EMBARGO ON POTATOES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 57, 18 February 1927, Page 9

EMBARGO ON POTATOES.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S DECISION. Wellington, Feb. 17. The Government of the Commonwealth of Australia has now replied t n a protest made by the New Zealand Government against the embargo placed upon the importation of potatoes into Australia from New Zealand. This reply reads as follows:— “With reference to your telegram of February 2 regarding the importa tion 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 adversely affecting trade between the Dominion and the Commonwealth There is strong apprehension amongst growers at the effect on their industry by the introduction of a new disease. This apprehension might have been combated by educational methods if experts had been positively assured that the importation might be continued without risk. The experts, however, held contrary opinions, influenced chiefly by an unknown phase in the natural history of the disease concerned and the uncertainty being maintained of the disease in Australia if accidently introduced. It was felt such an accident was possible, even with the best inspection system devisable, Under the circumstances this Government, with the greatest reluctance and after long consideration, decided that bulk importation of potatoes involved greater risk tTTan could justifiably be taken. After fuller consideration I have, with great regret, to inform you that this Govern meat considers the present arrangement should continue until it is clear that the importation of bulk consigncan be resumed without the slightest risk of the importation of disease.” It is greatly regrettdt that the Commonwealth Government has found it self unable to alter its previous decision, and having regard to all the circumstances, a further communica tion has been sent by the New Zealand Government, in the hope that some arrangement may yet be possible under which our potatoes can be marketed in Australia.