EXPORT OF POTATOES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23631, 15 October 1938, Page 14

EXPORT OF POTATOES

HEAVY LOSS SUGGESTED DENIAL BY MINISTER STATEMENT “QUITE UNTRUE” (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 14. A denial of a statement published in Christchurch to-day that the 3600 tons of potatoes exported from New Zealand to South America this season would be dumped or given away was made by the Minister of Marketing (Mr Nash) from Wellington by telephone this evening. The statement oublishec! here said that a letter received by a Christchurch firm of grain and produce merchants from an official source contained the information that there was no market in South America for New Zealand potatoes this season, and that those exported from this country would bo dumped or given away. It was estimated that the net loss on the big shipment alone, the 3000 tons despatched bv the Port Melbourne, would be £30,000. “That is entirely untrue.’ Mr Nash said when the statement was read to him. “The last cablegram which the ‘Government received — about October 6 or 10—said that the market was improving and that the Port Melbourne shipment would be all right, but that no more were wanted.” The letter to which reference is made in the foregoing message stated that most of the potatoes in the 600ton shipment were now lying in barges in Buenos Aires harbour. Incredulity was expressed that, after this experience, a further 3000 tons should be sent.

In the first place, the letter pointed out that South America did not want potatoes: and, in the second place, it was too late in the season to ship them. The first shipment, the letter added, was. in addition to representing “ coals to Newcastle,” badly grown. It would represent an almost total loss to the shippers.