Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 41, September 1997
The Rationing Emergency Regulations (1942) were introduced in an effort to ensure as much food and clothing as possible was spared for Britain. The Post Office administered the rationing scheme when it was introduced progressively from 27 April 1942. Other Departments such as the Department of Industries and Commerce had more say in establishing the rationing policies.
Womens' hosiery was amongst the first items to be rationed together with the food items. Sugar was allocated to individuals at 3lb each for four weeks in allocations of 4 x 12oz coupons over the month.
Tea rationing (first introduced on 2 June 1943) was 8 oz per person, distributed in four x 2oz coupons, every four weeks. Butter, restricted from 28 October 1943 was allocated at the rate of 1½lbs to each person over six months of age, for four weeks. This was in the form of 3 x 2 lb coupons.
Meat rationing was more complex and was introduced from 6 March 1944. An individual over five years could get two and one seventh pounds of good quality meat every week and children under five received a little more than half this amount. Clothing was also rationed in a complicated way.