GLOVES FOR TO-DAY

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1926, Page 4

GLOVES FOR TO-DAY

Gloves have played many parts m history and have served many purposes, says Fonthill Beekfoul in an English paper. As far back as the days of Alexander the Great the working glove was instituted by Auaxaicos when lie ordered all his shires r\ 10 kneaded pastry to put gloves on their hands. We find the sporting glove in Lhe covering for the hand worn » hulies and gentlemen who indulged in the sport of hawking. The hawk was perched on the hand, and, having sharp claws, protection was needed for the owner. The mailed first of the knight became famous in the field oi battle aw the lists, while a gentler use to wliion the glove was frequently put was that of a love token. Materials naturally varied according to the purpose for which the glove was made, hut it is interesting to note that as late as the reign of George 111 chicken skin was one of the favourite mediums for a glove lor cavaliers. We arc still searching lor a soft leather, and this to a large extent, accounts for the popularity of chamois. Then, of course, there are other skins, horse, dog. goat, doer, pig; all shed tl-eir skins to make gloves for man, and the colours again oiler an infinite choice. There arc the staple tans and greys, smoke, cream, cork, heaver, airedalc, a.nd a reddish tan. tapes are said to he still most in demand; but mocha, still scare and high m price, is a favourite with the fastidious customer.

From this it may he seen that trie range oT choice offered is very icicle. For those who like a close-fitting stylo washable French Suede in pastel, putty, light grey, and chamois colour looks well for smart occasions, but perhaps one of the most economical gloves for every-day wear is the light-weight capo and chevrette. Hand-sewn in black, this has a smart appearance, ami has the lidded advantage of being washable, thus it can easily ha sponged at homo and save cleaning costs. Now that eve are in the very middle of the winter season the question of fur gloves has to he met. Because of the high prices of real fur conev is much employed, and this, dyed and dressed out of all recognition, ill beaver, seal, chinchilla, and mole, is difficult to distinguish from, the genuine article.