TEA RATIONED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 126, 30 May 1942, Page 8

TEA RATIONED

AS FROM MONDAY

TWO OUNCES WEEKLY

(O C.) CHRISTCTICRCH, this day.

The Minister of Supply, Mr. SulHvan, stated to-day that the rationing of tea will commence on Monday next. "The ration," he said, "will be on the basis of two ounces per person of all apes per week, plus allowance to hotels, restaurants and boardinghotises, and for morning .in«l afternoon tea for shop, office and factory workers along similar Ifnes to the sugar rationing scheme. The Minister pointed out that the stocks of tea in New Zealand had been built tip, and there was six months' supply in the country on the basis of the rationing scheme, but precautions must be taken because of the possibility of interruption of supplies from Ceylon and India. I'ureliascs From Any Shop Following the announcement by Mr. Sullivan, the Food and Rationing Controller, Mr. .1. K. Thomas, stated that ration book holders would not be required to register with a retailer as in the case of sugar, states a Press Association message. It. therefore, would be possible for purchases of tea to be made from any licensed retail shop or store. The

"T" coupons are to be utilised for tea. each coupon representing two ounces. "T" coupons numbers one to four were available for use at any time during the rationing period, commencing Monday next. In order to avoid upsetting the long established practice of packeting tea in half-pound packets, each purchase of a packet of tea must not be less than a half-pound. That was a minimum of four coupons must be surrendered for each purchase made.

"Retailers of tea will require a license and rationing officers throughout. the Dominion have been authorised to issue them upon application from traders, who normally deal in tea." added Mr. Thomas.

"Before licenses are issued retailers must, declare the stocks of tea held at the commencement of the rationing scheme, namely June 1, 1942."