THE HIGHLAND KILT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 11, 13 January 1940, Page 13

THE HIGHLAND KILT.

"BATTLE DRESS" CHANGE. STRONG SCOTTISH PROTESTS. ' A warm controversy is being waged at Home as a result of the British Armydecision to equip all Highland regiments with the regulation "battle dress," and to relegate the kilt to ceremonial occasions. Many Scotsman, including war veterans, nre strongly opposed to the change on practical as well as sentimental grounds. Typical of many protests is one contained in a recent letter to "The Times":—

"My husband served for 28 years in fclie Seaforth Highlanders, and went through many campaigns. He always maintained that the kilt was "tho'finest campaigning dress in the world.' Is it not a fact that there were fewer deaths from illness and disease in the kilted regiments during the South African War than among eny others?

"Brigadier-General Douglas Campbell (as ho then , was) commanded a brigade of the 51st Highland Division during the Great War and his opinion did not alter. The kilt is a practical and hygienic dress and in no sense a fancy dress as many Sassenachs appear to think; it keeps a man warm where warmth is most vital, among other advantages.

"In any case, if the reasons for depriving the Highlander.of his national dress and the Highland regiments of the dress they have made famous all over the world aire said to he for their own health and comfort, it is surely common sense to allow those most concerned a voice in the matter."