PRICE OF POTATOES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2491, 18 June 1915, Page 7

PRICE OF POTATOES

SUDDEN RISE A NOTE OF WARNING There has been a flutter in the potato market within the last day or two. and the Prime Minister, who has had thrust upon him the unrecognised office of Minister of Foodstuffs, was asked yesterday whether he had given the matter any attention. "Only to-day," said Mr. Massey, "my attention has been called to tho serious increase that has taken place within the last few days in tho prico of potatoes, owing, it is said, to a,, very strong demand that has set in from Australia. I havo been given to understand that tho price of prime potatoes in Wellington to-day is £8 per ton, and I am informed that some people are of opinion that tho price will rise still higher. I may say that I cannot allow this country to be left short of potatoes, and if this goes on I shall ask Cabinet to prohibit tho export of potatoes. I confess that I cannot understand what is taking place here, because in the last 'Australasian' which arrived in New Zealand the price of potatoes is quoted at about £6 per ton. There is a duty of £1 per ton in Australia on imported potatoes, and I presume the freight to Australia would bo about £1 per ton. These charges, with merchants' profits, added to the high prices said to be ruling here, would make New Zealand potatoes very dear in Australia, However, it is just as well to strike a note of warning, so that there may be no rush or panic with regard to this article of food." It is interesting in this connection to note tho effect of another warning given some time ago by the Prime Minister with regard to the price of butter. The price was climbing rapidly, if gradually,'on account, it was alleged, of an unexpected demand from Australia. That demand is presumably strong yet, and production in New Zealand must be declining in this the winter season, but since Mr. Massey made his announcement that if the price were raised further he would take steps to prohibit all export, the price of butter locally has not increased.