Page 4 Advertisements Column 5

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 23 July 1927, Page 4

Probably very few people know why some members of the police force wear on their uniform.'} «v maroon ribbon with two narrow White stripes near the middle, and possibly with one or moie small silver stars attached. Frequently tliis ribbon is believed to 'be a war distinction, but such is not the case. It is .the badge of the force’.s long service medal, and members with a clean record for’ 14 years or more are entitled to wear it. Each star represents an additional eight years’ service. When asked if the ribbon be was displaying was a war honour, a Wellington sergeant of police made the matter clear (states the “Post”). He added that the badge was originally plain maroon, but the white stripes had to be added because people frequently thought that- the wearer was the holder of the Victoria dross, and this often led .to misunderstanding. He added that before the stripes were added to his own badge it was not an infrequent occurrence for middle-aged men to give him a regular military salute in the Street. “At- first 1 thought they were trying to make their ‘alley’ good,” he mentioned smilingly, “but when 1 found out the real significance of the ribbon 1 knew that they were paying me a genuine compliment, to which, unfortunately, 1 am not entitled.” During the past three centuries 190.000 versons have lost their lives through volcanic eruptions, 176,-500 of these fatalities being in the Pacific area. The bargains to be picked up at the Melbourne’s Great Winter Sale are causing a stir among buyers. Men’s Irish Lawn Handkerchiefs, 3 for 1/-; men’s Ivaiapoi Tweed Suits, 65/-; ladies’ Irish Lawn Handkerchiefs, 6 for 1/-; white X.Z. Blankets, single size 19/6; men’s X.Z. knitted Socks, lOd and 1/3 pair; saddle tweed Trousers, 14/6. Hundreds of other equally sensational price reductions.- —Advt.