EMBARGO ON POTATOES.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1919, Page 3

EMBARGO ON POTATOES.

AUCKLAND, Fob. 23,

The Embargo placed by film Gov* eminent upon the exportation of potatoes as caused considerable concern to Auckland growers. Discussing the matter, Mr. J. Boddie, (president of the Auckland Farmers’ Union) said there was considerable anxiety among growers over the probable effect of the embargo. One large grower had informed him that lie had a crop of 40 or 50 tons which ho was just commencing to dig. This crop liac] cost him 100 per cent, more to grow than ever before on account of the extra cost of seed, manure, etc. For this extra cost he believed lip would find no outlet, tlm local jnarket being gutted. To ascertain the precise effect of the embargo the Farmers’ Union and consulted the Collect or of Customs, and had found that the only possible outlet was to the islands by permit, but the shortage of shipping almost closed this market. The Farmers’ Union continued Mr Boddfe, considered that the prohibition of export to Australia at present would reflect admost wholly upon Auckland growers, whose crops would not keep.

A local merchant, who was seen in connection with tlie question, expressed the poinion that it was a wise precaution in the interests of the New Zealand consumer. He stated that his firm had obtained a permit to send a consignment of potatoes to tlie islands by tlie Tnliine.and lie believed that the intention of the Government was not to interfere with the present local market. The embargo was aimed against speculation in a forward crop. In any case the surplus in Auckland was small; it probably did not exceed 100 tons, and that quanitv would have no offoct on the Sydney market. Speaking generally, local growers had a very good season. He knew of men who had had a gross return of £IOO an aero. He considered that if the embargo was not now imposed stocks would get into the hands of dealers, and later this might cause a shortage and higher prices. The Auckland crop could not he stored or pitted for any length of time; therefore the North Island had to depend upon the south main crop for supplies for the period for March to September. There was no greater glut ill the local market at present than was usual in the digging season. It was owing to the fact that Auckland potatoes were not good keepers that the market iii the digging season were well supplied, hut lie was sure supplies would not be great. The fueling against the embargo, lie concluded was more sentimental than real.