SURPLUS POTATO SUPPLIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 6 December 1940, Page 2

SURPLUS POTATO SUPPLIES

OVERSEAS MARKET WANTED ENDEAVOUR TO BE MADE [F.rom Our Own Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, This Day. A request for an explanation of the Government’s intentions in regard to i alleviating the “present unsatisfactory 1 and critical position in which potato- : growers find themselves,” was containj ed in an urgent question by Mr J. N. i Massey (Opposition,. Franklin), aclI dressed to the Minister of Marketing, I Mr Nash in the House of Representaj tives yesterday. i “In the Pukekohe distrk it is estimated that there are still more than 2500 tons to be lifted, and even at the extremely low prices prevailing, normal requirements will absorb only about half this total, leaving a surplus of more than 1250 tons, with increasing quantities coming on the market daily from the laler districts.” Mr Massey said. “Particular hardship is being caused by the fact that while growers remain in the position of being unable to dig their crops, they will be prevented from.carrying out their normal and essential rotation cropping.” The Minister said he was sorry if there was hardship. The Government was making inquiries to see if it was { possible to market greater quantities | overseas. He did not know of any other country where potatoes could be sold, but the Government would endeavour to find a market.