EXPORT OF POTATOES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1432, 6 May 1912, Page 8

EXPORT OF POTATOES.

TEADB WITH AUSTRALIA UNLIKELY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Christchurch, May 3. A local merchant who deals largely in potatoes says he does not think it at all likely that an export business can be done with. Australia tinder the present conditions. Tho importation of potatoes into Australia from auy country has been prohibited, but under a proclamation published in tho Australian Gazette on July 29 last importation was allowed under certain strict regulations. The potatoes are to be accompanied by an ollieinl certificate dated and signed by a responsible oflicer of the Government Department of the country of origin, identifying the potatoes, specifying the quantity, and certifying that-at the date of tho issue of the certificate they wore on inspection found to 1» free from Irish blight, and the diseases known as potato canker, black scab, warty disease, or cauliflower disease; that they were grown on premises known after due investigation not to have lieen during the preceding twelve- months infected with any of the abovo diseases; and that they were packed in clean new packages. It is further provided that the Minister may permit potatoes which arc certified to by a quarantine officer to be free from {Us-1 ease to be imported under, and subject -to, such conditions as the Minister may tiling fit to. impose. The merchant pointed out that from die Gazette notice it does not allow that _ a Government certificate given on this side will admit the potatoes, as the Minister stHl has a say in the matter. Further, it must be remembered that the potatoes inay be passed as free from Might, but the (lisenso may manifest itself before the potatoes aro 'landed. The inspector cannot, therefore, give a ffiiarantee that tiie potatoes will land free from blight, and under the conditions it was not likely that an export trade, especially at present prices, can be opened up. It will also bo noticed that new sacks will be required, and they are scarce and dear at present. On inquiring about potato matters on Saturday, a representative of luf. Dojiinion was informed that the Government inspectors have received instructions:that they may issue the certificates required | by 'the .Commonwealth provided—(l) That a' properly signed declaration is produced by the grower to the effect that the potatoes were grown on premises which have not shown infection from Irish blight or potato canker during the preceding twelve months. (?) That a properly sworn declaration is .-prorinceti by tho shipper to ■the effect that all potatoes comnrised under the mark he is submitting, for inspection were grown on tho farm of the grower supplying the nlrave certificate. , If the above conditions are complied Tvitlt the necessary certificate can be issiied. by the inspectors at Auckland, Wellington. Christclmrch, Dunedin, or Bluff. -It is stated that the Department has gone further, and 'where possible for inspectors to leave their port and visit adjacent towns, this is to be done. In fact, on Friday last the inspector from Dunedin visited Oamaru.