“MY OLD SHAKO”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 39, 9 May 1927, Page 12

“MY OLD SHAKO”

NEW POLICE UNIFORM THE PUBLIC INTERESTED “Back to Balaclava,” said the bright young constable as he stepped out into Queen Street this morning. It was quite early, but there were people who would look at him. A charlady took an intense personal interest in the young man in blue. She gave him such a piercing look that he took shelter for a moment behind a friendly electric light pole. Then came two lads on their way to the ferry building. “Mornin’, Sergeant,” they remarked politely. “Good morning,” said the bright young constable, as he stepped out on the street again. “This new hat of mine seems to have made some difference, anyhow.”

That young constable was not affectionately humming “My old shako” to himself. What he really thought of his new headgear could not be described as affectionate, even by an imaginative bullock-team driver. But law is law. The new police uniform made its appearance in Auckland at 5 o’clock this morning, when the day shift took over.

Never in their lives, perhaps, have the street constables been regarded with such attention by passers-by. At times it was almost embarrassing. No wonder many of the younger members of the Force walked their beats with smiles for everyone. The older policeman did not mind—the change in uniform did not affect them in the slightest. The shako has certainly made a difference in the look of the policeman. Although it flaunts a bold silver badge, it is not such a dignified head-piece as the now out-of-date helmet. A row of silver buttons brightens up the tunic, which is without breast pockets. By some of the constables, May 9, 1927, will be regarded as “Black” Monday, but they can rest assured that the public will grow tired of looking at their new headgear long before they have become accustomed to wearing it. “And if I ever hear anyone singing ‘My old shako’ again. I’ll . . .” Words failed the bright young constable.