VEGETABLES FOR NAVY

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24747, 12 December 1945, Page 8

VEGETABLES FOR NAVY

+ ORDER RECEIVED BY NEW ZEALAND

CP.A.) WELLINGTON. December 11. "The transportation order on Pukekohe potatoes does not mean that the Auckland market will be denuded of potatoes for Christmas," said the Minister of Marketing (the Hon. B. Roberts) this evening. "The British Navy ha., accepted our offer of some of the surplus vegetables left through the cancellation of American requirements, and includes in its order 800 tons of potatoes.

"The order for vegetables is very welcome, and as shipment will be made from Auckland it is essential that in the early part of the season any potatoes shipped through' the tropics should be as mature as possible, and dug close to the point of shipment," said the Minister. "Growers and merchants, and the Internal Marketing Division have been expecting heavy surpluses in Pukekohc during December and January, but the prolonged dry weather has considerably reduced yields. The transportation order merely gives the division the responsibility of setting aside a portion of the crops for the Navy, and regulating supplies to the markets. There are approximately 400 acres to be dug in Pukekohe in December and January, and while it is possible that there may be a temporary shortage in transferring from other districts.' it is quite wrong to create panic and a shortage complex when we are endeavouring to meet the British Navy's needs." 800 TONS OF POTATOES NEEDED .

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, Dec. 11. To provide 800 tons of potatoes for delivery to the Royal Navy early in January, the Government hss issued a transportation order under which the movement of Pukekohe supplies to the markets is prohibited. Digging operations at Pukekohe came to a standstill to-day, and it is reported that no more potatoes will be available for merchants from that district till the order is lifted.

Pukekohe is the chief source of North Island supplies at this time of the year.