FOOD RATIONING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23599, 7 March 1940, Page 12

FOOD RATIONING

THE ROYAL FAMILY SHARING WITH SUBJECTS CATERING ARRANGEMENTS [fiiom our own correspondent] LONDON, Jan. 19 The King and Queen and all their subjects will eat only the normal ration of butter, bacon and sugar allowed under the rationing regulations prepared bv the Ministry of Food. The King and Queen have been issued with "commercial travellers' cards," the same as those given to all people who have to move about the country. The King insisted that this method be adopted, and that no special arrangements should be made. The Queen has given instructions that on two days every week fish is to form the chief course at her table for lunch and dinner. Hitherto rabbit has not been included in the game hampers sent regularly from Sandringham and Windsor to Buckingham Palace when the Court is in London. In future rabbit is to be supplied.

Orders have also been given that the game hampers are not to be increased when meat rationing comes in, as the hospitals and other institutions to whom the King makes gifts of game from the Royal estates would thus lose. For the duration of the war French wines will continue to be served at the palace, although the King always drinks draught beer with his mid-day meal, except when there are guests. From now onward everyone is entitled to ]2oz. of sugar, 'loz. of bacon and ham, and 4oz. of butter a week. Meat is to be rationed later. In catering establishments, which range from hotels to coffee stalls and canteens, customers are allowed 1-Goz. of butter and l-7oz. of sugar per person without coupons. These portions represent a piece of butter about the size of three pennies 011 top of each other, and two lumps of sugar for each hot drink served. No coupon is needed in restaurants or canteens for bacon and ham ordered and consumed on the premises, or for ham sandwiches for consumption off the premises. Persons staying in hotels must hand their ration books over to the proprietor, but those who are staying with friends will be given an emergency ration card entitling them to purchase rationed foods for one week at local shops, at which they must register.