BALACLAVA CAPS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 234, 29 September 1914, Page 2

BALACLAVA CAPS.

Tlio chairwoman of tho local Lady Liverpool Committee (Mrs Earned writes : " During tho l"st uoek of August and tho oarly part ot tho prosent month, ladies of Pukokoho and Puni wore engaged making " Balaclavas " for tho soldiors. A groat deal of controversy aroso as to whether tho colours should bo dark, as asked for by Auckland, or whethor neutral tints, such as groy or khaki, should bo usod. Tho (juostion asked was whotlior tlioy wore to bo worn during darknoss or daylight. Wo all know tho usos to which they aro put in ordinary wear, primarily as " sleeping helmets " for camping out. Sailors, surveyors, explorers and mountaineers havo found them invaluable. In the present tlioy were askod for because they had proved of jj.uch comfort to soldiors during tho Hoor war. Generally whon real warmth i- tho objoct, wearers pull tlieiu on over tho head. This looks just like the helmet of mail used in earlier times. Anyono who has read illustrated magazines will remember that Sir Ernest Shackleton's and later Captain Scott's party woro these helmets. " If after pulling on in the usual way a fold is made in a line over chin and ear, a nice driving or motor wrap is the result. Tho cap is capable of much variation by different methods <»f donning it. Each is as ea-y a- putting on a -kull cap. One forms the well-known cap of the French citizen, another rothe "taiboosh" of the Mussulman. " During the march of tbo Expeditionary Force through Wellington city to their transports last week, tho -oldiors who had been provided with khaki or grey Balaclava- wore them a> Glengarty caps.'