DESIRE FOR MUFTI

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 May 1928, Page 9

DESIRE FOR MUFTI

WHEN SOLDIERS “WALK OUT.”

A military correspondent of the “Morning Post” writes: “I understand that not fewer than 70 per cent, of Guardsmen have made application to their respective commanding officers for permission to wear plain clothes when ‘walking out,’ in accordance with the recent army order. This is sur : prising when it is borne in mind that the Foot Guards are the only infantry soldiers who wear ceremonial dress when off duty. This revolutionary change in military regulations as to dress will tend to render petty military crimes. There is a long list of things that a Guardsman may not do when in uniform. He must not lounge about on the benches in the park, nor take things easy when off duty as a civilian may do. He must ‘turn out’ as though he were on the parade ground waiting for the searching eyes of his inspecting officer. The military policeman is well-nigh übiquitous, and if he finds a buttonhole of a tunic minus a button the offending owner is likely to be reported. Hence the quite natural desire of the soldier for a little more freedom when off duty. “But the Guardsman does not escape dress regulation entirely. Each regiment finds it necessary to impose some uniformity in the matter of plain clothes. For instance, the ‘bowler,’ and the soft hat may be worn, but the cloth cap is anathema. A clean white collar and tie, too, are indispensable, and there are minor requirements — all with a. view to maintaining the tradition of the Foot Gaurds. Finally, a suitcase must be purchased in order that the ‘civvies’ may be packed up when in barracks, for it would be a breach of the regulations to have the lounge suit of the civilian sharing the place reserved for the King’s uniform. It is estimated that the cost to a soldier who is given permission to wear plain clothes is approximately £10.”