RISING MARKET FOR POTATOES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 300, 15 September 1936, Page 2

RISING MARKET FOR POTATOES

Sout’* American Demand Dominion Special Service. Auckland, September 14. The price of potatoes has increased sharply over the past few days and values were still rising rapidly to-day. Merchants' quotations varied considerably, reds ranging from £9/10/- to £lO/5/- ti ton through store, while whites are selling from £9/5/- to £9/15/- a ton through store. The rates quoted at the beginning of last week were £B/17/6 a ton through store for reds and £B/2/6 for whites. In the opinion of Auckland merchants the rise is due to several factors. The main influence is the continued demand from South America, which has imported fairly heavy quantities during the past month. It is also reported that a shipment of seed potatoes has been arranged. The next supplies for South America will leave by the Port Fairy from Lyttelton on September 22. Although the ouantiti j s shipped have not been particularly large, the psychological effect on northern markets has been considerable. Another factor influencing the position is that the Auckland market is practically bare of supplies. There has been an interruption in the steamer service from the south. Another cause of the rise is that the Pukekohe erop is expected to be late this year. The crop is not expected to be ready until the end of October or early November.

With the necessity of drawing on the South Island for supplies for almost two months and the possibility Of further’ shipments being made to South America. Auckland merchants agree that prices will probably rise still higher. There is generally an increase in values nt this time of the year, quotations having reached as high as £l9 a ton through store in September, 1935.