POTATO SUPPLIES

Grey River Argus, 18 June 1942, Page 2

POTATO SUPPLIES

NORMAL DEMAND MET . AUCKLAND, June 16. The problem of potato supplies for the northern .market was reviewed at a meeting of the Auckland Gram, Seed and Produce Merchants’ Association, after, which it was stated that the position was not such as to cause grave anxiety. Inquiries from individual traders, however, revealed a considerable diversity of opinion. In some quarters it was stated that visible supplies were almost non-existent, and that if South Island growers persisted in their present refusal to quote, there would soon be no potatoes to sell. Information from other quarters was that stocks were sufficient for the moment, and that there was a certainty, contingent on shipping, of the continuance of supplies on contract from the south. Those who could see no prospect of getting supplies until after prices at the farm, had risen sufficiently to make growers willing to execute deliveries, agreed that retailers in Auckland had recently been fairly well stocked up and that other sections of the trade which had contracts of supply would probably be landing further shipments before stocks were exhausted. While heavy stocks were not he’d, said the statement, issued by the association, the supply position was such that the normal demand , was being met.

Supplies Withheld ?

CHRISTCHURCH DENIAL CHRISTCHURCH, June 17. Allegations from Auckland that farmers in the South Island were withholding potatoes to take advantage ot the July. increment, under the price order, were denied to-day, by the Director of Primary Production (Mr R. B. Tennentl). At the first meeting to-day, of the potato advisorv committee, set up by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Tennant said Auckland statements were fully discussed. In the opinion of the committee, the allegations had no foundation in fact, and were obviously inspired by one or two .individuals in the Auckland trade. “There is no holding back of potatoes by South Island growers,” said Mr Tennent. "There is a certain amount of difficulty in securing adequate shipping space but at the present time considerable consignments are on their way to Auckland. The committee pointed out that to date 120,000 sacks in excess of the quantity for the same period last year, have been sent to the North Island, owing to the 'virtual failure of the North Island crops. After having thoroughly investigated the position I feel certain that the statements emanating from Auckland are quite unwarranted.”