FIRST SHIPMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 63, 12 September 1945, Page 9

FIRST SHIPMENT

TASMANIAN POTATOES

The first shipment of the supplies of Tasrmmi.an potatoes recently arranred by the Internal Marketing Division, consisting of 110.000 sacks— probably the biggest shipment ot potatoes ever landed at a New 7 aland port—was to arrive in Auckland yesterday, said the Minister of Marketing (Mr. Roberts) last evening. A fufther shipment of 44,000 sacks would arrive in Wellington next Monday or Tuesday, and the two shipments totalling 154 000 sacks, should provide the consuming public with ample supplies for several weeks. , Although the quantity aooaid the two vessels was very large and with the exception of about 30,000 sacks required for Armed Forces in New Zealand and in the Pacific, would all be available for civilian requirements, orders sxceeded supplies, and a tuither 30,000 to 40,000 sacks would have foSnd a ready market A report from the Tasmanian authorities was that all the cargo was in splendid condition i "However, the position regarding supplies from the South Island is now a good deal better than it has been durirg the winter months, said Mi. Roberts -'improved weather conditions enabling growers to dig potatoes which they have been unable to work during the long wet season recently experienced These crops arc also .turning Sut rather better than vvas anticrpa ed, ■md in conjunction with the Australian importations, should now provide sufficient supplies until the new crop becomes available.