POTATO SHORTAGE

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22612, 17 May 1945, Page 4

POTATO SHORTAGE

AMPLE SUPPLIES NEXT WEEK There should be ampie supplies of potatoes in Hamilton next week. The Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, who promised on Monday night to investigate the position, last night received a telegram from the Minister of Agriculture stating that 13,000 sacks of potatoes had been shipped to the markets of Auckland and provincial towns, with a further 8000 sacks to be sent forward before the end of the week. There has been an acute shortage in recent weeks, and one Hamilton dealer whose normal turnover is more than 200 tons a month, has been compelled to ration supplies severely. The Waikato Hospital and other institutions were on rationing. Blame was placed by one dealei on the Food Controller, who had diverted a large consignment from Hawke’s Bay for the Waikato to meet the needs of the armed forces. An extreme shortage also exists in regard to eggs and breakfast foods, the latter including practically all the popular lines. Honey is in short supply at most grocer shops and hopes are not held out for any easing of the position owing to the unfavourable honey season that has just closed.