EXPORTS OF POTATOES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29620, 16 September 1961, Page 15

EXPORTS OF POTATOES

Criticism Of Australia

(N.Z. Press Association TIMARU, Sept. 15. Restrictions imposed by the Australian Government on the importation of New Zealand potatoes were criticised by Mr W. J. Penno, a member of the Dominion Potato Committee, at a meeting of the executive of South Canterbury Federated Farmers today. Mr Penno said it appeared unlikely further shipments of potatoes would be made to Australia although they sold at the rate of £A9O a ton retail.

“The restrictions imposed by Australia are ridiculous,” he said. “The Australian quarantine officer is just a dictator. He has stipulated that our potatoes should be handled by only one firm ai this end and by the Tasmanian Potato Board so they can keep a check on the imports. “He has specified that potatoes should be washed and waxed and sprout inhibted before they leave here, but this has not proved satisfac'ory—the potatoes are not arriving in the best of condition. Further, in spite of the fact that they are sprout inhibited before they leave this country the whole process is repeated on the wharves on arrival, “We are fulfilling all our obligations, but they won’t let them in on a reasonable basis, and although we may have a surplus and Australia a shortage it is now considered uneconomic to send them over there,” Mr Penno said it had been suggested New Zealand should protest against the restrictions by deciding to purchase its wheat requirements from Canada instead of Australia.

“Yes, the position is rather absurd. We have definitely got to have a look at our trading with Australia,” said the president (Mr A. O. C Johnston).