New Ration Books Are Changed In Shape And Contents

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1947, Page 6

New Ration Books Are Changed In Shape And Contents

The elongated shape of the new ration books' now being issued is not proving popular with women, judging by the remarks heard in the Greyrtiouth Post Office, as the books are handed to applicants. The new books are entirely different in shape, and contents, to the books which have almost expired. Their length (they are something like a cheque book) makes them awkward for pockets and small handbags and the special book-hold-ers which many people had purchased, will now be useless. No provision has . been macle for clothing coupons in the >new books and although no official statement has been made, this is taken by most people as an indication that clothes rationing is soon to be abolished. It is pointed out, however, that in the last series of fation books there are clothing coupons which do not expire until December 31.

Other changes in the new books include the pla'cing of sugar and tea coupons on the same page, in the same line of numbering, which will facilitate removal when double purchases are made. The meat coupons are the only one which are perforated for removal without the aid of scissors.

Up till this afternoon the rationing office staff at the Greymouth Post Office had issued a total, of 3561 new 'books, the number of applications showing a steady increase throughout this week. Last year, 10,727 books were issued at Greymouth, so that there are over 6500 books still to be issued before October 24, the last day of issue before the new coupons become current. As usual, applicants have to produce their sixth series books and also fill up an application form to receive the new books. All special permits for rationed commodities also expire on October 26 and applications for renewals are now being received.