SHORTAGE IN POTATOES

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9690, 11 May 1923, Page 5

SHORTAGE IN POTATOES

SHARP RISE IN PRICE

The floods in Canterbury will have far-reaching efforts on the price of produce, especially potatoes, and n, tiiis connection Poverty Bay will be particularly aliectccv. At no tint--toeie an over-supply of potatoes in Li.sborne, a very large portion of those sold coming from Canterbury. The recent bad weather all over New Zealand resulted in a shortage of stocks here, although the Wanaka, now in the bay, has a fair consignment on board. Merchants have been informed, however, that even this shipment is short. Much of this consignment also is already booked. This week’s Hoods in the south caused great havoc amongst potatoes, hundreds of tons, both in the ground and in pits, being destroyed. Yesterday, a prominent produce merchant stated that that day he had seen the replies to twenty-five telegrams to prominent firms in Canterbury and ■Otago, and in .each case it was stated that there could be no potatoes lor Gisborne, from the firm concerned, the reason always being attributed to-the floods. The average wholesale price in Gisborne a week ago was about £7. but now it had advanced to £9 10s. A week ago the housewife could purchase a sack of potatoes at between 18s and £l. according to quality, but the present price will probably run to £1 6s or £l. Bs, and if the pessimistic reports from the south are borne out, prices may increase even more. Amongst the other produce affected will be oats, in which a simp rise, probably 3d to 4d a lb, is anticipated.