TASMANIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 September 1924, Page 12

TASMANIA.

NATURE OF EXPORTS

OATS, CHAFF AND POTATOES,

SYDNEY, Sept. 18. Mr C. E. Clements, chairman of the produce section of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce, had some interesting things to say on, the imports of produce from that State. “New Zealand’s scarcity,” he said, “is Tasmania’s opportunity, and chaff producing, oat and potato growing are* industries that the Tasmanian farmer is getting up to a very high standard. With our large blending, cleaning and dressing plants, we are in a position to export the best quality article in Australia. So far as chaff is concerned, plants are now’ working three shifts per day, rescreening all farmers’ lots, taking from it all dust' and long straws, before rebagging for shipment. This ensures a uniform quality, and prevents any damaged or unsound bags being included in shipments. With our cheap hydro-electric power, this operation is not. expensive, as one would imagine, and at the same time it ensures satisfaction from all consumers.

“Without doubt Tasmanian-grown oats are far superior, in quality to any grown elsewdiere in Australia. This is mainly due to our mild climate, being removed from extremes of heat or cold, and thus giving the grain an opportunity of filling. The Algerian variety that we are now shipping to N ( ew Zealand for late spring sowing is finding a very ready market on account of its high standard of quality. This will improve the New Zealand standard in the near future, as at present New Zealand Algerian variety of oats tends to f throw hack’ into a Dun oat. Tasmania is the main producing centre in Australia for potatoes, and they qre mostly grown in a very rich red volcanic loam, for which the country is noted. The main variety grown is„ the Brownell, and when grown in the volcanic soil it realises 20s to 30s per ton more than any other variety on the Sydney and Queensland markets. This potato is a great favourite, with a reputation throughout Australia. Other varieties grown are Snow Flakes, TJp-to-Dates; Scotias, and Commonwealths, which also command respect. “The .cheap liydro-electrie power of Tasmania is the result of a large ex- . money bv our Government., which is now being justified by its attraction of large industries to the island. The power is generated in the lakes in the table lands. The power is particularly cheap, and together with the advantages the Government offers 'lias induced many new industries to be established there in the State, amongst which are Cadbury, Fry, Pascall, the Amalgamated Zinc Company of Australia, carbide works, woollen mills, etc., and, in the near future, extensive paper pulping””works. ”