FUKEKOHE POTATO CROPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18210, 2 October 1922, Page 8

FUKEKOHE POTATO CROPS.

PROMISING PROSPEQTS.

[BY TSLKOBAFB. —OWN COBBE3PONDENT.J PIfKEKOHB. Saturday. -The reputation earned by Pukekohe as a potato-producing centre, is upheld this year, in spite of the long spell" of dry weather, which -fortunately broke in the early part of thiß week. Naturally the progress of the early tuber was retarded, but the refreshing* raina proved beneficial to the main root crop, which was beginning to feel the effect of the continued dry weather. Judging from the areas under cultivation, the quantity appears to be about the same as last year, when apJtroximately 10,000 tons we.re exported rom this centre. Already a number of producers have commenced digging operations, being tempted to dig on account of the fancy prices obtainable. The crops, in moss cases, owing to immaturity, are of medium auality, but it ie natural to assume that the quality will improve as the season advances. The opinion is held that the price this year promises to be particularly good. The same was anticipated last year, but the quantity produced in other centres, was underestimated, with the result that the market was glutted, all digging at the I uame time; and prices fell.' Information is to hand that- there is not the quantity in other centres this year as compared with the previous season. As regards onions, there does not appear to bei nearly as many as last year, attributable in a large degree to the fact that Some of the seed planlwd did not germinate. ■.-...:.. It is reported that already some growers are digging potatoes at the- rate of six tons Wthe acrs.