CLOTHING FOR MEN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 50, 26 January 1933, Page 4

CLOTHING FOR MEN

ADVOCATES OF REFORM. MEETING AT NEW PLYMOUTH. A meeting called by the Mayor of New Plymouth, Mr H. V. S. Griffiths, ( w T as held in that town to discuss the question of dress reform for men. There was not a large attendance, though there were many apologies from prominent business men. Mr Griffiths said that since the suggestion made by him in regard to reform in men’s dress he had been spoken to by many citizens, and in every case,' except one, opinions had been most favourable. He was of the opinion that the present style of dress was most unsuitable for the climate and that a. change was very necessary. For many years they had been the slaves of convention. He hoped the lead would be given by business men and business firms. He was p eased to see that many men had already adopted lighter and more suitable garb. Mr G. Home supported the movement. “The present clothing that is worn by men generally,” he said, “does not allow of sufficient air, light or ventilation to the body Since women have taken to lighter and jeiss clothing there has been a really wonderful improvement in the health of that sox.” The speaker said that from a physiological point of view cold was an excellent tonic for tho body, encouraging the work of many of the most important organs, especially those of digestion.

The sensible form of uniforms adopted by nearly all the secondary schools had been a move in the right direction. They as a nation were patriotic and always- took the lead from England. but England had a different climate to New Zealand’s. England was 15 degrees further from the equator. New Zealand should adopt more the lines of Italy and Spain. Men paid too much attention to conventions; the women had been far more courageous. “Supposing a woimii Jind walked down Devon Street 20 to '35 years ago in her present, light and coloured frocks, what a sensation there would have been!” said Dr. Home. “Why, I believe that oven the old cab horses would have shied at her. Women have had the courage and have now a much more suitable and healthy form of dress.” Men could add to their comfort and health by following the lead of the women and adopting a more sensible form of clothing.

Mr S. Walker arsed what Dr. Home had said w. • . rega'd to the dress of men failing tn keep pace with that of women. Some of the big establishments in Auckland had already adopted the reform, and their male employees now went about their tasks with light trousers, belts and open canoe type shirts. He did not consider it fair to ask men to work at this time of the year in tweed suits; t.hev could not do themselves or til-fir wo’-k full justice.

On tho motion of Dr. Home the meeting affirmed that a change in men’s n.ttire was not only desirable, hut necessary, and it was decided to urge it upon all business firms and townspeople generally.