MARKET FOR N.Z. POTATOES

Southland Times, Issue 24238, 23 September 1940, Page 4

MARKET FOR N.Z. POTATOES

SHIPMENTS SENT TO AUSTRALIA

MINISTER TO REOPEN NEGOTIATIONS (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH,' September 22. In an effort to dispose of more New Zealand potatoes in Australia fresh representations will be made by the Minister of Marketing (the Hon. W. Nash) to the Australian authorities next Tuesday. . In a statement the Minister said that one of the main difficulties, in the way of increased exports, particularly to South America, was the question of freight. Thousands of tons could be exported but for this problem. The 5000 tons of New Zealand potatoes to be sent to Australia had given local growers some relief, and though there had been slight complaints about the quality of the first shipment, the high standard of shipments had made a favourable impression in Sydney. The Minister added that shipments had been made expeditiously from New Zealand and only a few hundred tons remained to be shipped, whereas it was proposed, when the exports were first arranged, to ship at least 1000 tons. In October, requests for the Australian aceptance of further shipments had been delayed because of political conditions in the Commonwealth, said Mr Nash. The Federal elections took place on Saturday and it would be opportune to reopen the negotiations next week, when the position had clarified. Referring again to the quality of the shipments, Mr Nash said that New Zealand had given Australia no room for complaints. Murmurs about the first shipment, he believed, were largely inspired by Australian merchants.