POTATOES SCARCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 January 1942, Page 2

POTATOES SCARCE

SHORTAGE IN MASTERTON ACUTE HOME GARDENS ONLY SOURCE OF SUPPLY. POSITION LIKELY TO CONTINUE. “The shortage of potatoes in Masterton has now assumed serious proportions. Home gardens are the only source of supply," stated Mr R. H. Brewerton, president of the Wairarapa Grain and Seed Merchants’ Association, in an interview this morning. Mr Brewerton said that the position would not be eased for some time. Wairarapa digging would commence in six weeks’ time but as commercial plantings were less than in previous years there was little chance of relief. He emphasised that flooding had spoilt the crops at Marton and in the Rangitiki district, the Wairarapa’s main source of supply for the later potatoes. Mr Brewerton said it was to be hoped that readers of the “Times-Age” had taken the advice offered them some time ago to plant potatoes. “It is the worst year we have ever experienced,’’ said a Masterton produce merchant this morning, referring to the potato position. Pukekohe growers, he said, from whom the Wairarapa up to now had drawn most of its supplies, had not been able to meet the great demand. They had received orders for 1600 bags a day but could supply only 400. The position was likely to be very acute throughout the season. The acreage in potatoes this year is down by about 5000. The shortage of potatoes has had a marked effect on the fish and chip business. In Masterton restaurant keepers are having great difficulty in meeting the demand.