MAX BAER'S JOKE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 153, 30 June 1934, Page 9

MAX BAER'S JOKE.

METHOD OF SELLING HIMSELF. NEW YORK, June 20. Max Baer's propensity for selling pieces of himself is causing Madison Garden Corporation no end of worry. In fact, this is almost as large a personal obstacle as his amazing attempts to play the feminine field. During the years of rise in the fistic and amorous arenas, whenever Max felt the need of raising money rapidly, it was his custom to sell shares in himself to investors who were promised percentage dividends in his future earnings. To-day, Max owns only 30 per cent of himself, the remaining 70 per cent being split amongst many persons—some rather inimical to his present ambitions. Three years ago, when he first fought in Xew York ho sold 15.000 dollars' worth of himself for preliminary luxuries.

All these , shares were distributed in good faith and did not include a vast disbursement of stock certificates as they were in the form of scribbling on the backs of old envelopes and speakeasy cards and menus. At least three managers now are fighting amongst themselves to find out who really owns control of Max, who considers the intricate splitting up of himself a very good joke indeed. Two days before his recent light, he offered Camera's manager "a substantial piece of the next champion," but the offer was scorned. At one time and another 40 girls have sued him. One and all claimed that he aroused their heart throbs and then went away. Some girls collected, especially those who kept his letters.

Dozens of suits are pending against him. The plaintiffs are scattered from Xcw York to Hollywood, and include one girl who earns her living on the Hying trapeze.