Elaborate Hoax

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7246, 28 August 1933, Page 9

Elaborate Hoax

TICKETS IN "CHARITY DRAW" HAIRDRESSER AS VICTIM Although he is only a shilling worse off on the "deal," a Birmingham hairdresser fools sore at being made the victim of a clover toar. Recently, when trade was rather quiet, and elderly and Tespcctablo-look-ing man called at the shop and asked to see the proprietor. On tho appearance of tho hairdresser ho inquired if ho could book a permanent waving app tment for his wife. Pleased at the prospect of unexpected business, the hairdresser quickly consulted his appointment book and they fixed a suitable date.

As an afterthought, the vistor added tnat he might as well book an appointment for his daughter also, as sho had often spoken of having a permanent wave. However, since she was in business, it would be necessary to fix it some time in tho evening. This done, the hairdresser politely remarked that it was customary to pay a small deposit for permanent wave appointments. Tho man was quite agreeable, but on searching his pockets ho found he had come without any money. Tho visitor assured the hairdresser, however, that he was quite well known in tho 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 hr was going to see in an effort to in-

duce them to buy a fow tickets for a charity draw ho was helping to organise. Speaking of tickets, would the hairdresser care to purchase one? Naturally tho hairdresser did not refuse. The "major” looked rospcctablo. and showed signs of being a good customer. Also the draw was for a good cause. So the hairdres3 paid his shilling for a ticket, and at tho suggestion of the "major," invited his four assistants to do likewise, which they did. With many grateful thanks the "major" doparted. Although tho incident took place four weeks before this story was written, the hairdresser had heard nothing more of tho "major" his wife and daughter, or the draw*