Amnesty was offered to wartime food hoarders
HERE in this weekly feature we take a look back at the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago...
●●FOOD HOARDING ORDER
Persons who have inadvertently rendered themselves liable to the provisions of the above order, are hereby notified that they will be indemnified against prosecution by reporting their stocks to the Food Control Committee during the period beginning Monday 11th, and ending Monday 18th with a view to surrender of such stocks for the benefit of the public.
Letters with full particulars of such stocks, should be addressed to the undersigned.
WM. Henry Hickson, Chief Executive Officer.
●●WHAT IS HOARDING?
To the editor of the Rochdale Observer.
Sir, I have a household of four (three adults and a child) to provide for. I have always been taught to buy regularly each week, and not in leaps and bounds, so that if I want to make say a suet pudding for dinner, I have to first go out to buy my suet and flour before I can do so.
When the war began, I realised that economy was the great point.
I have been able to save sugar each week out of my week’s allowance an therefore we have never been without jam or marmalade.
I have always had a supply of my own bottled fruit.
Out of about 1 lb of tea, usually per month, I have saved a little each week and in a similar way other goods have been accumulated.
If my grocer has asked me if I could manage without certain goods any week I have done so.
Am I doing wrong to keep those goods? Must I go to the Food Controller, or to my grocer, and say, “I am sorry Mrs Brown, is extravagant and uses all her lard, suet, soap, tea etc and still demands more, please take what I have been fortunate enough to save.”
Don’t assume that I have dozens of pounds of goods. I just mean that things have accumulated through a little saving each week to more than a three week’s supply. I know there are many people are in the same position, who would like to know what to do. Yours, etc, THRIFT. ***It has been stated that sugar saved from the rationed allowance for jam making does not constitute hoarding. As to other articles, stocks not exceeding a month’s supply are not regarded as involving an offence in Rochdale. The Order is anything but clear, and is causing widespread anxiety. - Ed. R.O.
●●WAR CASUALTIES
Rifleman W. Fletcher of the Rifle Brigade, late of Crawford Street, Rochdale, is now presumed to have been killed in action on April 11, 1917. Previously, he was reported missing on that date.
Private Thomas Lord (Tom) Fallon of the Dorsets, late of the Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), was killed in action on January 3. He was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Fallon of 24 Smith Street, Rochdale.
●●GIFTS FOR SOLDIERS AND SAILORS
The zeal and generosity of friends associated with St John’s Church, Smallbridge, has enabled them to send 213 parcels to soldiers and sailors.
They have £40 in hand for future gifts.