ISSUE OF NEW RATION BOOKS

Southland Times, Issue 24877, 17 October 1942, Page 5

ISSUE OF NEW RATION BOOKS

SYSTEM EXPLAINED BY CONTROLLER

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 16. The issue of new ration books throughout the Dominion will take place during the week beginning October 19, according to a statement by Mr J. E. Thomas, Rationing Controller, acting under the authority of the Minister of Supply. Mr Thomas explains that sugar coupons in the current issue of the ration book expire on October 31 and it has been decided to bring the coupon numbers relating to tea and sugar into line and tea coupon numbers 21 to 26 inclusive are accordingly cancelled. When application is being made for new ration books at post offices and rationing offices, it will not be necessary to produce social security books, as the issue of new books will be made on the production of the current ration book and the surrender of the “O” counterfoil containing the name and address of the ration book holder and, in the case of children under 17, the date and year of birth. The old book will be retained, as the “M” and “O” coupons have not yet expired. From November 1 the rationing system will operate as follows: hi the case of sugar the consumer will register with the retailer with whom the old book is registered and proceed exactly the same as previously. Where transfers of registrations are required these will not be permitted without the consent of the rationing officer the consumer changes his place of residence. Collective consumers, such as boarding-houses, hotels and institutions, which secure supplies wholesale are required to register their guests or patients in the same manner as a retailer registers his customers. Collective consumers purchasing sugar retail will register guests with a retailer. Distinctive children’s books will be issued to all children under 10 years of age. These will not contain tea coupons. Registration of a customer consuming tea will not be required, and consumers may hand in their ration books at any shop. “O” coupons in the old ration book will be available for the purchase of clothing from Monday next and will have the same value as “M” coupons. Both “M” and “O” coupons may be used at any time up to May 31 next year. Clothing coupons in the new ration book will not be used until further notice. A supplementary issue of 26 coupons will be made to children between 5 and 17 years of age on January 1 to cover the extra needs of growing children.