SOLDIERS' UNIFORMS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 55, 28 November 1917, Page 4

SOLDIERS' UNIFORMS

An indignant soldier writes from Trcntham Camp repudiating 1 the idea that the recent order of the Defence authorities prohibiting the wearing of any but service issuo uniforms has not .caused much discontent. Our correspondent, who plainly is a very hot-headed and somewhat indiscreet individual, writes very wildly of what will happen unless it is made clear t*iat the views of tho men generally are as he chooses to present them. Even though ho may havo an exaggerated idea of the extent to which the men resent this interference with a practice common enough with past reinforcement drafts, there is little doubt that a good many men do feel aggrieved over tho new order. It is natural that they should wish to look as smart as possible when amongst their friends hero, and it is desirable that this spirit should he encouraged. If they are prepared to bear the cost of securing bettor fitting, tailor-made uniforms for use while in New Zealand we cannot see that any strong grounds for objection can be offered, provided, of course, that the uniforms arc made up of similar material to that issued by the Department. But the reasons given by'the military authorities for insisting that troops when embarking for overseas service should wear the full fitting uniforms issued by the Department arc equally sound and good. It is not merely a Departmental fad, but it is in the interests of the men themselves that _ they should leave here wearing uniforms suited to active service conditions; and tho test of experience at the war fronts has shown the advantages of the looser fitting garments. The position seems to be one easy enough to meet. The main purpose of the new order appears to be to 'ensure the use of service issue uniforms overseas. Such being the case there is no strong reason why the men, if they choose, should not be permitted to purchase tailor-made garments for use while in New Zealand, on the clear understanding that they must he discarded prior to embarkation. Thero should be. no practical dilliculty in the way of enforcing such a condition, and it wouklcertainl.y remove a source of irritation amongst a section of the men called for military service.