THE PRECIOUS POTATO.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2644, 4 September 1906, Page 3

THE PRECIOUS POTATO.

Another staple article of food, the common potato, is still advancing in price. From north and south alike come reports that tubers are touching £ll and £l2 per ton. 'Potatoes are selling at £l2 per ton in wholesale lots,' states the Waikato correspondent of the ' Farmers' Union Advocate.' ' Local supplies are nearly done, and some farmers' families are said to have not tasted potatoes for bix months past.' ' The local market is affected in the same way, said a well-known Wellington authority recently, when discussing Dunedin's dear prices. Supplies have been coming from Victoria at the rate of 3000 bags a week until the last three weeks, when it was found that a sort of dry rot was attacking portions of these consignments. The quality was not giving satisfaction to buyeis, who preferred to give much higher prices for the New Zealand article. Consequently, while the demand for Victorians had slackened, the enquiry for New Zealnnds had strengthened. The result is that homo-grown potatoes, which were selling at £lO 10-i three weeks ago, have advanced to £l2 10s and £l3, while Victorians are unsteady at £lO and upwards. There is aaid to be a fair quantity of the New Zealand sort available, but some farmers seem to l)e holding for a further rise. How ever, heavy shipments are expected from California early next month, and it is believed (a ' Post' representative was informed) that these new arrivals

will steady tho market. The steamer with the first cargo will leave San Francisco on August 23rd, ami she will lie followed l>y other potato Jaih-n steamers.