A Shaky Pedestal For Jim Crint

For "Jim" recently shattered the world handshaking record, and in his own words has now "chucked in the game."

In Just over seven hours solid handshaking "Jim" amassed a total of 14,608 shakes, easily breaking the previous record set by "Fred Bear" of Massey of 12.258 in nine hours.

The attempt was organised by the Stunts Committee of this year's Extravaganza as a publicity boost for their show. "A Mid-November Night's Dream," which opens for a six-night season at the Opera House on May 13.

At noon on Thursday, April 11 outside the Central Library, John Koolman one of the stars of the show, fired a starting pistol, and the Mayor of Wellington, Mr. Kitts, was the first to shake hands.

As he did so. Tv cameras whirred and the official counters began clicking, and in the first hour the number of handshakes was over 3000.

Those offering to "lend a hand" included babies as young as four months who were lifted in their prams to reach "Jim's" hand, and one old lady who said she was 84.

The majority of handshakers were, of course, students and many of them stayed for two or three hours going round and round in the queue.

One distinguished visitor was the celebrated Jazz personality Mr. Acker Bilk who, after cruising back and forth in his Cadillac for a minute or two came over and offered his hand.

"Keep it swinging, kids." he said.

At 3.10pm, the 12,259th hand was shook and Massey's record was broken. The big red "shaking tube" which was the thermometer for the handshakes recorded was filled to overflowing, and a mighty cheer disturbed those studying in the library nearby.

Public interest in the stunt was high and 2gb recorded a five-minute interview with "Jim" while he was still handshaking.

The local Press had taken photos and written stories on it, and the NZBC were giving progress reports in the news. The stunt also featured on the TV newsreel that night.

There were one or two amusing incidents—an officious traffic-officer came to clear the students from the footpath back on to the lawn, which they had a permit to use—but remained to shake "Jim's" hand.

A kindly old man who said he was an old student from Canterbury produced a packet of cigarettes for him and a double whisky which he had bought at a bar nearby.

"It must be hard work for you." he said.

"Jim" nodded in agreement and emptied the glass thankfully.

At about 7pm. shortly before the handshaking was abandoned because of rain, members of the Massey contingent to the Easter Tournament came along to lend their support.

It transpired that these same students had organised "Fred Bear's" handshaking record at Palmerston North.

All shook hands and gave their best wishes for Extrav.

When the final hand had been shaken, "Jim Crint's" hand was slightly swollen, but not unduly painful. Liberal doses of Johnson's baby powder and a bandage had minimised the strain.