the yacht dub to the pub. If they lost the money would go to the Sanders Cup contest The distance is about 400 metres. Only a polar bear would try to paddle in Lake Te Anau in the middle of winter, let alone swim that far. There was no shortage of people queuing up to take Heck’s money. At the appointed hour, a fair crowd assembled to see Heck lose his money or die of exposure. But then along came Heck in a wet suit, sitting in a bath of lake water tied on the tray of a truck, which duly drove by road from the yacht club to the pub while Heck pretended to swim in it A bet is a bet and the gamblers paid up, but they were not happy. The

mutterings of discontent grew daily louder. Finally Heck realised if he was going to stay in Te Anau he would have to pay back the money or do something else. He proposed a compromise. The following Saturday he would stand up to his neck in the lake for 15 minutes; for S minute after that each punter have to put up another |3 for the Sanders Cup Fund. They thought about it, and then agreed. All went well until Heck’s wife found out She was less than keen about becoming a widow, so to appease her anger (or to finance her widowhood) he agreed to pay her $3 too for every minute he stayed in after 15 minutes. Next day, a big but hushed crowd gathered to watch Heck take his medicine. Minutes ticked by until the 15 was reached. But the cold can make people behave strangely and Heck seemed reluctant to leave the water — saying he would try for 30 minutes. By the time 20 minutes had passed, Heck had gone a light blue colour with purple patdies, and conversation on shore was disconcerted by his chattering teeth. His audience became anxious. Club members and bettors alike began urging him to come out, and after 21 minutes he tottered from the lake. The Sanders Cup Fund was well and truly launched. Then came the bit about which we have doubts. His wife is reported to have sprung from the crowd and pointed an accusing finger at him, crying: “Where do you think you’re are going, Heck. Get back in that water. I haven’t got enough money for a new dress yet”