VEGETABLE CROPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23320, 13 April 1939, Page 12

VEGETABLE CROPS

SHORTAGE IN SUPPLIES LACK OF MOISTURE HIGH PRICES MAINTAINED There is a decided shortage of many lines of vegetables in Auckland at present, and high prices are being maintained. The shortage is attributable mainly to the absence of penetrating rains over so long a period, causing stunted growth. Another factor was the excessive Easter demand, while tho absence of growers and pickers for their own holidays is now beginning to be felt.

Supplies of green vegetables and potatoes for Auckland have been drawn almost exclusively from the Ohakuno district this year. Practically no green vegetables have been available locally, and this has caused a further drain on the chief source of supply. Tho inroads on tho crops are now beginning to bo reflected, especially in supplies of cabbages, cauliflowers, green peas and beans.

Green peas had been holding out well, but recent frosts in the interior high country havo promptly cut off the supply. Celery and • lettuce, which can be artificially watered, are still quite plentiful. In some cases, becauso of the low prices, which lettuce in particular havo been bringing, growers havo ceased deliveries to tho market.

Some shortage also exists in root crops. Potato supplies from Ohakune, with some measure of augmentation from the South Island, are now falling off. Parsnips are also at a premium, although when the rains come and tho concrete-like soil can again be dug more of these vegetables will be procurable. Carrots do not come within the same category, and have been plentiful all through the season. An acute shortage of pumpkins within a short time is also anticipated. The position cannot be compared with that facing the market at the samo time last year. The effects of white butterfly were being shown at this time a year ago, and only diligent growers were serving the market. All waged a strenuous war against the pest this season, only to have their efforts thwarted by another and equally drastic cause.