HEAVY CUT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 October 1943, Page 4

HEAVY CUT

‘IN MEAT CONSUMPTION IN AUSTRALIA. TO BE ENFORCED UNDER RATIONING. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY. This Day. Australia’s meat ration, to begin in the middle of January, will be 2Jlbs. weekly for adults, and 18 ounces for children under nine years of age. This is less than half the present average weekly consumption of meat. Indications are that rationing will apply to beef, veal, -mutton, lamb and pork. It is believed that a points system of rationing will operate, and that coupons will be needed for the purchase of meat. Processed meat, including tinned meat and small goods sold at ham and beef shops, are expected to be coupon free. The Government believes that, as a result of rationing, between 150,000 and 200,000 tons more meat will be available for export and for the services. Workers in heavy industry will not receive more than the normal adult allowance. Mr Curtin announced that the British Ministry of Food required Australian meat to provision troops in the East and to help maintain the very low civilian ration in Britain. Cabinet’s decision to adopt the principle of meat rationing was reached after more than five hours’ discussion. It is reported to have been strongly opposed by some Ministers, who contended that its administration would prove difficult and expensive. One opinion expressed was that if Australia's 1944 record meat production goal were achieved, the need for rationing would be diminished considerably, and for that reason a decision should be postponed.