RACE SENSATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20133, 30 December 1939, Page 8

RACE SENSATION

BROADCAST INCIDENT DELAYED DESCRIPTION OTHER STATIONS CUT OFF MELBOURNE, Dec. 19. It is believed that thousands of pounds were won by backers in Victoria and other States on Saturday as a result of the mysterious cutting of the land lines from two broadcasting boxes at or near the Ascot racecourse. Station 3XY, the only other station wnich could bo heard interstate, broadcast a description of the last race between two and three minutes after it had ended. The landline from 3LO was cut before the race began, and the line from 3DB was cut a few seconds after the race had begun. Broadasting from 3AW was not interrupted but this station cannot be heard on ordinary sets outside Victoria. Detectives who are investigating say that both lines were cut with wire snippers. The general manager of 3XY, Mr. T. Holt, said that two men. apparently drunk, fought near the station's broadcasting box near the course as the last race began. Messrs. W. Sharland and T. Miller, ]who were assisting the commentator, Mr. 11. Solomon, left the box to quell the disturbance. The men threatened to overturn the box and the affray lasted for several minutes. I Mr. Holt said that Mr. Solomon told him that he was so upset by the noise of the brawl that he did not broadcast a description of the I race while it was in progress. About two or three minutes after the race he decided to broadcast a resume.

Mr. Holt said that after a meeting of the directors of 3XY, Mr. Solomon was dismissed.

Reports from Victoria and other Stales indicated that starting-price bookmakers lost a (onsiderable sum. At Box Hill, a Melbourne suburb, one operator, it is stated., lost nearly £3OO over the winner, Bouyanoy.