SHORTAGE OF POTATOES

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 8

SHORTAGE OF POTATOES

MONTH’S SUPPLY IN N.Z. CROPS ESTIMATE BY SECRETARY OF BOARD (New Zeaiana Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 29. Supplies of New Zealand-grown potatoes may be exhausted by the end of next month. Most South Island potatoes had now been harvested, and yields in North Canterbury were even lower than expected, said the secretary of the Potato Board (Mr N. J. McHueh) today. “The present opinion is that supplies may disappear by the end of Julv,” he said. Mr McHugh said the yield of seed, in comparison with table potatoes, had been good. If the seed was planted—and the guaranteed price scheme announced by the Government would do much to bring that about —next year’s supply would be improved. He did not think mosF growers would have bothered planting if the nrice scheme had not been introduced. Neither the quantity nor the price of the American potatoes to help to meet the shortage has yet been determined. Mr A. D. Reid, of Timaru, president of the New Zealand Grain. Seed, and Produce Merchants’ Federation, said today that the first shipment of American potatoes was expected at Auckland in mid-July. The shipment would be of “several hundred tons,” and a similar consignment was scheduled to arrive at Wellington in Aueust. “I feel that in the interests of supplies for future vears. it would be better to put up with these prices for the next month or two.” said Mr Reid.

“The new scheme of guaranteed prices is very welcome, and should ensure adequate supplies. It will restore confidence to the industry.”