POTATO EXPORTATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15920, 4 May 1912, Page 17

POTATO EXPORTATION.

THE GRADING QUESTION. [From Or/a Correspondent.] WAIMATE, May 3. Potato buyers and exporters in South Canterbury waited on tho Prime Ministor yesterday, asking that the difficulty regarding tho export of potatoes to Australia should bo overcome by tho appointment of the Timaru Government grader as an inspector under the Orchard and Garden Pests Act. At present the Commonwealth ha 3an embargo on New Zealand potatoes, which cannot be shipped unless certified as clean by an inspector Under the Orchard Pests Act. This entails keeping potato fields under regular inspection for twelve months before harvest, which the deputation held was impracticable. It was stated that there were large crops of potatoes in these parts, and tho Australian markets wero hungry. The deputation held that this was a good opportunity to increase the exports. Mr Mackenzie said that the request was reasonable, and he would consider the question of having tho Government graders at the ports proclaimed inspectors for potato consignments. INSPECTORS TO BE APPOINTED. [Puis Phebb Association.] TIMARU, May 3. The Hon T. Buxton to-day received word from tho Primo Minister that in response to the suggestions made to him at Timaru, Waiiiiate and Oamaru, tho Government grain graders will be appointed inspectors under the Orchard and Garden Pests Act to enable them fcof givo certificates acceptable in Australia on shipments of potatoes. OAMARU, May 3. This morning a deputation waited on the Primo Minister in reference to the admission of New Zealand potatoes to Australia. His reply was sympathetic, tho Prime Minister saying that he would communicate with the Commonwealth Government, and in addition arrange to have tho Government graders at the various ports registered for tho purposes of tho Act. If necessary, an Order-in-Council would bo gazetted in a few days.

DUNEDIN, May 3. In connection with the trouble over tho export of potatoes to Sydney, it is stated in Dunedin that practically no further business will be done owing to the fact tha.t there is a great scarcity of sacks in the dominion. Tho Commonwealth authorities insist that New Zealand potatoes must bo in new sacks.