Highly Prized Beard Comes Off But Bet Was Won

Chronicle (Levin), 13 April 1949, Page 5

Highly Prized Beard Comes Off But Bet Was Won

i ■ AUCKLAND, April 13. 1 The most prized beard in Otahuhu has gone. Amid cheers from his friends and groans from backers, Mr. Len Rippingdale, aged 34, stockman, cheerfully submitted yesterdav to the barber's razor, which rapidly removed the handscme ginger beard which has earned him £82 in beer and cash bets. The story goes back to April 12, 1948, when Mr. Rippingdale and some friends were drinking together in an .Otahuhu hotel. One candid friend said to Mr. Rippingdale, "You need a shave." Thoughtfully stroking the stubble, Mr. Rippingdale replied: "I don't want to shave. In fact, I will not shave for a year." Later that day a solemn agree-

|ment up 4under jMr. Rippindale bet that he would not cut, pluck, singe, shave or otherwise interfere ivith thp natural growth ,of the hair foi* 12 months. Some £17. was wagered at the time and as otherS became interested the stake grew. There have been difflcult momeiits.. The nice beard caught alight whert Mr. Rippingdale lit a cigarette ih a high wind, and on another day when some pretty girls ?ave unadmiring glances he nearly threw the bet in. Yesterday .the year was up and Mr. Rippingdale was shaved in the bar of the hotel wliere the bet was made. He may let the, hair groW again for a bet, but not for a while. In the meantinie he will have to reacquaint himself with the long disused habit of a daily shaye.