RATIONING OF SUPPLIES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23716, 14 August 1942, Page 4

RATIONING OF SUPPLIES

SUGGESTION BY GROCERS’ FEDERATION

(P.S.S.) AUCKLAND, August 13. The institution of an official rationing scheme to ensure an equitable distribution of existing stocks of potatoes has been suggested to the Food Controller (Mr J. E. Thomas) by the New Zealand Master Grocers' Federation a§ a means of meeting the position as disclosed in the announcement by the Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan).

The secretary of the Auckland Master Grocers’ Association (Mr R. M. Barker) stated that representations on those lines had been made some 10 days ago. The federation had suggested that rationing be introduced, and further representations were made on Monday last, said Mr Barker, It was suggested that “0” coupons be utilised for this purpose. Knowing the stocks in hand for general consumption during the next three months, it should be possible to institute a rationing scheme almost overnight, and the implementation of this system would immediately enable consumers to obtain an equal allocation of the potatoes available. That would also assist retailers in the difficult task they at present faced in having to apportion limited supplies among buyers. “The federation has pointed out to the Food Controller that potatoes are consumed by almost every section of the community, irrespective of age, and there appears to be no difficulty in adopting the suggested rationing scheme,” continued Mr Barker, “The continuance of the present system will permit of hoarding and make for unfair distribution.’’ He said that no reply had been received from the Food Controller.