POTATOES NOT HELD

Waikato Times, Volume 131, Issue 21758, 18 June 1942, Page 2

POTATOES NOT HELD

AUCKLAND CHARGE DENIED RESULT OF INVESTIGATIONS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday Allegations from Auckland that farmers in the South Island were withholding potatoes to take advantage of the July increment under the price order were denied today by the Director of Primary Production, Mi R. B. Tennent. At the first meeting today of the potato advisory committee set up by the Alinister of Agriculture, said Mi Tennent, the Auckland statements were fully discussed. In the opinion of the committee the allegations had no foundation in fact and were obviously inspired by one or two individuals in the Auckland trade. “There is no holding back oi potatoes by South Island growers, ,: said Mr Tennent. “There is a certain amount of difficulty in securing adequate shipping space, but at the present time considerable consignments are on their way to Auckland, The committee pointed out that tc date 120,000 sacks in excess of the quantity for the same period last year had been sent to the North Island owing to the virtual failure ol the North Island main crops. After having thoroughly investigated the position I l'ecl certain that the statements emanating from Auckland are quite unwarranted.”