DOMINION POTATO CROP

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21886, 12 September 1936, Page 24

DOMINION POTATO CROP

’ * rYIELD HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR DAMAGE BY FLOOD An increase ,of 11,800 tons in the yield of potatoes in New Zealand is shown in figures compiled by the Government statistician. The figures also show that the damage by flood to the crop was considerably less severe in Canterbury than in several North Island districts. . , , The statement appearing below shows, by districts, for the season 193536 the area under potatoes and the classification of the yield obtained. The figures are in respect of all holdings of one acre or over situated outside borough boundaries. On a percentage basis, potatoes of table quality represented 69.1 per cent, of the total quantity dug, and those described by growers as suitable for seed purposes accounted for 20.7 per cent. The balance of 10.2 per cent, represents the proportion rejected as fit only for pig feed, etc. Corresponding percentages for 1934-35 were 64.4, 23.3, and 12.3 respectively. Proportion area destroyed Land Planted, by Act’ly district. flood, dug. Table. Total. Acres, p.c. Acres. Tons. Tons. j\j* Aiick* land 1,449 9.11 1,317 5,801 7,646 Auckl’d 1,003 12.46 878 2,087 3,164 Gisborne 295 27.12 215 389 563 H. Bay 811 29.22 574 1,627 2,296 Tar’aki 332 24.10 252 480 703 Wgtn. 2,314 21.35 1,820 6,254 9,232 Nelson . 685 4.38 655 1,919 2,760 Marl’gh. 295 5.08 280 1,219 1,635 Westland 24 8.33 22 65 101 Canty. 12,365 17.78 10,166 46,049 67,344 Otago 1,974 3.75 1,900 10,520 14,494 South’d 1,411 2.06 1,382 7,213 11,089 Totals — Domin’n. 1935-36 22,958 15.23 19,461 83,623 121,004 Domin’n., 1934-35 23,001 * * 70,275 109,123 *Not available. Contrary to the experience of 193135, when semi-drought conditions obtained (resulting in a low average yield), 1935-36 was a damp season, and a considerable amount of damage to crops occurred' as a result of floods, particularly in Canterbury. The counties which suffered most were Rangiora, Eyre, Ellesmere, Paparua, Springs, and Waimairi, the area destroyed in these counties aggregating some 1600 acres. It is estimated that, had no damage to crops resulted, an additional 20,000 tons of potatoes would have been dug during the season.