N.Z. POTATOES

Southland Times, Issue 22008, 6 May 1933, Page 5

N.Z. POTATOES

AUSTRALIAN EMBARGO PROTEST AGAINST ITS REMOVAL FEAR OF DISEASE (United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 1.55 p.m.) Canberra, May 5. The Prime Minister, Mr J. A. Lyons, declined to commit the Commonwealth Government to any definite course of action in regard to the embargo against the importation of New Zealand potatoes when a large deputation of potato-growers waited on him to-day to protest against the reported intention to lift the embargo. He assured the deputation that nothing could be done for at least two months. He emphasized the need for the successful completion of negotiations with New Zealand for a trade agreement, and hoped to convince New Zealand that the potato embargo was purely a quarantine precaution. e Mr Lyons added that the Commonwealth Government was aware there was a feeling of antagonism towards Australia over this embargo and what New Zealanders regarded as a general attitude of opposition to their interests. “We want to be able to prove to New Zealand that there is no justification for lifting the embargo,” said Mr Lyons. “We must produce actual facts in order to combat their retaliation.” Mr F. Harris, a member of the deputation, said he had investigated potatogrowing in New Zealand on behalf of the Commonwealth six years ago, and ascertained that with the exception of about 700 acres there was not one area in both islands free from corky scab.