SUMMER ATTIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 15, 19 January 1933, Page 20

SUMMER ATTIRE.

MEN'S DRESS REFORM.

NEW PLYMOUTH ADVOCACY.

Dress reform for men is being advocated at New Plymouth. The prime mover is the Mayor, Mr. H. V. S. Griffiths, who told a "Taranaki Daily News" reporter that he had been considering the matter for some time, "The time is long overdue for men to take some stand over suitable attire for the hot weather," he said when announcing his proposal to call a public meeting to give those willing to support the movement an opportunity of launching it on its way. <• "It only wants a few enthusiasts to take up the suggestion," he said. "It is ridiculous that business men should be tied to convention and starched collars these scorching hot days. Why can't they dress coolly, sensibly, and comfortably ?" "In flannels and blazers?" suggested the reporter. "Yes, or alpaca tunics," said Mr. Griffiths. "But why coats at all?" The Mayor's idea commended itself to other business men,, In fact, they were enthusiastic. They urged that if the full benefit of the reform were to be obtained it should be launched immediately. It was pointed out, however, that the changeable nature of the climate at New Plymouth might be a handicap, though most of them considered it would be easy to take precautions against sudden drops in temperature. "Why should we wear collars and ties, even in the winter?" asked a man who believed it possible for men to become as hardened to climatic conditions as their gentle sisters. He urged that men would be far healthier if they refrained from constricting their necks and wearing waistcoats. "The only disadvantage I , can see is that we should not have ' enough pockets," said one, "but that is a disability that could easily be overcome." ■

A great many men at New Plymouth seem prepared to support the innovation of more sensible male fashions. Having just returned from holidays spent in bathing suits or light and loosely-hang-ing garments, they have had the discomforts of the conventional modes brought forcibly and physically to their notice. It is not the return to work that irks them so much as the return to clothes.

The question is: Have men, all of them die-hard conservatives, the courage to become sensible radicals?