AUSTRALIAN LIFE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24911, 9 May 1942, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN LIFE

WAR BRINGS MANY CHANGES (N.Z.P.A. Special Australian Representative) (Rec. 11.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 8. The. war is : making many small changes in the life of Australia. Until six months after the war women may be- emplpyed as milk carters.* Their s{s3l* of- work are limited, and they ritttstftiot carry weights greater than

351 b. Garments manufactured under a military contract now show a number instead of a trade mark. Trade marks brands are also likely to be done away with on civilian clothing under a Government edict. The manufacturers take a serious view of the position since they feel that goodwill, costing vast sums to build up,, will be lost.

War-time romances are stated to be responsible for the shortage of diamonds throughout Australia. Australian black opals are in great demand. American troops are credited with paying £125 for a single stone. Stocks of black opals are also depleted. Tobacco and cigarette rationing has forced many Sydney kiosk owners out of business. Supplies for retailers oh a 1940 basis are less than 25 per cent. One city tobacconist during the past few days displayed a sign, “ No tobacco, cigarettes, or matches.” The stall is still open. Australian-made ersatz coffee may be tried. Uncle Sam’s troops are recognised as expert coffee-tasters, and it is hoped that they will not know the difference. Australia last year imported 8,000,0001 bof coffee, 30,000,0001 bof cocoa, and 50,000,0001 bof tea. With tea heavily rationed, Australia’s stocks of imported coffee have been drained rapidly. A substitute has been devised, the formula consisting of wheat, barley, malt, and sugar, and it is said to taste just like the real thing. Owing to the rationing of beer, Sydney hotels have found it necessary to restrict selling hours. In many hotels beer is not sold until the afternoon. The man-power shortage, combined with petrol rationing, is stated to be hampering the delivery of restricted supplies.