BEARD-GROWING COMPETITION

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29900, 14 August 1962, Page 3

BEARD-GROWING COMPETITION

Queenstown Men’s Progress (From Our Own Reporter) QUEENSTOWN.. August 13. “Pardon my scruffy appearance” is a common excuse around Queenstown at present—so common that lapel ribbons to this effect have been printed for the many men concerned in the beardgrowing competition which is planned to coincide with the district's centenary The competition began with certified smooth faces on the first of the month, and by now the hirsute growth varies from a few straggly short hairs to a thick stubble reminiscent of a • new coir mat. The comoetition committee had 200 ribbons printed, but the demand was such that more had to be obtained. The temporary beard-grow-ers are put to shame by one or two local residents who have had at least 20 years' start. One of them was seen in a Queenstown hotel at the week-end with a magnificent beard which obscured his neck, shirt and collar and flowed down to the fourth or fifth button of his waistcoat

“He isn’t elegible for the competition. He wouldn’t shave it off and start again from scratch like us. He'd probably get a chill." was the comment of another resident whose own growth was pitiful down by comparison.

Guard Rehearsal.—A dress rehearsal by the Royal New Zealand Air Force 100-man guard of honour for the King and Queen of Thailand will be held, at Christchruch Airport on August 25. The R.N.Z A.F. Band will be in attendance. The Thai Royal couple and their party will leave Harewood for Australia on August 26.