ELABORATE HOAX

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 211, 19 June 1933, Page 7

ELABORATE HOAX

TICKTES IN "CHARITY DRAW."

HAIRDRESSER AS VICTIM. Although ho is only a shilling worse off on the "deal," a Birmingham hairdresser feels sore at being made the victim of a clever hoax. Recently, when trade was rather quiet, an elderly and respectable-look-ing man called at the shop and asked to see the proprietor. On the appearance of the hairdresser he inquired if lie could book a permanent waving appointment for his wife. Pleased at the prospect of unexpected business, the hairdresser quickly consulted his appointment book, and they fixed a suitabb; date.

As an afterthought, the visitor added that lie might as wejl book an appointment for his daughter also, as she had oftem spoken of haying a permanent wave. However, since she was at business, it would be necessary to fix it some time in the evening. This done, the hairdresser politely remarked that 1 it was customary to pay a small deposit for permanent wave appointments. The man was quite agreeable but on searching his pockets he found he had come without any money. The visitor assured the hairdresser however that he was quite well known in the district, and lived only two streets away. He was in fact, a .retired major and a gentleman of some distinction. For that matter, he had a number of friends at the County Chambers, whom he was going to see in an effort to induce' them to buy a few tickets for a charity draw he was helping to organise, Speaking of tickets would the hairdresser care to purchase one? Naturally the hairdresser did not refuse. The "major" looked respectable, and showed signs of being a good customer. Also the draw was for a good cause. So the hairdresser paid his shilling for a ticket, and at the suggestion of the "major," invited his four assistants to do likewise*, which they did With . many grateful .thanks the "major" departed. Although the incident took place four weeks before this story was written, the hairdresser had heard nothing more of the "major," his wife, his daughter or the draw!