SOLDIERS' UNIFORMS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 54, 27 November 1917, Page 6

SOLDIERS' UNIFORMS

ONLY ISSUE TO BE WORN

TAILOR-MADES CONDEMNED

The recent order that Reinforcement troops must wear only issuo clothing has not caused as much discontent among the troops in camp as has been attributed to it. In fact, except for a few men in each platoon who wish to

"out a dash," the in on seem to bo perfectly satisfied that tlio full-fitting uniforms which are issued are suitable for working and ceremonial uses. Their views in this matter coincide with those of returned soldiers, who state that on arrival in England any tailormade uniforms arc at once condemned. The reasons for this are that no freedom for exercise is allowed for, and that in winter weather it is impossible for the soldier wearing such a uniform to put on several suits of underclothing and possibly a leather waistcoat.

The object aimed at in equipping the New Zealand troops is to givo each man a suit which fits him fairly well, allows for a certain incrcaso in physique, and is serviceable in working conditions, and smart enough in ceremonial parades. It has been urged that each soldier should be issued a special parade uniform, and in this connection the comparison has been made between the New Zealand and Australian uniforms.

The chief point of difference in these is in the. tunic. The Australian is a shirt tunic, with buttons at the wrists. In marching order these sleeves can be rolled uj), au advantage to he appreciated in hot weather. But the Australian tunic is behind the Now Zealand ono in the matter off pockets. The Australian pockets are outside ones, the New Zealand ones are inside pock-' fits, and the carrying capacity of the latter is double that of the Australian ones.

"Two packets of cigarettes will fill an Australian pocket," is a camp jest. Any wearer of the average sports coat will realise what this means, for the pockets .in sports coats are usually outside onos. i In any case, judging by the attitude of men in camp towards the new order, there is nothing suggestive of misfitting uniforms about it.

STATEMENT BY DEFENCE MINISTER ■ TIIE REASON FOR. THE NEW ORDER, The Defence Minister was asked yesterday what the reason was for the new order. "The reason," said Sir James Allen, "is that wo have had communications from tho people at Home in which they raise objection to our men arriving from New Zealand in clothes which are not uniform, and which have to be discarded when they arrive. Another reason is that it is, we think, wrong to make a distinction between the men who are able to buy special uniforms and those men who for any reason may he unable to buy other uniforms. This is especially so in view of tho foot that married men are shortly coming into camp."