Onions for Canada

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 48, 26 February 1938, Page 9

Onions for Canada

SHIPMENT FROM AUCKLAND 4 AUCKLAND, Feb. 22. A shipment of 135 tons of onions, mostly from Pukekohe, will be taken to Canada by the Niagara, which ia due to leave Auckland yesterday. This will be the third and final consignment this season, over 200 tons already having been shipped. Local merchants had previously booked space for a much larger quantity, but a light crop, which was further reduced by the recent heavy rainfall, is largely responsible for the reduced amount. It is unfortunate for growers that the crop has been damaged by stormy weather, for the demand from Canada is so great that a much larger quantity could have been absorbed. Although the onions will be subject to the usual port supervision for quality, the Government exercises no control over the export, which is carried out by merchants in the usual course of business. The export of onions to Canada has grown considerably in the past few years, although the quantity shipped has varied greatly on account of short crops. Canada is the most valuable customer for onions the Dominion has, and in some years New Zealand has been by far the largest customer. Canada’s normal importations range from 5000 to 7000 tons annually, the other sources of supply being Australia, Egypt, Chile, the United States and Bermuda. The western part of Canada usually imports onions from New Zealand in February and March, while the eastern portion imports in April and May. New Zealand also imports onions from Canada, usually from about September onward. Although this was prohibited by the Government in response to appeals from growers, the regulations were relaxed to allow the importation from September 15 to November 20, and considerable quantities were landed in monthly consignments.

Exports of onions from New Zealand to all countries last year amounted to 393 tons, valued at £3990, compared with 880 tons, worth £6323, in 1936. The figures in 1935 were 144 tons and £I2OO respectively. The local through store price of Pukekohe onions has increased sharply during the past week, rising from 5s 6d a bag to about 10s a bag. While the delay to harvesting due to wet weather is largely responsible, the quantity exported will also have an effect on the market.