POTATOES FOR EXPORT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20378, 15 October 1940, Page 2

POTATOES FOR EXPORT

POSITION IN CANTERBURY QUANTITIES AVAILABLE Tenders which the Government invited on Thursday for the supply of 700 tons of white potatoes for shipment from Lyttelton to Australia toward the end of this month closed on Friday. Christchurch merchants were doubtful whether the quantity sought could be obtained and the opinion was expressed that if Dakotas were definitely excluded the Government might find it necessary to increase the quota of 300 tons sought in South Canterbury.

It was stated that more reds than whites are grown in North Canterbury because reds are better keeping potatoes, but that South Canterbury is more suited to the growing of whites. Dakotas were included in shipments to Australia under the earlier export arrangement, but there was not the same demand for them as for whites. New Zealand whiteskins, according to the latest report, are bringing £l3 10s and Dakotas only £l2. There are still thousands of tons of potatoes available in Canterbury and it would be helpful to growers if the Minister of Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, would make a statement about the prospects for further export. It has been reported that South Canterbury growers are receiving £2 10s a ton for potatoes they sell for export, but Christchurch merchants said this price would be sacks in, the sacks being worth approximately 10s. Prices in Christchurch show no change.