MILITARY OVERCOATS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 88, 13 April 1917, Page 8

MILITARY OVERCOATS

WORN BY PRIVATE CITIZENS

LAW TO BE ENFORCED.

The wearing of military greatcoats by ex-members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, members of the Territorial Force, and Senior Cadets, when in mufti having become a general practice, it has been decided to enforce the Defence Act, 1909, and the Regulations which, make it an offence to wear uniform or any part thereof except when on military^ duty. Any person who wears a military greatcoat when in plain clothes .commits an offence under the Defence Act. Paragraph 505 a, General Regulations, provides that a Territorial is liable to fine not exceeding £2 for each such offence, recoverable on summary conviction: The Military and Civil Police will be instructed to institute proceedings against all such offenders in future.

Defence Headquarters 6tate that discharged members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force cannot; wear uniform without the permission of the Adjutant-General or Officer Commanding the District. Many applications have been receivedl from discharged soldiers, by various firms, to dye military greatcoats. The dyeing of military" greatcoats is strictly forbidden, and all firms cairying on business as dyers have been so advised. Furthermore, it is not in the interests of returned soldiers to have their greatcoats dyed, as parades will be held at a later date for the presentation of medals or for other, ceremonial purposes, at which they will be permitted to appear in uniform. The greatcoat, ft is emphasised, is an essential part of a soldier's uniform, and, in the case of a discharged retnrned soldier, it is his own property. Nevertheless, it is a military coat, and cannot be worn for other than military purposes. A* many military coats have been officially issued to membens of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force with other than the recognised pattian of military button, the removal of military buttons, and the replacement thereof with nonmilitary buttons, does not alter the fact that the-coat is a military one. It has,. also been brought to notice that in certain cases soldiers of the New Zealand Forces are in the habit of wearing uniform. other than the authorised pattern. This practice must be discontinued. The wearing of "drill" or of old-pattern uniforms in warm weather or manoeuvres, or,whilst on fatigue, may be permitted. Pantaloons may be worn wheai off duty, but must be prohibited on parade. Short greatcoats should be worn by officers only. '' Instructions have also been issued directing that the "Sam Browne" belt shall be worn by officers on all occasions with service dress uniform. One brace will always be worn with the belt. The frog will only be worn, when the sword is worn. ' ■' .