"SERVICE DRESS ONLY."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16850, 15 May 1918, Page 6

"SERVICE DRESS ONLY."

OTHER CLOTHES FORBIDDEN

A SOLDIERS' GRIEVANCE.

Several letters written to Mr C J Parr, M.P. for Eden, from friends at the front, complain of the new camp orders with regard to uniform. By a general order ,sued from New Zealand non-com-missioned officers and privates are forbidden to wear any garb except the authorised regulation pattern. The object of the order WaS stated to be economy both to the State and to the soldier, who was not desired to spend his pay on mora attractive clothing. Another object was to secure uniformity. Mr. Parr's correspondents state that there is much dissatisfaction concerning the new uniform The men allege that the tunic is about two sizes too large for them. The general order provides that frocks and jackets should be fitted loosely over a cardigan waistcoat so as to admit of extra under clothing being worn. Soldiers at the front say that it is quite possible to wear the winter underclothing and at the same time get a tunic to fit them, whereas the tunics now issued are larger than necessary with trousers over a. foot wide at the knees. t One of Mr Parr's correspondents says: If the people of New Zealand could see the smartly-dressed Australian and French soldiers they would be ashamed of the dress they are putting on our boys to-day. Perhaps you are not aware that New Zealand soldiers going on leave from France, who take a pride in their personal appearance, invariably purchase a pair of trousers, also a hat and puggaree, to try to make themselves as neat and tidv as the Australian soldier. I would not think of visiting my relatives in England dressed in the present sloppy clothes that are being issued. The first thing we were taught on going into camp was always to appear neat and tidy on parade, but how can a man possibly do this.with a tunic two sizes too big for him and trousers that are about two feet wide at the knees As regards the objects of the order. Take the item, economy. Where does the economy arise, as the material used is far in excess of what- is required The order says the British soldier is being dressed like this, but during my time in France I have never seen them in such ill-fitting and ridiculous uniforms as those we now have."

Mr. Parr is bringing the matter before the Minister for Defence, with a view to an inquiry being made into the allegations.