POTATO EMBARGO.

Grey River Argus, 18 February 1927, Page 5

POTATO EMBARGO.

AGAINST NEW ZEALAND.

Australians Reasons Stated.

WELLINGTON, February 17.

The Government of the Common wealth of Australia has now replied to the protest made by the New Zealand Government against an embargo being placed upon the importation of potatoes into Australia from New Zealand This reply roads as follows: “With reference to your telegram of the 2nd oi February, regarding the importation of potatoes, this matter has been receiving very serious consideration since the discovery in June last of an infected consignment. This Government had a very natural and sincere reluctance to imposing any measure adversely affecting trade between the Dominion and the Commonwealth. There is a strong apprehension amongst the growers that the effect on their industry of the introduction of a new disease. This apprehension might have been combated by educational methods, and if our ex ports had been positively assured that importation might be continued without risk. The experts, however, contrary opinions, being influenced chiefly by an unknown phase in the natural history of the disease concerned, and by an uncertainty of its being maintained in Australia if accidentally introduced. It was felt such an accident was possible, even with the best inspection system devisable. Under these circumstances, this Govern moot, with the greatest reluctance, and after long consideration, decided that the bulk importaion of potatoes involved a greater risk than could justi fifthly be taken. After the fullest consideration, I have, with great regret, to inform you that this Government considers the present arrangements should continue until it is clear that the importation of bulk consignment can be resumed without the slightest risk of the importation of the disease.” It is greatly regretted that the Commonwealth Government has found itself unable to alter its previous decision, and, having regard to all the circumstances, a further communication has been sent by the New Zealand Govern merit, in the hope that some arrangement may yet be possible, under which our potatoes can be marketed in Australia.