'Just Enough Potatoes'

Northern Advocate, 14 June 1947, Page 8

'Just Enough Potatoes'

Cullen Expects

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. This Day. ‘■ft is estimated that there will be just enough potatoes to see us through until the end of the season." said the Minister of Marketing (Mr Cullen) today.

■ The Minister was commenting on a statement by the chairman of the potato committee (Mr T. L. Hayman) that there would be a serious shortage of table potatoes this year. Mr Hayman said there were 13,000 acres in potatoes this season, compared with 29,000 last season, 'and there would be a decline in the area planted until growers were assured of more reasonable prices. Although the acreage planted was less than last year, said Mr Cullen, and the yield in South Canterbury had been poor, the yield in North Canterbury and the North Island was above average.

Though it was too early 1o make any. definite statement on the linal quantities which would be available, as weather conditions still were likely to afreet the quantity of potatoes dug for table use. there should be just about enough. “There is. however, one discrepancy quoted in the statement which should be corrected in order to give a truer picture' of the situation," said Mr Cullen.

"Last year’s total acreage was just over 23,000, and not 29,000. This year’s acreage was estimated by the Government statistician to be 19,000. which shows a reduction of dOOO acres, and not 10.000, as stated.