PRICE OF POTATOES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 29, 3 February 1934, Page 10

PRICE OF POTATOES.

INFLUENCED BY WAITANGI

DIGGERS ABSENT IN NORTH.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this clay

The Waitangi celebrations and the price of potatoes would appear to have nothing in common, but Wellington produce dealers perceive a relationship. Potatoes this week became short in supply, both from the Slanawatu and from Pukekohe, and in consequence prices rose rapidly. It was thought that the wet weather had interfered with digging, but when conditions improved there was no sign of adequate supplies, and the explanation is that the largo number of Maoris usually employed in digging and bagging potatoes have all gone north to Waitangi. The first shipment of South Island potatoes was landed to day on a bare market, and realised the unusually high price of 10/0 to 11/ per cw't.

POSITION IN AUCKLAND.

Local produce merchants said to-day tliat the position ill Auckland in regard to potatoes was similar to that experienced in Wellington. Prices during the last week had risen, until the present price of about 5/6 per half cwt bag had been reached. Supplies were definitely ehort. An improvement wag expected next week, when crops from Pnkekohc were due to arrive 011 the market.