Historical information

Rationing regulations for food and clothing were gazetted on 14 May 1942. Rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. It aimed to curb inflation, reduce total consumer spending, and limit impending shortages of essential goods. The broad reasoning behind the introduction of rationing was to ensure the equitable distribution of food and clothing. It was also hoped that a cut on consumer spending would lead to an increase in savings, which in turn could be invested in war loans.
Australians were never as short of food nor rationed as heavily as civilians in the United Kingdom. Rationing was enforced by the use of coupons and was limited to clothing, tea, sugar, butter, and meat. From time to time, eggs and milk were also rationed under a system of priority for vulnerable groups during periods of shortage.

Physical description

Motor Spirit Ration Tickets and Clothing Ration Cards:
Three of tickets, Commonwealth Liquid Fuel Control Board, Issued under National security (Liquid Fuel) Regulations, Valid only until 30th Sep. 1946.
2 of Clothing Ration Cards, 56 tickets issued to Emily Hall, 112 Collins Street, N17 and 56 tickets issued to John Hall of the same address. Also a Clothing Ration Card for Child Under 6 Years issued to Ian Hall at the same address.