BIG POTATO CROP.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 10, 12 January 1929, Page 4

BIG POTATO CROP.

LOCAL MARKET GLUTTED.

PRICES UNREMUNERATIVE

OUTLET SOUGHT IN SYDNEY

One result of the excellent growing season in the Auckland district is that the supply of potatoes is far beyond the present requirements of the local market, and as a result sales are being made at the City auction marts at prices which are too low to pay for the cost of production. While such is the position in Auckland potatoes at the present time are £20 to £25 per ton in Sydney, and if' only that market could be thrown open tor New Zealand grown tubers it would hn a benefit to growers here, and to consumers in Sydney. With a view to getting the market in Sydney open for potatoes from New Zealand, Perkins and Son, of the City marketH, has issued the following circular to local growers: "In view of the market here being bo k)W that in our opinion farmers cannot produce potatoes to get a living out of them, and knowing they are £20 to £25 per ton in Sydney, we sent the following telegram to the Minister of Horticulture, Wellington: "Desire ship 25/50 tons potatoes Sydney ease this market benefit our farmers; expect favourable reply."—Perkins. Wβ have received the following reply: "Referring your telegram 9th There is no restriction placed by N.Z. Government on export of potatoes, but regret having advise that Commonwealth authorities in February, 1927, withdrew permission to import N.Z. potatoes for food purposes. Every endeavour was made at the time to secure reconsideration of position by Australian authorities but entirely without avail; do not think any likelihood of them altering their position now, but if you still desire it will try them."—G. W. Forbee, Minister of Agriculture. We-have wired the Minister again as follows: "Auckland farmers would be proud of Hon. Forbes and United party if he could net Commonwealth reconsider position. Our potatoes clean would pass inspectpr, Auckland. Desire send 100 to 500 tons. Advantageous to Australian consumers also. Desire you kindly approach them at our expense if necessary ."—Perkins. It is stated that the potatoes in the Aucklapd district are of such excellent quality that there will not be any difficulty m getting them passed by the Government inspector as fit for export