CLOTHES RATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23996, 20 June 1941, Page 2

CLOTHES RATION

EXEMPTION OF HATS

NO COUPONS REQUIRED

an* advantage for women With tlie rationing" of clothes in Kngland it is interesting to note that Imts arc exempt from the scheme. A woman may liny a dress with 11 of hei 66 yearly coupons and footwear and other clothing essentials with a stated number more, but she may still indulge her taste for hats without parting with a precious coupon. Some women in Kngland, and in New Zealand also, have endeavoured to start a fashion for the non-wearing of hats, I,lit it is doubtful if this will ever become universally popular lor two reasons. One is the weather. It is ficquently too hot in summer, and too wet, cold or windy in winter to make the venturing out without headgeai practicable. Second, and most ini)X)rtant, however, is the iact that the hat is an integral part ol women s outdooi clothing. The same suit, frock or coat can be worn, with minor alterations and renovations, until it is almost threadbare, but the piece de resistance ol anv ensemble is the nai, which "ill lake 'all attention if it. is sufficiently striking. And in these days it usually

Doubtless economy will bo exorcised in the purchase of milliiiorv as in all other garments, this economy being effected by the judicious choice of <,(>l--0111 which will match more (.than one ensemble. But. many a woman in the throes of despondency or trouble will cure herself instantly by the purchase of a now hat. It need not be an expensive one, but it must be smart, pert or ridiculous, according to the taste and mood. Nothing is more calculated to raise a woman's spirits—and possibly her husband's alarm —than the aerpii-

sition of a new hat. Perched over one eye, adorned with a feather or piece of veiling and covering a minute area of the Lead, it still carries a personality and air without which its owner might he entirely negative. Possibly the President of the Board of Trade, who instituted the rationing of clothing, is a rather more human individual than" is sometimes found in "high places." Or perhaps he has a very intelligent wife who has explained to him the serious effect on women's morale if they cannot have new hats fairly frequently. Whatever the explanation, and it is doubtful if Captain Oliver Lyttclton will ever divulge it. ho has excluded hats from his scheme of rationing, and women may still indulge in an orgy of hat-buying when the spirit moves them.