ALL AUSTRALIA STOPPED WORK.

Chronicle (Levin), 3 November 1948, Page 7

ALL AUSTRALIA STOPPED WORK.

SYDNEY, Nov. 2. A breathless huSh fell over every Austra^ian city, town and inhabited locality at 3.30 p.m. today. Trams jolted to a standstill within nieasurable distance of the nearest radio shop and passengers vied with the drivers and conductors in obtaining the best possible position. The vvheels of industry either ground to a standstill or proeeeded unwatehed for the vitai five minutes while 30 horses battled out the 1948 Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Throughout Australia the hopes of the great mass of punters rested on the broad chestnut shoulders "of the New Zealander Howe — and for once New Zealand let Australia down. Such is the eamaradie of the racing public, which means the entire population of the Commonwealth from pe'rambulator to pusli chair,;tliat for lialf an hour after the 'event 'the air wks Tillled with the clamour of voiees- as Watersider toki barrister and street eleaner told doctor, just what combination of . weight, heavy traclc and distance, had conspired to hold their champion baelc. Enthusiasm was not confined to' the voting and wage earning .population. The time of the race gave school pupils just the chance they needed. Never did. classes break up so rapidly oi- schoiars race so speedilv from portals as today when their goal was the radio aeross the way. It was noticeable, however, that their staid and dignified teachers held their plaee in the field. Contrarv to the usual procedure, th'e Federal House of Representatives did not sit today and manv menibers and Canberra diplomats found urgent busir ness necessitating their presence in Melbourne. Rival airlines eonipeted, briskly for trade, resulting in the decision of manv businessmen in other capital cities, to fly to Melbourne late this morning and return tonight. Over ■/ 00 Sydney people took advantage of. four .special ' ' r.ound trip " planes ,, which' went from Sydney in addition to ,4)he usual servic.es. The planes were Jinked, with buses which guaranteed ji'acegoers ,the swiftest possible passage to and from the course - but thoughtful airline officials made sure that return fares were paid before the start. It was noticeable, however, that this year mindful ofi weather foreeasts, these voyagers ad ded rain coats to their lug.gage which usua,lly consists of bino--eulars'Oiilyvsi - Today 's race was notable also for the number of tipa wliich wont astray. Even Mr. Chifley, who last year tippcd the winner, Hiraji, was well at sea with his three suggestions, Howe, Karachi, and' Snowstream. . /