EXTENSIVE BAN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 114, 16 May 1942, Page 7

EXTENSIVE BAN

UNESSENTIAL GOODS

Rationing Being Pushed Ahead

In Australia

Special Australian Correspondent. United Press Association.—Copyright,

Rec. 11.30 a.m. SYDNEY, May 15. The breadth of Australia's drive for manpower in an all-out war effort is Indicated by a number of new moves. The rationalisation of industry Is being pushed ahead with the

utmost speed

The manufacture of

some 60 unessential articles, ranging from bath heaters to billiard tables, Is to be prohibited. Jewellery (including imitation), other than wedding rings, toys, men's evening wear, ?[>rters, sock suspenders, and many tema of household furniture, Including lounge suites, settees and easy chairs, fur coats and electric dishwashing machines all come under the wide ban.

The Government's powers to ration any commodity or service are generally believed to indicate early new restrictions. Rationing will be controlled by a rationing

commission after the Government i has declared which goods and services are concerned. These have not yet been indicated. So far only the

sales have been restricted.

The chairman of the commission, Mr. A. W. Coles, states that the Government's Idea in Introducing clothing rationing is essentially to protect the large proportion of the public against hoarding by those With excess money to spend. "The rationing system will be baaed at all times on the supply position, keeping a reasonable reserfll against emorgonc.y." says Mr. Coles. "To prevent hardship essential needs must be met so long as the gocds are available." The extent to which clothing rationing will be introduced, probably on June 13, is not yet decided, sayß Mr. Coles. It may exceed the present 25 per cent quota cut—or it may be less. Some political commentators have prophesied that the ration cut will be as high as 40 per cent.