POOR FELLOWS!

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 828, 29 September 1870, Page 3

POOR FELLOWS!

On the 28th June last, a large number of the metropolitan police, chiefly of the A Division, wore for the first time the new helmet. The European Mail says, "it is not liked by the men," who "became the objects "of no little chaff," and that the helmet "is irresistably suggestive of a cocoa-nut." This, however, would not appear to be its most serious defect, according to the following pathetic remarks in the Pail Mall Gazette:—

" Monday was we fear a melancholy day with one class of her Majesty's subjects. The sun was shining brightly, the birds were singing gaily, and the whole face of nature was smiling with the exception of one feature, and that feature was the police. These unfortunate men, who bear with exemplary patience the fancy dresses in which it pleases the authorities to clothe them, for the first time appeared in their new helmets; and it was almost too much for them. The poor fellows found themselves with the tops of their helmets suddenly cut off, one peak in front shutting out the world from their sight, another peak behind forming a little

! ledge for; the rain to run down the napes lof their necks, and the whole head-gear about as useless and uncomfortable as the wildest chignon that ever graced or disgraced the head of weak but fascinating woman. We are sorry for the police, as everybody must be sorry for a body of respectable men who against their own inclination are compelled to adopt a senseless attire; but we would remind them that to beautify London is the object of the authorities, and . private inclination must not be allowed to stand in the way of this laudable ambition. They have only to look at our statues to convince themselves that our public men shrink from no sacrifice when called upon to contribute to the adornment of the metropolis. We could have wished that it had been possible to have spared the police, for we do not deny that there is some advantage in a constable being able to see objects in front of him, and that a stream of cold water down his back may be slightly disagreeable; but, as Punch once remarked very truly, 'Agony is nothing to a man as dresses well,' and there cannot be two opinions as to the picturesque effect of the new helmet. It is indeed only too sadly beautiful: it would be difficult to conceive anything more admirably adapted for the purpose for which it is doubtless intended. It is not a covering for the head of the light and careless, but as a crown for • resignation ' it is perfect. It is a hat which a martyr might be proud to wear. He may, however, find consolation in the thought that the authorities can do no more to him —unless, indeed, they take it in their heads to utilize the little cab flag by sticking it at the top of his helmet."