SMARTER POLICEMEN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17186, 9 November 1926, Page 4

SMARTER POLICEMEN

NEW UNIFORM DECIDED LESS WEIGHT TO CAEEY .J* (Special to the Herald.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. W. B. Mcßveney, who is at present in Christchurch," states that he is arranging for alterations in the police j uniform wit,h a view to reducing its weight and smartening the appearance of the men. The most drastic change as far as the actual aspect of members of the force is concerned will be the replacement of helmet by the shako for day duty in fine weather. The matter of lighter uniforms has been urged on the department for many years, said the Commissioner. Tenders now have been called for the supply of material which will reduce the weight of the uniform by approximately 21b. Hitherto the cloth used has been cf the heavy 240 z type. The new indigo blue, l6o'z tvpc material, will b<j of the finest New "Zealand manufacture. NEW ZEALND MADE. Tenders have been called for a supply of shakos also to reduce tho weight of the headgear by several ounces. The type selected is commonly known as the officers' shako. It also will be of New Zealand manufacture. The will bo Used for day duty in fine weather. The badge will be of silver, or white metal, and the uniform worn with it will have buttons of similar material.. The shako will be similar in appearance to that used in New Zefdand many years ago. A point of difference is that the new headgear will be "flashed" on the peak in order to prevent rain from getting in at the junction with the top of the™ shako. It is interesting to note that a return i to tho use of shakos as full dress headgear by the regular army in England was sanctioned about 18 months ago. The prison blue helmet and bronze badges will bo used for night duty, and for wet days. The Commissioner said that a s the new badges and buttons have to bo procured from England, it will probably be several months' before the new issue, will be available for use.