“AUSTERITY LIVING,,

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 31 August 1942, Page 2

“AUSTERITY LIVING ,,

COMMENCED IN AUSTRALIA TO LAST FOR DURATION OF WAR Sydney, Aug. 30. Australia this week ushers in “austerity living” for the duration of the war. A new Federal Budget is to be presented this week, and the Prime Minister, Mr Curtin, will give details of the £100,000,000 war loan to be launched in September. Mr Curtin has called the loan “the greatest challenge to sacrifice ever made to Australians.” The new Budget will reflect the desire of the Government to discourage all forms of luxury spending. Sugar rationing, it has now been announced, will start on Monday. The scale has not been stated. Tobacco prices are to be increased and the excise duty will be raised on all alcoholic drinks. A new Federal entertainment tax will be levied on all tickets costing Is and over. The tax on 2s 6d tickets will be 9d. On 5s tickets it will be Is lOd, rising to 5s 7d on tickets costing 12s. The tax is estimated to raise £3,000,000, of which £75,000 will be refunded to the States.

Austerity nrfeals at cafes and hotel* are to be made compulsory by the Federal Government. This is expected to be done by a straight-out ban on menus of more than three courses. The choice in each course will also be restricted to prevent food wastage. Some observers believe that meatless days are likely, but the suggestion has no official confirmation.—P.A.