DRESS REFORM FOR MEN

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1933, Page 6

DRESS REFORM FOR MEN

NEW PLYMOUTH MONUMENT SENSIBLE CLOTHES FOR HOT DAYS. CHANGE ADVOCATED BY MAYOR. Dress reform for men is being advocated at New Plymouth. The prime mover is the Mayor, Mr. H. V. S.. Griffiths, who told a reporter yesterday that he had been considering the matter for some time. “The time is long overdue for men to take some stand over suitable attire for the hot weather,” he said when announcing his proposal to call a public meeting to give those willing to support the movement an opportunity of launching it on its way. “It only wants, a few enthusiasts to take up the suggestion,” he said. “It is ridiculous that business men should be tied to convention and starched collars these scorching hot days. Why can’t they dress coolly, sensibly, and comfortably?” “In flannels and blazers?” suggested the reporter. “Yes, or alpaca tunics,” said Mr. Griffiths. “But why coats at all?” The Mayor’s idea commended itself to other business men. In fact, they were enthusiastic. They urged that if the benefit of the reform were to be obtained it should be launched immediately. It was pointed out, however, that the changeable nature of the climate at New Plymouth might be a handicap, though most of them considered it would be easy to take precautions against sudden drops in temperature. “Why should we wear collars and ties, even in the winter?” asked a man who believed it possible for men to became as hardened to climatic conditions as their gentle sisters. He urged that men would be far healthier if they refrained from constricting their necks and wearing waistcoats. “The only disadvantage I can see it that we should not have enough pockets,” said one, “but that is a disability that could easily be overcome.” It was recalled that shop assistants at Auckland last summer discarded starched collars for tennis shirts and ties. Another crusade against discomfort was instituted at Christchurch last year, but unfortunately the weather promptly and effectively discouraged the pilgrims. These business men were ultra radicals, ic is understood. Their revolt against convention was plotted around the luncheon tables 'of a • city restaurant. Eventually their plan of attack was completed and next day the intrepid pioneers appeared in the streets of an amazed town—in shorts and shirts. The elements, however, frowned most disapprovingly, and a southerly buster quickly cooled the ardour of the revolutionaries. Nevertheless, a great many men at New Plymouth seem prepared to support the innovation of more sensible male fashions. Having just returned from holidays spent in bathing suits or light and loosely-hanging garments, they have had the discomforts of the conventional modes brought forcibly and physically to their notice. It is not the . return to work that irks them so much as the return to clothes.

The question is: Have men, all of them die-hard conservatives, the courage to become'sensible radicals?