When the new ration book is issued (the govern-ment hasn't said when yet, but it won't be long) to every man, woman and child who now holds Ration Book One, or the coffee and sugar book, the smart housewife will know what to do with it, instead of relying on her grocer for instructions. Reams of material are being published in daily and weekly newspapers to familiarize you with the purpose and use of the new book. It is your duty and to your advantage to know how to market under the point rationing system when it comes into effect.

The book will contain blue and red stamps. The blue ones you will use first as they are for processed foods (dried, canned, bottled and frozen foods that are scarce). Don't worry about the red stamps until later. They are for meat which will not be rationed for a while yet. Incidentally, you are asked to use as little meat as possible for your family.

The blue stamps marked "A", "B" and "C" will be good for the first rationing period. (Rationing periods are time limits to be announced by the government.) The numbers on the stamps will denote the stamp's point value.

The number of points for each kind of processed food will the same at all stores. So, though you may shop around for the lowest price there is no need wearing out shoe leather trying to find a grocer who has a bargain in points.

Do not use more stamps than you need to make the right amount for your purchase. You may tear stamps (in the presence of your grocer) from any or all the books belonging to your family to make the right "change" in points. If the food you buy calls for 13 points, it is better to tear out an 8-point and a 5-point stamp than two 5 point and a 2 and 1 point stamp. Save your smaller point stamps for low point foods. The grocer won't be able to make change in points, so if you are not careful you might have to sacrifice some points.

The Point Rationing system should not be difficult or confusing once we get the hang of it. Squawking about inconvenience it cause won't help. Remem-ber the purpose of rationing is to send our fighting men all the canned food they need. What is left must be divided fairly among us all.

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