YOUR COUPONS MADAME?

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 March 1940, Page 8

YOUR COUPONS MADAME?

A GERMAN WOMAN GOES SHOPPING. SHE WORKS TO A BUDGET. The German system of rationing purchases of clothing deserves more detailed attention than it has received in British lands. It is remarkable for its boldness and thoroughness and for the extraordinary degree in which the civlian consumer's freedom of choice is limited. The scheme itself has all the intricacy of a parlour-game. Since textiles are one of the weakest points in the German armour they were among the first to be restricted. Since August 28 a would-be purchaser has had to convince the local authorities of his (or her) need to buy before being given a certificate permitting him, or her, to spend money. This system will still continue for overcoats. A certificate will only be given on the production and inspection of the old coat, and usually on its sur-, render. The old coat may, however, be kept when there are many children in the family.

Bed and household linen are also obtainable only through certificates. Working clothes —overalls and the like —have hitherto been certificatefree, as have hats, but shoes are covered by certificates. The clothing card now being distributed throughout Germany covers all other textile articles of clothing except such as are made of pure silk —virtually unobtainable. Each person receives a card of coupons which is to regulate purchases until October 31 next year. There are five types of card—men .(yellow), women (orange), boys from three to 13 (green), girls from three to 13 (blue) and young children of one to two (pink).

Each card contains 100 coupons (except the young children’s, which have 70). The card bears a list of articles of clothing and the coupon value of each. With these coupon equivalents before him the holder must decide how he is to make use of his 100 for the next 12 months —an intricate piece of budgetmaking.

You may not, however, rush out and stock your wardrobe. 30 coupons are available on November 1, 10 on January 1, 20 on March 1, 20 on May 1, and 20 on August 1. But it is possible to anticipate the allowance to buy an expensive (in coupon value) article, such as a suit of cloths. The limit of 100 coupons for the year, however, remains.

One of the most ingenious provisions is designed to meet the frailty of women’s stockings. A woman is allowed six pairs of stockings a year. Four of these she gets at the equivalent of four coupons a pair; for the other two she must surrunder double the number of coupons —eight a pair. Men are allowed five pairs of socks — three at five coupons, two at 10.

g How little a German woman could . buy with her 100 coupons is shown by fj this list of articles, with their coupon values, on the clothing card for women: Coupons. ? Handkerchief 1 " Stockings 4 e Socks 4 1 Fabric Gloves 5 s Scarf 5 ; Jumper 25 a Knickers, wool 16 i. Do, other material 8 a Slip 15 s Petticoat 16 f Combinations 10 ® Vest and knickers set. wool 20 Do, other material 12 L . Vest or knickers, wool 10 . Do, other material 0 a Sports blouse, short sleeves 8 t Apron 12 a Overall 25 1 Dressing Gown 25 - Pyjamas 25 , Nightshirt 18 Dressing jacket 12 , Bed jacket 12 Camisole 6 ■ Brassiere 4 Suspender belt 4 Corset belt 8 Corselet 16 Woollen dress 40 Dress, other material 30 Blouse 15 Skirt 20 Jacket 25 Costume 45 Trimmings for do, if material in hand 21 Windjammer 25 Coat of artificial silk fur 35 Rubber or dust coal 25 Rain coat or summer coat, not rubber 35 Bathing suit 18 Bathing cloak 30 “Training Suit," jacket and slacks 25 One metre woollen material up 1 to yard wide 14 1 Do. over yard wide 18 I One metre other material tip to 1 yard wide 8 1 Do, over yard wide 11 £