THE POTATO MARKET AND THE BLIGH!

Otago Witness, Issue 2689, 27 September 1905, Page 9

THE POTATO MARKET AND THE BLIGH!

(From Our Own Corbespondent.) WELLINGTON, September 21. A local potato merchant states that since the 9th inst. the value of potatoes has been steadily declining, and there are several reasons to account for the altered condition of atfairs. Firstly, the Australian quotations arp much easier, and f.o.b. rates rule from £7 10s to £8 per ton, which, with cn<u o es, woula cost .anueu nere aoout ±>l 0 10s. Secondly, the high values have attracted attention from America, and several ship- • rnents are on the way which will probably cost, landed, about £10. The quality and condition, however, remain a problem, as this is the first occasion that supplies have been derived from, so long a distance. Finally, there is an indication that Canterbury farmers have been " holding back," and stocks on hand are greater than merchants here were led to believe. Quotations to-day f.o.b. Lvttflton rule from £10 5s to £10 10s. while Wellington prices rule from £10 to £10 10s, at which probably they will remain j steadily for a little time. I In respect to the outlook for new potatoes, a Jester is published from a grower in one of the largest districts of Auckland as follows : " Re the potato crop, I have planted several acres which are just ready to mould up, but I grieve to say the blight is just beginning 'to show in them. The potatoes in this district all seem to appear all right until they are high enough to mould up. The blight then comes, and in a day or two the crop jis totally ruined. I don't think Wellington 1 may expect any consignments from this parf, as the potatoes that are of any size -are all I diseased. This pest is attacking a number ! of other plants, for I know growers here who I have lettuce, tomatoes, kumerss, and pump1 kins ruined by it. "Owing to the fear of the j disease, there is nothing approaching the 'quantity planted in the Oneliunga district thi& season. Tn conclusion, I may tell you -that spraying is of no use at all." An expert informs me to-day that in one of the leading seedsmen's shows here he saw potatoes being sold for seed tbono-^ <■' ' were clearly affected by the disease. A showing how the disease can be spread from j infected seed, T may mention that a surveyor fripnd who planted" Rome potatoes in virgin soil, in the heai-t of the Waimarino forest,, miles away from every contaminating inI flv.enoe, found that his crop was useless fee- ' cause of the disease Arjvopos of the hiah 1 price of potatoes, Mr Laurcnson in the 1 House OTesresfced the abolition of the import j duty of £2 a ton on potatoes.

Mr W. C. 1 Carswell. who has for two years held the position of assistant meat inspector at the Ocean Beach and Gap Road works, Southland, has been appointed by the Government to take charge of tl.c municipal abattoir at Westport.

The Ktlso correspondent of the Mataura Ensign writes: — Grass is coming away splendidly, and if the present magnificent weather continues a dearth of stock, instead of feed will be the prevailing cry. The wool season is approaching, * and the writer knows of a bona fide offer of llgd being made for a large station clip. This is not a speculative offer but one made on behalf of an American firm of buyers. The recognised mode of selling around here now la on the ground. Buyers.. >s a rule, see the whole clip, and know precisely what they are getting, and can afford 1 to give more than in the somewhat "pig-in-a-poke" principle of buying at auction. As a matter of fact, settlers who sent their wool to auction last season came out on the wrong side by from Id to 2d per lb. It is gratifying to note> the marked rise of oats. I think, however, this is a merely temporary jump, and accountable in a great measure to the sound financial position of farmers, who can afford to play a waiting game ond place their produce on the market just when they think fit. This has never been a potato-raising district, farmers, as a rule, contenting themselves with growing for their own requirements. In a few instances, however, the delectable tuber has proved a vei-itable gold mine to lucky raisers', and cheques of £200 and £300 have been made on produce that in other seasons would not have fetched more than £20 or £30.