THE SOLDIERS' POCKETS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 70, 23 March 1940, Page 8

THE SOLDIERS' POCKETS.

We loam from the Prces and the radio that we, as a nation, are not a* war conscious -as we should be and are lacking in a worthy war effort. There are reasons for this sad state of affair*. Preliminary to an improvement, i* it permissible to ask a question"' Why arc our soldiers not. provided with pockets in their trousers? The woollen unmentionables are minus these indispcnsables, thouch the drill variety, of a more recent vintapc, have them. I can readily believe that, this abscnce of pockets may lead to a feeling: of frustration, an inferior complex, in fact. How can we expect our younp: men to voluntarily submit to Mich an awkward sartorial predicament? Where are they to stow their loo«>e change, pocket knife, bottle opener and other odds and ends men treasure, to say nothing of a hip tlask ? After a lifetime spent in delving into three pants' pockets, the best tailors provide live, the position can well be imagined. If, and when, the new uniforms are issued, it is to he hoped this defect will be remedied. Some Diggers take their pauts to their tailors and at their own expense have pockets sewn in. The authorities do not ooject, so the military reason may not be a major one. The ofiieers, I understand. have the usual allowance of pockets. J.AV.W,