IT CANNOT BE DONE.

Wairarapa Age, 25 March 1924, Page 4

IT CANNOT BE DONE.

The Minister of Agriculture has given a very decided reply to the demand of the South Island potato-growers that the import of Australian potatoes should be absolutely prohibited. It is true that Australia prohibits the import of New Zealand potatoes, and on the face of it it appears unfair that she should be allowed to send her potatoes into this country. But what would be the effect of the step proposed by the New Zealand potatogrowers? At the moment it seems likely that there will be a shortage of potatoes in New Zealand and that Australian t-übciH will be required to make up the deficiency. If they are

not permitted in it will mean that the people of New Zealand must go short when there is plenty within reach, and also that prices will soar to unconscionable heights against the unfortunate consumer. That is not what protection is intended to do. The protective duty of £1 per ton is a very fair margin to allow the New Zealander to grow potatoes profitably and even to make a special profit when there is a famine. To put on £3 would be unjust to the consumer, punishing him for a condition of things for which he is in no way responsible. That is not what the farmer wants. He merely wants to be able to grow potatoes with some assurance of selling them at a remunerative price. If protection meant inflicting extra hardships on the consumer in times of scarcity then there would not be much to say for it. The Minister has given the only answer he could give.