CUP FEVER HIGH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27541, 8 November 1950, Page 7

CUP FEVER HIGH

Transport Strike Has Little Effect From C. R. Mentiplay, NZPA Special Correspondent Rec. 6.50 p.m. SYDNEY, Nov. 7. Although lowering skies and a crippling transport strike combined to cast gloom over Flemington, as Melbourne Cup time approached the fever which accompanies the great event reached its accustomed height throughout Australia and her mandated territories. At the airports of all the capital cities and of many privileged country towns sharing in the bounty of wool cheques planes took off in a steady stream for Essendon. Among their passengers were immaculate gentlemen in morning coats and grey toppers and ladies whose main concern was to keep their treasured dresses crease free. But as these special planes were available to anyone who had the fare there was also a leavening of tradespeople, shearers, and average citizens who would take their chance in the Leger or paddock. Those who could not make the trip could do nothing but look over their sweep tickets, make a last-minute effort to back their fancy, and plan their afternoon movements to bring them near a radio at 3 o’clock. Some consternation was felt in Canberra due to the fact that both Houses were scheduled to sit at that hour. Hurried consultations took place this morning among the political leaders, and no hostile voice was raised when it was announced that neither House would resume from the week-end recess until 3.15 p.m. Licensed bookmakers report that the public appears more than usually racing crazy and that the total amount of money laid must exceed all records. As usual, all business came to a standstill at 3 p.m., as everyone from managers to junior office boys clustered about radio sets and trams and buses piled up near strategic loudspeakers in the streets outside.