Food, heat and light are rationed and sad news from the front
HERE in this regular feature we take a look back at items in the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago:
●●FOOD CONTROL ITEMS
All the new ration books have been sent through the post.
Personal application should be made at the Food Office in the case of any books not received.
Instructions with regard to jam rationing received at the Food Control Office yesterday state that while the system starts on Monday, smoothness in working cannot be expect for some time.
Until the end of the year, the full authorised allowance (4 oz per head per week) may not be available.
Jam may, however, only be sold on the surrender of coupons and according to the quantity the retailer can spare he must detach sufficient coupons.
Where he is unable to meet all his registered demand, he must not give preference to establishments (catering, boarding, etc) over registered customers; but must “distribute such supplies as he may have as equitably as possible.”
●●RATIONED HEAT AND LIGHT
Fifteen thousand of the estimated 25,000 requisition forms have been sent out by the Fuel Overseer from the office in Lord Street.
It is in the consumer’s own interest that they be returned duly filled in at the earliest possible moment.
They need only be folded and dropped in a pillar box - not enclosed in an envelope.
As soon as the forms are returned to the Fuel Office, the necessary certificates for the supply of fuel and light will be supplied to the coal merchants and the Gas and Electricity department. Assistance in filling in the form is given at the Gas Showrooms, Drake Street and the Fuel Office.
SOLDIERS ON WEEKEND LEAVE
To the editor of the Rochdale Observer.
Sir,-Will you allow me space in your valuable paper to speak a few words of my feelings towards our soldier boys arriving home on leave from the front.
There are some every weekend who fail to catch the last train from Manchester through no fault of their own.
The last train leaves at 10.35 on a Saturday night.
The result is that they arrive in the town early on Sunday morning, when they find no cars running.
Some have to walk to Bacup with full kit.
Surely there is someone in a town like Rochdale who could do their bit by arranging to convey these men to their respective homes.
I trust someone will take this up in due time for when a man has travelled two days (with full kit) his leave is short enough without further restriction.
Yours, A SOLDIER’S WIFE.
●●WAR CASUALTIES
Lance-Corporal Ernest Fielden, Grenadier Guards, who lived in Kensington Street, Rochdale, is officially reported to have died from wounds. He was a member of the Parish Church, where he sang in the choir and also of the Philharmonie Society.
Private F Atkinson of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who was reported missing in September last year, is now officially presumed to be dead. He was married and resided at 149 Royds Street, Rochdale. ●●50 YEARS AGO
Through the instrumentality of Mr George L Ashworth, the committee of the Mansion House Relief Fund, London, have granted £500 to this institution.
It is intended that the above sum shall form the nucleus of a fund for the establishment of an Infirmary in Rochdale and we would recommend that persons of wealth and influence should substantially assist the committee to carry out so desirable an object.
In February of the following year an Infirmary scheme was projected at a town’s meeting, £3,550 being promised by gentlemen present.