MILITARY MILLINERY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 466, 26 March 1909, Page 3

MILITARY MILLINERY.

DEFENDERS AT SLAY. Really, ; tko great and august Mount Cook establishment might solve tho following problems; "Dominica" is only equal to more or less vague guesses. One is apt to think the' question of adequate naval defence the most agitating that has disturbed the minds of the Empire's forces during the past few ■weeks," but Australian papers just to hand tell a very different tale. "Great interest," they say "has been created in military circles by the publication in military orders of the new. regulations governing officers' dress." This sentence looks strange to feminine eyes, but it was written by a man, ami he should know what matters disturb the minds of men, and when one reads a little further on, and finds out what some of those orders were, it is quite easy to understand why thoso military circles v were so shaken. Very solemnly the regulations begin. It is a notable fact that men are always supremely solemn on matters of dress. Officers hereafter appointed, or who are not now in possession of articles herein abolished, will not be permitted to obtain or wear such articles of dress. Officers now in possession of authorised articles of dress herein abolished may continue to wear the same in the manner hitherto prescribed until further orders, but this shall not extend to the use of cocked hats, staff aiguillettes, plumes, and bos ' spurs. "Plumes are abolished, and a metal spike will be worn in lieu, with tho helmet for full dross or review order. Aiguillettes (what in thei wido world are they?) are also abolished," and one feels sure that junior officers 1 aro glad, as they can never Temember how that word is spelt. However, what follows is- pleasant and compensatory, and the valiant soldier who has henceforth to march about with a piece of undisguised ironmongery on his heacf instead of something that looks like a feather duster, finds that there are still pleasant facts m lifo. The jacket of the Commonwealth pattern nmform will in future be that "with four pockets, and very sternly the regulations iii m. l ' ' * wo Pockets is cancelled. "his is really a step upwards in the history of tho military'class in tho Australian Commonwealth. Tho civilised man has always fourteen pockets at his disposal, the Commonwealth soldier has now doubled his meagre allowance He is on the high road of evolution. Congratulations I There are other matters of greater importance still, matters that no fominino mind could understand, and the regulations lightly with such- things as spurs, swordbelts, white buff slings, and web sword-belts In conclusion:— In regiments and corps not having a distinctive full dress, the following articles only will require to be provided by an officer ; on joining Service dress: Jacket and trousers, Commonwealth pattern, or blue serge for units above mentioned; hat, khaki felt (helmet with blue serge); forago cap, universal pattern; S.B. belt (not required with blue serge); sword and scabbard: sword-knot; leggings or putties; laco boots: greatcoat. • b Additional for full dress.—Aiguillettes or breast lines; sash, waist; web swordbelt; white gloves. . Optional.—-Trousers, straight cut: jacket, khaki cotton. "Under tho above arrangements officers appointed in future should be able to obtain their uniform and accoutrements on joining at a cost not exceeding £20. To tho mind of a more woman this is a wicked waste of money. Much better if the officers wore their office or collego clothes, and put what was not required of that £20 into a Dreadnought. Most certainly, if there ever were an army of women, and the antisuftragists say there never could bo, they would not spend £20 at one swoop on a finowcather uniform.