THE POTATO CROP.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 211, 7 September 1927, Page 4

THE POTATO CROP.

LATE SEASON ANTICIPATED.

PUKEKOHE'S BAD PLIGHT.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

PUKEKOHE, this day. The abnormally wet winter has had a most detrimental effect upon the early potato crops in the Pukekohe district. In quite a number of cases sets planted for early crops rotted completely, with the result that replanting of big areas was necessary. This, in itself, is a serious matter for the producer, but following as it does several unfavourable seasons makes the position untenable for the grower.

It is common knowledge that the potato and onion growers of Pukekohe were heavily hit financially last season, and it is estimated that the district suffered to the extent of £50,000 through the unexpected slump in the market for this produce, while to this has to be added the loss sustained in the butter industry. The plain fact is that Pukekohe to-day is approximately £100,000 poorer than it was twelve months ago, dne to unstable markets for farming produce—a staggering blow to such a small community as this. The present depression is being felt acutely by all sections, particularly in Pukekohe's case by the tillers of the soil. Many growers were looking forward to the coming season optimistically, hoping to recoup some of the previous year's losses, but fate seems to be against them. This year the unsettled weather has retarded work,-and although some small areas may. be dug within a few weeks, the indications point to the season being much later than usual. It is considered that the early crops will be very light, and that this commodity will be somewhat scarce until about the first or second week of November, when some of the main crops may be placed on the market. In view of the present conditions and the consequent lateness in the season, it is suggested that there will be a market glut from the beginning of December. There appears to be the usual quantity of potatoes planted this year in and around Pukekohe,. but it is doubtful if; the.' same area is under cultivation in remoter parts of the country, as was the case last year. Warm sunny days are needed during the next few weeks if the quantity of production is to reach the average as far as this district is concerned.