THE POTATO OUTLOOK.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 679, 1 November 1921, Page 3

THE POTATO OUTLOOK.

MARKET PROSPECTS. Mr T. Buxton, organising secretary of the South Island Potato Growers’ Association, returned recently from the North Island, after visit of enquiry into the stocks of potatoes held there, and the probable requirements until the new crop comes in, Mr Buxton mentioned! to a Christchurch Bress reporter that when visiting Auckland three weeks ago, v/here large stpcks were reported to be held, he found the market decidedly bare, it being impossible to fill orders for five ton lots until the arrival of the Kaiapoi and Opihi, which carried about 9000 sacks between them. The Wingatui followed with a fur iher 9400 sacks, and as it had been reported that this vessel was taking 25,000 sacks, and easing in values took place in anticipation of the prospective glut. However, enquiries from the Smyth showedl the correct cargo, which speedily went into consumption, with the result that today the Auckland market is reported as firm with only sufficient stocks for present requirements. In regard to the position in other parts of the North Island, Mr Buxton said he had visited Napier, Hastings, Mastferton, New Plymouth, and Wanganui, and the position in these centres was similar, each drawing from the South as required, and shipping s it became available. __ The general opinion of Aucklnad judges was that until the new crop came in for the general market, Auckland alone would require 7000 to 8000 saqks per week, other centres absorbing up to 'SOOO. For another six weeks this would mean about 75,000 sacks, “which were experts’ figures, not mine,” added Mr Buxton. At Pukekohe he found that the new crop was later than usual, on account of the cold weather, and it would be the middle of October before new tubers would be marketable ir, any quantity. “I am fully persuaded,” added Mr Buxton, “that buyers in the North would purchase their requirements from the South at a reasonable figure, if growers had mot made it possible for some sellers to offer at 50s, f.ab. si.i., which is only equivalent to about 30s per ton at country stations.”