The "cop" moustache appears to be a popular choice with the Southern blokes for Movember. Most guys, including myself, are going for the straight moustache and copping a fair amount of flak.
My choice was forced because of an ambitious shaving technique. I've forgone the "step ladder" mo' in favour of a double-decker, where the top half forms a second layer to the establishing bottom mo'. In essence, most people think I'm growing the "cop" mo'.
But spare a thought for those policemen on the beat in Otago about 150 years ago. An old archive recently discovered by a police detective at the police museum in Porirua shed some fascinating light on the subject.
"In amongst all the papers, we found the Commissioners Instructions to the Otago Provincial Police dated from 1861 General Order No.12 made on 28th of November 1861 specificaly stated that 'On or after this date, foot constables WILL wear a moustache'. Clearly the Commisioner was a man of rare foresight.''
Otago mo' growers have a choice but it seems like tradition is winning out. Or maybe not? Why not send us your mo's guys at odt.online@odt.co.nz.
