NEW ZEALAND POTATOES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143781, 3 May 1912, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND POTATOES.

HELD UP IN SYDNEY. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 2. . During the past two or three weeks a fair quantity of potatoes have been shipped to Sydney, the quality of the tubers being certified by the local acting Government grain' grader. Some of these potatoes have reached Sydney, and have been duly admitted on this officer’s certificate, but’another lot of some 200 or 300 sacks has been held up and it is alleged that Mr. T. W. Kirk, the Government biologist, has wired to the Federal Government not to admit New Zealand potatoes on this officer’s certificate in future. Communications between Mr. Moss, of Messrs. Shiol and Co., and Mr. T. W. Kirk, have elicited a statement that the grain grader has no standing in regard to potatoes,’ and that Mr, Kirk could do nothing with reference to the shipment heid up in Australia. It is stated that potatoes shipped to Australia a week previously on the certificate of the- satao ! grader. It is stated that potatoes shipped to Australia will have to be passed in New an inspec- ; tor appointed under the Orchards and Gardens Diseases Act, ACTION BY THE PREMIER. OAMARU, May 3. This morning a deputation waited w the Prime Minister in reference to the admission of New Zealand potatoes into Australia. His reply was full of sympathy, the Minister saying that ho would communicate with the Commonwealth Government, and in addition ■ arrange to have the Government graders at the various ports registered for the purposes of the Act. The necessary Order-in-Councii would be gazetted in a few days.