KHAKI OR FRIPPERY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 272, 13 August 1919, Page 7

KHAKI OR FRIPPERY

THE PROBLEM OF MILITARY UNIFORM

The subject of military uniform was bound to demand attention as soon aa the end of the war came in sight (comments the London "Observer"). Tho appointment of a committee, under tho presidency of Liout.-Goneral Sir Archibald Murray, K.C.U., K.C.JI.G.. D.5.0., to inquire into and ropoft upon tho matter, indicates that at any rato the basis for a decision will shortly bo reached. The committee is empowered to call ■witnesses, and so far as possible all branches of tho servico are represented amongst its members, with a view to securing the utmost regard for regimental daiius. It should therefore be" able to approach generally acceptable conclusions. That it will satisfy every aspiration is probably beyond the limits of the most sanguine expectation. Short of that, however, there is much that it can accomplish. It is often forgotten that there was a halcyon time' when the same costume served the soldier equally for war or peace. The men who won for tho great Duko of Marlborough' the victories which are amongst the earliest proudly borne upon our colours, did so in tho kit which they had ordinarily worn and would continue to wear. That condition lasted till over a century /later. Uniform was a. term which denoted tho distinctive raiment of a soldier, since such had become necessary; but it' was confined to ono or two suits, and, being intended for all occasions, was made with 601110 regard to ease and comfort. It was not until the days of George IV that it becamo so overladen with frippery, and was, moreover, cut so tight, as to bo practically useless in ,the field. .The extraordinary -lapses from regulation rigidity in subsequent campaigns are matters ,of history. Finally, the increasing rango and deadliuess of modern weapons forced it'from the battle"round, and after many experiments we adopted khaki as tho best inconspicuous substitute for the gaudy apparel still preserved for the piping times ot peace.

The Progress of Khaki. A multiplicity of kits resulted, whoso maintenance caused some excuse to the Stato and considerable vexation to unfortunate offers compelled, to maintain them at their own cost.' Only one ot the lot-tke khaki-answered the old ideal of being equally useful, for the fie'd or in quarters, and by J 9ll-it-was generally worn by the roioier for threequarters of his time., The rest,, though not abolished. were relegated to particular functions, ' . ' , This is tho state, of affairs confronting the committee. It may be assumed, since it has been- called' together, that somo alteration is considered. iwcesaaiy, and further, that that alteration will bo tothe direction of thai economy winch can/only bo attained by greater simJ Several considerations present -themselves. Obviously, tho cheapest course would be to serai) the frippery and. restrict ■ uniform to khaki or some similar material, In addition to the imd - puted economy.which would thereby bo secured, tho following are some advantages urged t-(a) Vast simplification ot supply; (b) khaki has been worn in eveiy recent war, and'is popular y. associated "iththo heroism of the British soldier; (c) tho great majority of men now sevng are unacquainted with any other .kit, df it is capable of a smart appearance. Were somo form of national; service persisted in «iere is little doubt that khata would carry the day, at least with cer- , tain reservations. Are Showy Clothes Necessary? ' But it would appear that wo are again committed to a system of voluntary enlistment, audits advocates contend that I under it a showy uniform us essential Wice recruiter In that,cose n.com promise may bo expected winch, whs retaining khaki for work, will curtail he impedimenta hitherto considered in'dispensable for ceremonial functions or "Iking out." Whether thekt er purhe adequately met with les than two extra suits, "full dress and "undress," with corresponding headgear, etc., it will bo for tho committee to deCI It may bo concluded that their labours will bo of small practical benefit, .un- | ess thev evolve somo.method of reducing tho expense to which, officers have hitherto been put. Seeing. that ..these lave lo maintain their varied uniforms at the behest of the State, and purely for official duties, there is no reason in equity why they shouldbe expected i to pay 'for them out of their private 'means. Purine the war .Government has allowances up to .£l5O to officers. SnininiT thoir first commissions, and it i't still declines to accept tho entire re* sponsilrility similar allowances should bo oxtended to all. Even tins would fail to meet the constant costs entailed, unless (ho-prices charged for the articles romiired be sevorcb' yet fairly controlled. I The rank and filonw put to little if any: personal expense. It can onlv be honed that in apportioning their haberdas herv, tho harassed taxpayer may not bo wholly forgotten. '