RATIONING LIKELY IN AUSTRALIA

Southland Times, Issue 24681, 28 February 1942, Page 5

RATIONING LIKELY IN AUSTRALIA

(Rec. 5.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 27. The rationing of a wide range of consumer goods, textiles and luxuries, will be introduced in a few weeks by the Federal Government, states The Sydney Morning Telegraph. Ministers forecast the use of ration tickets similar to those now used to obtain petrol in Australia and a wide range of commodities in England. They believe the ration tickets system necessary so that those with extra money to spend will have no advantage over low-wage earners. Details of the items to be rationed are being kept secret so that there will be no largescale buying and hoarding. It is expected that before the end of the year most consumer goods, except primary products, will be rationed. Ministers do not believe it will be necessary for many months, if at all, to ration meat, wheat products, vegetables or dairy produce. The ration scheme will be introduced by gazette regulations under the National Security Act. Penalties will be imposed for any abuse of the system. The main principles of the scheme have been agreed to by the production executive committee of the Federal Cabinet.