New Zealand Army Nurses' Uniform

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume VIII, Issue 2, 1 April 1915, Page 60

New Zealand Army Nurses' Uniform

The Matron-in- Chief has-been experier.cing some di.fficu ty m devising a suitable and comfortable uniform for the nurses to be sent to the Front, and for the service m general. It is sometimes a simple thing to devise, but difficult to have one's conceptions carried out ; one's brightest ideas as to something quite original get a sudden set-back by the impossibility of procuring the material or garnishments one has thought of. Suggestions are made : " Why s hculd our uniform not be something quite new ? Let us discard the old-fashioned bonnet for instance," but what sort of hat can we substitute m its place ? That question does not get a very lucid reply ; and what shape of hat is sure to become all the varied types of countenance our contingent will possess ? What shape of hat will defy wind and storm, and remain at its proper angle on the wearer's head ? So we decide it will be a little bonnet for state occasions, and a hat for out-door service if required. The question of material for out-door

is solved by a Petone woollen cloth of a dark grey, light and warm, dresses simply made, and coats of the same material to the hem of the dress, with^easy slip-on sleeves ; belt at the^ back ; shoulder strap, scarlet -lined military collar, and the brass buttons of the New Zeal and t Military Forces. The grey silk Princess bonnet matches m colour exactly, and is fastened by a grey ribbon bow tied at the throat. Grey tagel sailor-shaped hats with a grey ribbon band are alsoj provided. For cotton dresses of a suitable colour it appears impossible to get sufficient material m New Zealand or Australia, and therefore the Matron-in Chief has ordered them at Garronlds, the great J Nurses' m London, to be ready on arrival. Competitive designs for badges were submitted ; it was exceedingly difficult to make a selection. We hope the one finally selected, which bears two New Zealand fern fronds and a red cross, will become known as the badge of an honourable and useful service,