R.S.A. TOBACCO PROPOSAL

Grey River Argus, 1 February 1946, Page 5

R.S.A. TOBACCO PROPOSAL

For Special Rations NOT PRACTICABLE P.A. INVER-CAGILL, Jan. 31 The Invercargill R.S.A. has received’ from Hon. D. G. Sullivan a letter in reply to a suggestion madeby the Association that because of a difficulty returned men have ex- . perienced in obtaining supplies of • tobacco after their discharge from the forces, they should be guaranteed a weekly ration for at least six months after their discharge, under . a scheme similar to the one in operation in Australia. In his reply the Minister states: “Consideration has been given, on a number of occasions, to the possibility of inaugurating a system of ” rationing of tobacco for returned men; but, in view of the large num- j ber of men involved and of tire difficulty in obtaining supplies to meet ; such a special distribution, it has ■ been decided that it would be ini- ’ possible to institute any such ration- C ing scheme.” Mr. Sullivan also stated in his letter that the Minister of Finance had agreed to issue import licences cov- ■ ering substantial quantities of tobacco and cigarettes from overseas. ■ It was hoped that the reasonable ' requirements of everyone, including the returned servicemen, would be - met from the end of February onwards.