POTATO PRICES DROP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19904, 14 September 1934, Page 8

POTATO PRICES DROP

HOLDERS OF STOCKS CONCERNED NEED FOR OUTSIDE MARKET A potato grower, who has operated extensively in South Cante; . ary for some years, told a representative of “The Timaru Herald” yesterday that in anticipation of the possibility of the lifting of the embargo on New Zealand potatoes in Australia earlier in the season, when farmers were led to believe that something would be done, heavy stocks were held. They are now, however, being faced with having to take 35/- a ton on trucks, as the North Island market was exhausted. It was not generally understood that during the last few years potatoes had been grown extensively from Auckland to Bluff, and markets were becoming scarcer every year. The grower said that a fair amount of propaganda was now being circulated with a view to having the embargo on Australian oranges lifted, but it would not be fair to potato growers, of whom there Was now an increasing number owing to small holdings being made available bjf the Government, U they were to be penalised by any onesided arrangement between the two Governments. It was not generally recognised, he said, how Australia was gradually extending her markets. One instance was the great amount of business being done In wire, wire netting and standards. The exchange position had changed business which formerly was done on the English market. This trade was no doubt desirable between the two countries, but the New Zealand Government, he thought, should make sure that there ■was reciprocity for one line of produce at least.