THE LONG AND THE SHORT

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 34, 8 August 1925, Page 7

THE LONG AND THE SHORT

"The time has arrived 'whjn this Defence system should be entirely wiped out," r declared Mr. R. M'Keen (Wellington South) in the House of Representatives last night. Mr. M'Keen protested against money being spent on a "tin soldier" system, and then, amidst much derisive laughter, complained of boys Sft lOin in height having to wear "shorts." He mentioned a case of a lad who worked amongst hot boilers during the day who had contracted illness'through having to attend parades in "shorts" at night time, and who had refused to go to drill in the end unleßS he could wear long trousers.

The Prime ' Minister was especially amused at Mr. M'Keen's' short tale of Celtic woe, and amongst various other sallies wanted to know -whether Mr. M'Keen'approved of kilts and whether he thought footballers should don "shorts."- One member suggested that perhaps the Cadet concerned was suffering from "knecmonja.". "This-is a serious matter," said M-, M'Keen indignantly amidst a ripple of Jaughter from tho Reform benches..Mr. Coates: "Oh, very." Mr. M'Keen (hearing splutters from the Ministerial bendies): "It is very serious."

Mr. Coates: "Wear your shorts and take, pot luck." (Laughter.) ■ "I would like to see the hon. the Minister wearing his shorts," replied Mr. M'Keen, "and he is not 5 feet 10 inches by any means. I wonder if either of the Ministers on the front benches would like to appear in shorts." Mr. P. Fraser (Wellington Central): S'lt suits their mentality." "Their breath comes in short pants," murmured Mr. W. A. [Veitch (Wanganui). Mr. M'Keen: "Is it possible to encourage your system of tin soldiers while you permit such a thing to obtain?"

Mr. S. G. Smith (Taranaki) commended the good work being done by Community Clubs in looking after the welfare of Cadets and Territorials, but he sympathised with Mr. M'Keen's complaint over fully devoloped boys sft lOin in height having to wear "shorts." There were members of the House who would be prepared to shoulder a gun, but not in "short 3." .

The Minister of Defence (the Hon. Sir R. Heatoii Rhodes) said Mr. M'Keen's criticism- was mere abuse, which was all they expected from him on- such a matter. The defence system was producing good results, and had been good enough for New Zealand to be able to take Samoa and send an (efficient force to the front quickly.

"I would be glad to wear 'shorts' at any time," proceeded tho Minister. A Labour member: "Give them a go." Mr. Holland: "Mr. Speaker would rule you out of order if you appeared jn this House in 'shorts.' "

Tho Minister said "shorts" were worn in the British Army, and . not thought very humorous.

Mr. J. O'Brien. (Westland): •"Anybody would laugh if they saw you in 'shorts.' "

Mr. A. L. Monteith (Wellington East): "If. you didn't slip through them." (Laughter.)