DRESS REFORM

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1933, Page 3

DRESS REFORM

LONG-SUFFERING MEN’S NEED

NOTED VISITOR’S REFERENCE

AUCKLAND, .February 20

Arguments in favous of dress reform for men are never so timely as when uttered in the sweltering days of February. Usually at, this season of the year there are some progressive folk who come forward with suggestions for banning the starched collar and persuading the tailors to crusade for the adoption of the lighter, clothing common to most tropical and semi-tropical conn tries.

This year, however, it lias been left to a distinguished lady - visitor to draw pointed attention to the conservatism of the Auckland men in regard to their clothes. Dame Sybil Thorndike had an opportunity at a reception given in her-honour by the Victoria League yesterday to express her views on the topic. “Why do men .insist .upon wearing those stupid cellars?” she asked. “It is really ridiculous, the way most oi the men will dress. In New Zealand and Australia you have so much more sun than we do in our foggy little island, and suc-li wonderful climatic conditions altogether, but it seems to make no difference with regard to men’s clothes. “In England it is the same,” Dame Sybil continued. “We had a campaign in England a, little while ago during a heat .wave to see if we could not have .some sort of .Tedressi-nng 01 moll, hufc.it wasquite a failure. “That is.where women 'are so valuable, because they are not so conservative,” Dame- Sybil said amid laughter. “Men s?y bis wo have done lor so many years so we will continue to do.’ Women, however, are rebels, and vary their clothes according to seasons and fashions. '-