THE CUP FEVER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22114, 18 November 1933, Page 20

THE CUP FEVER

AUSTRALIA’S ATTACK AMAZING SCENES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, November 0. Australia this year had a particularly bad attack of cup fever. lntcrest_in that great sporting event, the Melbourne Cup, is always pronounced, but this year there was a pre-war flavour about the discussions, and about the investments as well. Those who hold in abhorrence all forms of gambling held up their hands in protest —in vain protest, be it said —but others said it was yet another sign of the nation’s recovery. To those of the more tolerant school of thought, the amazing interest aroused in the cup was an indication that money was more plentiful—that the people as a whole were now able to sit up and take notice, as it were.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Melbourne Cup is the attraction it has for those who are not in the least interested in racehorses at any other time of the year. The country is flooded with sweeps large and small, and although they are illegal no one for one moment would imagine the police, taking any steps to stop them. In every office, in every factory, in every place where men and women gather, there are sweeps. In one huge building in Sydney, where there are 500 employees, it was estimated that more than £4OO changed hands on the result of the cup, yet no one could have lost more than a few shillings. In these circumstances, is it any wonder that the Melbourne Cup should arouse the interest it does—that it should become a national event in the true sense of that term? It would be no exaggeration to say that in Sydney the wheels of industry ceased for at least 10 minutes until Hie result of the great race was known. Employers were just as much interested as their staffs,, so there was no rigid adherence to discipline. The cup, for the time being, seemed to be the only thing that mattered. Even the city courts were adjourned by th i magistrates who retired that they might listen to the nearest loud speaker while the description was being broadcast. Buyers at the wool sales became magically hushed while the result was awaited. In the suburbs the bakers waited at the homes equipped with wireless so that they could hear the glad or sad tidings with as little delay as possible. In the city proper there were amazing scenes as crowds gathered outside the wireless shops and listened intently. The rules of traffic were ignored, and the police, so active at other times, were content that it should he so. Discussions and rumours featured by the press for a month or more before the race undoubtedly whetted the public appetite. There was the usual pre-cup story last week about attempts to maim the favourite, and of the armed guard that was stationed at the stable every night. Then came the fateful decision of one owner after another to scratch horses that had been well supported. The greatest shock of all was a statement as late as Saturday night last that the great three-year-old, and eventual winner, Hall Mark, was suffering from an injured heel, and might not start. The owner warned the public not to back Hall Mark until a decision was made, and almost dramatically announced that his verdict would be broadcast throughout the network of the national stations on the morning of the race. This was done, and there was a sigh of relief in many quarters when it was known that the winner of two Derbies would take his place in the field. How he won is a matter of history. Thousands of pounds were lost and won—to the >ll- - of the bookmakers.

The scenes in Sydney were but a replica of what was taking place all over Australia. In Melbourne, of course, it was a public holiday. It always is. The wireless took the place of the telegraph and flashed the news to every corner, and it is probable that more than 3,000,000 people listened. The race is over, and so Australia settles down to a normal life to bo. awakened again in 12 months’ lime. The minor turf events that come in between will interest but a small proportion of those who waited for the result of this year’s Melbourne Cup.