ADVICE 10 POTATO GROWERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 32, 7 February 1941, Page 3

ADVICE 10 POTATO GROWERS

PROSPECTS FOR SEASON VIEWS OF MR. H. CHRISTMAS Representing Palmerston North merchants at the Rangitikei Potato Growers Association's annual meeting, Hr. H. C. Christmas gave a talk to growers on prospects for the coming season. He said continued progress had been made in the past year, and a cause- for congratulation was that nearly every grower in Rangitikei was a member of the association. Mr. Christmas said the merchants syinpathised with growers for poor prices last season. Rangitikei growers were probably the most fortunate in New Zealand. In the South Island many growers were in a far worse position, some having had to dump about 40 per cent, of their crops. He advised growers to dig and market their potatoes in February, March and April. South Island crops, he said, were being quoted forward for April, May, June and July. He did not think it likely that there would be a potato shortage this year as had been predicted by some experts. and warned growers against holding on to their potatoes in the hope of a high price. Discussing quality, Mr. Christmas said last year’s potatoes had been verygood and he stressed the need for the quality to be kept up to retain the good name of the Rangitikei Association. He congratulated members on their interest in the association. Military camp consumption would be a big factor in the coming season, said Mr. A. P. Stuart, Palmerston North. Camps from Waiouru to Trentham were being supplied with Rangitikei potatoes. This season there had been practically no forward sales, and growers would have to look to market prices immediately before sale. New regulations provided that no ungraded potatoes could be sent from the South Island to the North Island, so that poor quality potatoes would not be put on the market in Wellington. Thanks to the merchants for their suggestions and information was expressed by the chairman, Mr. F. C. Jurgens.