That MUFTI ALLOWANCE

Cue (NZERS), Issue 36, 30 November 1945, Page 18

That MUFTI ALLOWANCE

Just how far the mufti allowance paid to ex-servicemen will go in the New Zealand of today is a question that has been exercising the minds of many soldiers in Italy. It has been realised for some time past, both by servicemen and the Government itself, that the allowance of L 25 would not cover the full requirements of a man returning to civilian life. An idea of what it will

buy has now been provided by reports of actual purchases by a returned member of the “Hawea” draft, and by a discharged home servicemen. It is difficult to give much idea of quality of the articles obtained but the prices speak for themselves. The prices, which are those ruling in Wellington in September last, were fixed by the Price Tribunal.

Staff-sergeant’s Purchases

The above prices can be taken as being those ruling in most parts of the country, although cheaper purchases may be made in some towns. Suits will be the main outlay, especially for the serviceman who has a city job, and particularly if it is a shop or an office one. It appears that ready-to-wear suits in “colonial” tweed are obtainable at prices from L 9-9-0 upwards but patterns are somewhat limited. At the other extreme up to L 25 may be paid for a tailored suit. For those who wish to buy sports wear, there is only a slight saving. Sports

coats from New Zealand cloths range from L 4-15-0 to L 5-5-0 and grey sports trousers (worsted), made to measure, are priced at L 3-3-0. Ready-to-wear trousers are L 2-17-6. Good tweed overcoats are priced at from LI 3-13-0 upwards, and hats of a satisfactory quality can be bought for 35/-. Although a soldier retains his underclothing on discharge, if he does have to purchase further garments they will cost him from 17/6 to 19/- per piece for woollens and 5/6 each for cotton types. Good quality handkerchiefs cost 2/11 each.

1 Sports Coat i L 7 s 10 d. 1 Rain coat 5 18 — Light coat, average 1 Suit 15 15 — Average (ready-made) 3 Shirts 4 5 — Standard quality 3 Socks 17 9 » » 1 Shoes 2 10 — » » 1 Grey slacks 3 2 6 Average 1 Pull-over (sleeveless) . 1 6 6 Fair quality 3 Ties 17 9 1 Hat 2 10 — Total 44 12 6 1 suit (on order) 21 — — (To be completed Dec. — ordered Sept.) Total 65 12 6 (Still to Buy) Pyjamas Overcoat Extra pair of Shoes Singlets Underpants Scarf Handkerchiefs (white) Captain’s List. 1 English worsted suit (tailored) . . . . . 17 7 6 1 Colonial tweed (to measure) 10 10 —

1 doz. Socks (at 3/4, 3/6, 4/2 pr.) . . . . 2 4 — 1 Shirt silk poplin, double cuffs . . . . 1 19 6 1 » » » » . 1 15 11 3 Shirts, single cuffs at 23/6 . 3 10 6 1 Shirt, plain colour, double cuffs . . . 1 9 9 1 Hat first-grade fur felt 2 12 6 1 Rain coat, showerproof cotton gaberdine 4 ine 4 15 15 3 3 1 Pair shoes, glace 1 17 6 1 » » box calf 2 2 6 1 Tie 7 6 1 Tie . 5 11 Total . 50 18 4