Beauty Show for Mere Men.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 16, 20 October 1909, Page 37

Beauty Show for Mere Men.

Having successfully decided a beauty show for ladies, the management of the Victoria Pier, Folkestone, set themselves to organise a similar competition for men. Great interest was shown in the event, which had additional interest imparted to it because of the offer of a mysterious widow to marry the gentleman who won —provided he was “unattached.” Among the competitors was Count Fantes of Marienbad, a young Austrian, with fair curly hair and moustache. “I have won athletic prizes,” he told a newspaper representative, in broken English, “but this is the first time I have entered a beauty competition. If I win I shall, of course, be very happy, but I do not know what my brother will say when the English papers reach Marienbad. I am a great admirer of your English ladies, and I shall try to be amiable over their decision, whether it be in my favour or not.” Another competitor was Major Lynn, from Shorncliffe, who was escorted to the pier by a laughing crowd of brother officers. The reporter also had an interview with the mysterious widow. She is tall and handsome, and presented a striking appearance in black evening dress and a large black hat with white wings. “Why am I doing it?” she asked. “Well, about a week ago I happened jokingly to say to Mr Forsyth that if he could pick me up a nice-looking man with plenty of money at the baauty show I should be

glad. Somewhat to my consternation, he took up the matter seriously, and so here I am. “I am anxious for my family’s sake that my name should not be revealed for the present, but you may say that I was born in India, where I have spent most of my life, and my husband was in the Civil Service out there. My only income is a pension of £75. I am musical, and speak French, German, and Hindustani.” The pavilion on the pier was crowded, mostly with ladies, on whose decision

the destination of the prizes rested. When the curtain went up it disclosed the competitors ranged in a semi-circle. When the cheers and laughter had died down the manager led on to the stage the “Merry Widow,” as she chooses to be called, and briefly explained the nature of her offer. Then the judging commenced. Each man in turn had to put his face through black velvet curtains in a gilt frame, and smile his sweetest. The curtains were there to give all a chance, for it was found on former occasions that a scarlet uniform won all the votes, quite apart from the face that surmounted it.

When the voting papers had been collected from every woman in the audience, they were scrutinised by a committee of six local ladies, and the result was declared as follows:— 1. Mr Bert Harris, Hampstead. 2. Count Fantes. Austria. 3. Mr George Lilley, Folkestone. Mr Harris is already engaged, and therefore regrets that he cannot accept the offer of the mysterious “Merry Widow.”