Monocles Available In City, But Demand Small

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29713, 5 January 1962, Page 11

Monocles Available In City, But Demand Small

If the next Governor-Gen-eral, Brigadier Bernard Fergusson, loses a monocle when he is in Christchurch, he should have no difficulty in obtaining another. They are available, but the demand is described as “very small.” As a jungle fighter behind the Japanese lines in Burma in World War 11. Brigadier Fergusson is reported to have had monocles dropped from the air with other supplies. One optical wholesaler in Christchurch said he kept about six monocles in three sizes but sold only one or two a year. Because of import restrictions he preferred to stock articles that were more in demand. An optician who has been in business for 25 years said he had sold only eight or 10 monocles in 20 years. He knew of two retired naval men. now farmers, who wore them and another man in Christchurch who used one as a "quizzer” to read price tickets and small writing. “The Governor - General would be a typical Army man and is possibly shortsighted in one eye,” said another optician. “He would use the monocle for seeing distant objects and let it fall when making a salute. "Some people may wear a monocle for show, but not many. People these days can't be bothered with that sort of thing. We have some taken for use in theatricals

to give effect to a period play,” he said.

To the trade, monocles are known as “Oxford galleries,” the gallery being a part of the surround that fits above the eye and ma'kes it easier to hold the glass between the eyebrow and cheek. No reason could be found for the term “Oxford." It is generally believed that monocles became popular when regulations were passed prohibiting the use of spectacles in the Army or Navy. Monocles apparently were not classed as spectacles and were allowed.