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[lemma=reduction | word=□] □
[lemma=reduction | tag=□] □
At frontier outposts , the mainstays of the common ration were likely to be salt port , beans , hard bread , and coffee . But , these are only begrudging adjustments to failure of the central rationing system and not indicative of reform . We used diesel for our torches instead of the precious rationed gasoline and ate oranges or tomatoes in the apple-eating act . The household system was effective in controlling the population in cities because of the widespread rationing of foods and state control of jobs and houses through the late 1970s . The narrow table was unfolded ; the four stools were set out ; and for the first time in days we sat down to eat , and for the first time in weeks we had something to eat other than the monotony of the short rations of an impoverished U-boat .