UNIFORMS OF DEFENCE CORPS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16793, 22 February 1915, Page 8

UNIFORMS OF DEFENCE CORPS.

TO THE EDITOR. t.

Sir, —It was with much regret that I read in your columns that a movement was on foot to put our local Defence Corps into uniform. I feel satisfied that it would be a mistake to spend approximately £ISOO in providing uniforms for the corps. True, the uniform can be purchased very cheaply at per man, but in the aggregate it represents a tidy sum of money. Iniiuitely more good would be done if that sum was handed over to assist in the prosecution of the war, or in aid of one of the many deserving relief funds.

I must say it reflects great credit on the corps to know that they are quite content to parade in civilians' clothes and to turn out so regularly, and in such large numbers. From many quarters I hear that the discipline and "esprit de corps" is all that could be wished for notwithstanding the absence of uniforms, and that being so, T cannot help thinking that it would be au unpardonable act of ingratitude and extravagance to bedeck the men in uniform at this stage in the history of the Empire.—l am. etc., CIVILIAN.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —After parade on Wednesday evening, it was suggested that ilie C.D.F. should have uniforms consisting of hat., shirt, belt and trousers at a cost to each individual member cf 20s Gd (certainly inexpensive). I was very pleased that the .final decision was loft till next Wednesday in order to allow each. platoon to consider the matter. . Personally. I fail to see the necessity for a uniform at all; I think the adoption of a badgesimilar to the one worn by the English defence forces, viz., red band with "G.R.,"' would meet the requirements. There are ma.ny calls upon one's pursa just now. and there will doubtless b» | many more later on. in the face ,cf j which it seems folly to incur, neediest Expense. j If every man, whioh I doubt, can (afford a. pound, it may surely bo put | to a. better use than buying uniforms; JI am afraid if the proposition is carI ried it will not only thin onr present j ranks, but deter others from joining.— , I am, etc.,

NAT WOODS.