OFFICERS’ EQUIPMENT

Southland Times, Issue 17658, 16 February 1916, Page 6

OFFICERS’ EQUIPMENT

INCREASES BA* CABINET. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 15. The Minister of Defence announced today that the Cabinet had reconsidered the question of uniform allowance for officers, in view of the increasing cost of material, and had agreed to raise the amount from £2O to £35 for the infantry department. He has also determined that as the sword is now of no service it need not be taken, and a saving of £2 2/- would thus be made. Air Allen said further that ho would publish in a day or two a list of all articles, including clothing, necessary, thus: Infantry officers, amount to £23 IS/3; mounted, £2l IS/lt. He was sorry to say that parents and others equipped officers with articles wholly unnecessary, and which had to be left behind when going on active service. It is understood that in regard to mounted officers’ saddlery, etc., will be issued the ordnance store. It is also understood that with regard to field-glasses, pistol, and pouch, these, if not already given, will be issued at the front, as is the custom with riilcs, and these must, like them, be returned subsequently. The new arrangement will apply from January 1, 1916, but will apply to officers in camp at present and in training for new units or reinforcements, even if they came in prior to January 1.