Visitors Should Bring Their Own Sugar

By Angela Gooch on February 12th, 2009

Call for Skegness visitors to bring their own sugar in the Great War

Difficulties will be experience by the local inhabitants shortly from the small supplies of sugar allowed to Skegness. Some months ago fruit growers were granted certain privileges for the purchase of sugar for preserving and numerous growers took advantage of the Order, and have been congratulating themselves upon obtaining preserving sugar. But it apparently will have a disasterous effect upon those unfortunate individuals who have not any fruit trees. We understand that the amount allotted – 75% of the quantity asked for – will be deducted from the allowance to the district for the year.

Recognising this fact, and realising that thousands of visitors would come to Skegness during the next few weeks, a locla tradesman approached the Sugar Controller making a request that Skegness might be allowed more sugar during the next two months because of the increased “floating” population. The request appeared reasonable, but the officials of the Sugar Commission took quite a totally different aspect of the situation. Sugar they pointed out was not a question of supply and demand, but a question of allotment, therefore they were unable to accede to the petition. Though they were unable to grant any increase of supply – in fact it has shortened – they forwarded a splendid suggestion how to avert any famine of sugar in Skegness. All householders who were expecting visitors should write and inform them that it was necessary to bring sugar from their district! How Simple! How easy!

It was also pointed out that if the visitors did not do this the districts in which they resided would really be getting an increased supply whilst Skegness was apparently experiencing a decreased supply.
It would work out in this manner. At present time assuming Skegness has a population of 5,000 and was allotted one ton of sugar per week, we shall find that when the visiting population reached 20,000 only a tone of sugar could be obtained. Totally different to the supply of bread and meat and other provisions which were easily transfersble from one district to another, and the extra quantity required could easiyly be obtained from the surrounding markets. Let it sink deeply into the minds of the lodging house keepers that the suggestion made by the Sugar Controller’s department is an extremely wise one.

Do not be afraid to notify the intending visitors that it is necessary for their comfort to purchase their allowance from home and bring it with them. In the meantime do not get into foolish panic and attempt to purchase more than your allowance of one quarter of a pound per head.