RE-EQUIPPING SOLDIERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16097, 10 December 1915, Page 6

RE-EQUIPPING SOLDIERS.

ISSUE OF NEW CLOTHING. COMPLAINT FROM HAMILTON. [BY TELECKAre.— OWS- COBBESPO.VDENT.J Hamilton, Thnrsdav. Speaklxo at the recruiting moating today, Mr A. E. Manning, chairmanTf the i ■ i ?** Patriotic C <«M""ttee, complained that many returned troopers were M dad. , Repeated representations had been made to him by returned men who sought assistance towards re-equipment Some had to purchase footwear, while the local committee of ladies had to come to the rescue* and provide others with underclothes. Irony had been lent to the situation by a circular from the Defence authorities instructing the men to groom themselves and endeavour to present a respectable and soldierly appearance. The question arose as to how far patriotic societies should go towards equipping returned men. He had telegraphed to the Defence Department pointing out the state of affairs, but had received no reply. A resolution was adopted urging the Department to issue clothing to all group stores for re-equipping returned men. The opinion was also expressed that as many of the men were encumbered by the heaw ill-fitting uniforms some lighter form of clothing should be provided for summer wear.

Since the meeting Mr. Manning has received a notification from the- Defence Department that re-equipment would bo issued on application, with sizes, to district headquarters. " This is another ol the anomalies of Defence administration," said Mr. Manning, "as the clothing could be more easily issued from group headquarters, where, I understand, regimental supplied are already largely used in this direction."