SMARTER UNIFORM

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 112, 8 November 1930, Page 19

SMARTER UNIFORM

: .- —: ♦"■ ~ ' • c ;Chic" ' PolicewomenAttention: was .recently called by an Amcricdn visitor to London to what he describes as'"an injustice lo a-fme body of women." Writing to the "Sunday Chronicle," Mr.. AlpysiUs Schocnstcin, of New York City,, says: "Your policemen are wonderful, but your policewomen—oh, Stars and StripesandGod Save the King! ■ They may be most charming ■women personally. Some of them, I notice, are .defi-nitely-good-looking. But the uniform they, wear is dreadful. They are "the worst-dressed women in the world. It is a shame that they are compelled, to wear such clothes." ; A reporter. sought the opinion- of a London policewoman on this question. She was- wearing '■■ a large and. heavy hat,, with a stiff, severe brim. Her tunic was square-cut and ugly. Her. skirt was slightly longer in front than I behind. - Her boots—well, all that has ever been said about policemen's.'boots could be applied to hers. The day was warm, and the policewomen looked tired; and uncomfortable. With as much tact as possibly,, the purport of the American's remarks was conveyed' to'her. "I am .not surprised that he doesn't admire ouv uniforms," slie.re!plied; "We don't admire them our- ! selves. la fact, we hate them., But' nothing can be done about it. Regulations ' are regulations. | "As a, matter of fact,-the. question of giving us something more becoming to wear, has ;been.raised on niore than one occasion. But.the.official reply is always that our. dignity would be .lesisened'if we were to wear dainty clothes r-thoT more >.chie- the more cheek -~ we should get, as it were. But I don't agree. At: present we are, sometimes objects of derision. " All of us are very keen on our jobs, therefore we put. up with what .'we have to wear. I understand^ that there are, women police in certain American, cities who are given smart turiies^and skirts of. linen or drill,in summer, and neatly-tailored serge'suits in.: winter. That is what we -would like.";. . ' •' " •■;.■..■; Ancl'the policewoman, as she resumed her walk along1 her beat, glanced longingly into a.shop window.. Inside werethe latest modes,; dainty and smart. On the -window was the word that' thrills every ironian—"Sale." ■ . .-