RATIONING OF SUGAR

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23625, 30 April 1942, Page 3

RATIONING OF SUGAR

Sir,—“G.L.S.” had a very sensible letter in your correspondence column this morning. One wonders if the Government cares at all about our country and its welfare when it allows beer to be consumed in such quantities while sugar is being rationed. Obviously, our Government is only considering the heavy taxation on beer. That seems to be its foremost thought. If it wishes to maintain its world-wide fame for high taxation, why not put up the price of sugar and allow us a pound a week, and we may be able to manage. It certainly would be a good step towards bur war effort if beer was rationed. —Yours, etc., PUBLIC INTEREST. April 28, 1942.

Sir,—Why does “Worried Countrywoman” presume that town women do not require as much sugar as she does? I and many of my friends always make our own cakes, bottle fruit, and make jam. Also, the country woman is not the only dispenser of cups of tea to friends, tradesmen, etc.; we are quite as hospitable. This everlasting idea that country people should receive better treatment than town people should be abolished. The only fair way is to ration and the same amount to everyone.—Yours, etc,, SANDREW. April 29, 1942.

Sir, —Now that the full brunt of rationing (stockings and sugar) has fallen on the woman as usual, it is time something was done about this beer question that is using up hundreds of tons of sugar (not just several thousand cwt) and causing us such distress in this country. It is no use Mr Fraser saying that if beer is curtailed there will be an outbreak of homebrewing. What wife is (going to hand over her sugar ration to her husband to make into home brew? Also, the Government need not think it will lose votes by closing the breyveries for the duration. I for one, and I suppose every other woman, would give them our vote if they would right this wrong.—Yours, etc., MARY ANN. April 29, 1942.

Sir,—“ Temperance has erroneously gathered that I was referring to "the old women” as women, instead of the male as well as the female of the species. Evidently “Temperance Leader” is one of those people who delight in predicting the downfall of more tolerant and convivial souls. She seems to regard a bottle of beer as she would a little high explosive, Instead of a health-giving beverage. Incidentally, a glass of beer contains less sugar than one of those innumerable cups of tea that she probably drinks. As for our soldiers’ attitude to beer, their reception of the prohibition poll that was so shrewdly held in 1918 is sufficient answer to that.— Yours, etc., OLD SAM. April 28, 1942. (“Thrift” may, if desired, briefly reply; otherwise, this correspondence is closed. —Ed., "The Press.”]