BAN ON POTATOES

Northern Advocate, 12 October 1934, Page 5

BAN ON POTATOES

NEW ZEALAND SUPPLIES. FEDERAL CONTINUANCE. FRUIT “DANGER LIST.” (Received 9 a.m.) SYDNEY, October 11. A cablegram was received in Sydney today from New Zealand intimating that there are abundant supplies of first-class potatoes available in the Canterbury district for shipment to Australia to relieve the acute shortage existing here, if the existing embargo is lifted. The matter was referred to the Federal Minister of Commerce, Mr i H. Stewart, who said that although there is a good chance of the trade relations between New Zealand and Australia improving shortly, the potato embargo must remain until further discussion takes place between a minister of New Zealand and the authorities. He had written to the New Zealand Government inviting a minister to come to Australia and was now awaiting a reply. At a conference of the Apple and Pear Growers’ Export Council today, the question of the elimination of certain varieties of fruit was discussed.

The chairman, Mr J. Mills, suggested that a “danger list’” should be issued to enable the growers to ascertain what varieties are likely to be eliminated after two or three years.

Mr B. Pearsall (Tasmania) said that until New Zealand co-operated in restrictive measures he would oppose any further elimination. Mr G. Brown (N.S.W.) said New Zealand did a lot of work long ago which Australia commenced to do only last year. It was decided that a list be drawn up, together with a .“danger list,” but that, provided, a proper agreement can be reached with New Zealand, -the “danger list” varieties should be eliminated over a term of. years.