THE COSTER'S "KINGSMAN"
Writing of London costermongers, May hew °says: "The man who does not wear his silk neckerchief —his 'kingsman,' as it is called —is known to be in desperate circumstances." The neckerchief is more prized than any other item of his attire, and a coster's caste is at stake if his kingsma-n be not of the most approved pattern. The habit is derived from the gipsies. It doubtless dates from some longforgotten Oriental custom. It is very curious that a taste for similar colours prevails among the Hindus, gipsies, and costermongers. Red and yellow are the favourite colours and the oldest. The coster chooses his plush waistcoat and his kingsnian; the gipsy his breeches, and his wife her shawl and gown; the Hindu his robe and turban. If a fight occurs tlio favourite coloured article of dress received the greatest care. The pugilistic coster tics his kingsman round iiis waist or his leg, where, by the rule of the ring, it is comparatively safe. I
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Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 307, 28 December 1934, Page 12
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167THE COSTER'S "KINGSMAN" Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 307, 28 December 1934, Page 12
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