WORLD’S SMALLEST MAN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19604, 26 September 1933, Page 2

WORLD’S SMALLEST MAN

LESS THAN TWO FEET HIGH CALLED UP FOR THE ARMY. The most amazing man in the world —a man who might have stepped straight out of a page from "Gulliver's Travels,” is described by a correspondent of the “News of the World.” He is Mr. Harold Pyott, of Stockport, and he Is the smallest man on earth to-day. It Is possible, even, that he is the smallest human being ever known to live, for he Is only 23in. high and weighs 241 b. And he Is 45 years of age. The most famous midget is. of course. General Tom Thumb, of Barnum fame, but Mr. Pyott can concede him 12in. in a height contest. He is so small that, incredible as it seems, he only reaches to the arm of an average arm-chair. He is a perfectly-formed little man, with a small, grey moustache and a treble voice, and is a trifle bigger than a large doll. When I shook hands with him I had to bend right down as if I were going to pick up something from the floor. As Mr. Pyott is rather deaf, his cousin, Mr. William Beeley, told me all about him. It was evident, from the expression of the little man, that he knew we were talking about him. "He was born in Stockport on September 25, 1887,” said Mr. Beeley. “His parents were quite normal, his father being sft. Bin. and his mother about sft. 3in. He had two sisters, and both of them were of ordinary size. His parents died when he was 12. and he was placed under the care of his uncle, who. seeing that although in perfect health he did not grow, took him to the local doctor. ■ The doctor brought the case before some of the most eminent doctors in Europe, who said that he had a strong and healthy constitution, but was certainly the smallest human being they had ever seen.” Mr Pyott was called up ior the Army three times during the Great War, because of his age. but the authorities had rather a shock when they saw him! , __ . A year or two ago the Prince of Wales saw Mr. Pyott, and was much amused at this story. whcn „ what regiment he would have liked o have joined Mr. Pyott smiled and said. "The Bantams.” . “Harold is a cheerful little chap, said Mr. Beeley. "and never worries about being tiny. He has to hase all his clothes made specially for him. ot course, but his food is normal, and up to a few years ago he used to smoke.” , ... Before the visitor went Mr. Pjott climbed on to his cousin s hand and stood in the palm of It. and then got down and sat in his top-hat.