SOLDIERS' UNIFORMS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 59, 3 December 1917, Page 4

SOLDIERS' UNIFORMS

THE BREECHES QUESTIONS Soldiers at Fcnthcrßton Camp have been preparing a petition oil the subject of the new orders concerning uniform. They wish to represent to the authorities that the proposal to insist upon tho wearing of the regulation "slacks" in placo of breeches on all occasions is going to make it exceedingly difficult for any private or noncom. to maintain a smart appearance. Tho new order, in tho meantime, is not being enforced rigidly. Men are still coming out of camp on leave wearing tho breeches they nave purchased for themselves, and looking a great deal smartor and more_ soldierly than they could hope to do in the trousers that, form part of tho regulation uniform. It appears that there is no real economy in tho issue of' "slacks" instead of breeches. Tho regulation trousers are mado very long, in order that the soldier may bo able to fold them down below the knee. This moans tho use of material which docs not appear to servo any good purpose, since it is either wrapped round tho lcg_ inside the puttee or folded over outside. The extra material is saved when the breeches aro' used, and it will just about provide for the additional fullness required in the breeches. Several members of Parliament, including Messrs. J. A. Young (Waikato) and J. G. Anderson (Mataura), liavo asked tho Minister of Defence if ho can meet the wishes of the soldiers to the extent of allowing them to wear breeches, purchased by themselves, when they are on leave. • The Minister has replied that the regulation issued liere is in accordance with tho request of tho Imperial authorities, but ho lias promised to consult' with the Commandant 'as to whether the regulation can be relaxed as far as it concerns men on leave to go to their own districts.