ATTIRE FOR MEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21982, 13 December 1934, Page 15

ATTIRE FOR MEN

MEETING THE PRINCE TAILORS AND HATTERS BUSY * AVOIDING SARTORIAL SINS^ 1' ashions for men is becoming a subject for anxious inquiry with the Auckland visit of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, less than a fortnight distant. tor some weeks tailoring establishments have been coping with a moderate rush of work in fulfilling orders for formal clothes, while in other less expected directions the coming of the Duke has stimulated the clothing and allied trades. It is reported, for instance, that numerous majors and captains are emerging from retirement for the occasion, with the result that many orders are being given for the manufacture of military caps or the renovation of old . ones. Old soldiers from the Veterans Home are among those who are having their headgear renovated. One tailor said yesterday that ho had five orders for morning dress. As the Duke's visit coincides with the seasonal rush—Christmas and Kaster are the popular periods for replenishing wardrobes—many tailors are working to a strict and strenuous schedule to enable the extra work to be overtaken. Choice About Spats The problem of correct dress for functions attended by the Prince is evidently perplexing some of those who have received invitations. One correspondent, for instance, asks this question: "Can a gentleman wear an ordinary blue lounge suit to a vice-regal garden party in honour of the Duke? If not, what would be the correct dress?" Guidance on the subject was given in a statement issued recently by the Department oi Internal Affairs. It was then explained that at official functions during the day-time morning dress would be correct for civilians actually taking part in formal proceedings or appearing on the platform with His Royal Highness. Alternatively, a dark lounge suit and bowler hat would be suitable. The advice of a tailor to whom the query was referred yesterday was that for the garden party to be held at Government House, Auckland, on December 27, morning dress was essential. With the morning coat should be worn striped trousers, a dove or biscuitcoloured vest and a or tie, preferably toning with the vest. "And spats?" the tailor was asked. "Well, that is a matter of taste," he replied. "You will remember that some Americans were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace not so long ago, and they wore spats. Much to their discomfiture, when they arrived at the garden party they noticed that none or the other guests had spats, so the Americans retired behind a mulberry bush and removed theirs."

" Toppers " and " Bowlers "

The tailor also had a word to say about hats. "The 'topper' is being worn now fairly high and with a slight bell," he said. "The 'stove-pipe' is out of fashion."

Full morning dress costs about 15 guineas, while a bell-topper varies in price between two guineas and £2 10s. A fair trade is being done in top-hats, while many who already possess such headgear are sending their hats to experts for a "brush up." A controversy about top-hats raged in Sydney just prior to the Duke's arrival there. Ultimately most of the members of the New South Wales Ministry wore bowler hats. There appears to be an underlying sentiment in Australia that top-hats are an affront to democratic sentiment. Probably because of that feeling, those in official roles were divided in their allegiance between the "topper" and the "bowler." The Prime Minister, Mr. J. Lyons, for instance, wore a top-hat, while the Leader of the Federal Opposition, Mr. J* H. Scullin, greeted the Duke in Melbourne in a bowler hat. Mr. W. M. Hughes, still the most colourful figure in Australian politics, wore, according to a Sydney report, a top-hat and a jaunty air. In view of the direction given by the Department of Internal Affairs, it is probable that " toppers " and "bowlers" will both be in evidence in official circles in New Zealand during the Prince's visit. But it is hoped that the sartorial sin of a southern Mayor will not be repeated. He greeted the Prince of Wales attired according to the best Bond Street canons—but wore tan shoes.

SPECIAL POLICE PARTY

ASSEMBLY AT WELLINGTON AUCKLAND ARRANGEMENTS Picked members of the police force from various centres, who will make up tha special detachment required to augment the force in the cities and towns to be visited by Prince Henry during his tour of New Zealand, will assemble in Wellington to-morrow. The Auckland party, consisting of a sergeant and eight men, will leave for Wellington by train this afternoon, and on arrival there to-morrow morning they will report to Inspector J. Lander, who will have immediate control of the uniformed men. The party from Auckland is headed by Sergeant T. Brenchley. Other members are Constables S. S. Wells, T. j. Hughes, .11. H. Huckstep, E. C. Broadley, G. A. McCurragh, J. J. Quirke, W. A. T. McGuire and K. E. Goile. It is not known how long they will he engaged on the special duty, although there is a possibility that they will continue with the detachment until the conclusion of the Royal tour. Mr. S. Till, superintendent of police at Auckland, said yesterday that exceptionally large crowds were expected in the city during the Duke's visit. As a result, it would be necessary to augment the local force, and this was the function of the special detachment. Wherever the Duke went, uniformed police would be present to control the crowds and keep the route clear. About 12 mounted men would be available for service in Auckland, but most of the constables would be on foot. The general arrangements as far as Auckland was concerned would follow closely those made for previous Royal visits, Mr Till added. When Prince Henry was making public appearances, particularly on the occasion of his arrival in Auckland and his drive from the railway station to the Town Hall and later to Government House and the Cenotaph, the route would be adequately patrolled by uniformed men. They would generally be stationed at intervals, but where the crowd was thickest there would bo reinforcements to maintain order.