A SPLENDID YIELD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5006, 28 July 1926, Page 4

A SPLENDID YIELD.

DOMINION’S POTATO CROP.

SOME INTERESTING FIGURES.

It is expected that th© Dominion’s potato crop for the season just closed will nearly reach the yield of. 1908-9. Some interesting figures of the crop compiled by the Government Statistician (Mr Malcolm Fraser) were mads available last week by the Hon. R. F, Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs.

“From the Sttaisfician’s report furnished to me,” said Mr Bollard, “it seems that the potato* crop has this year evoked great interest on the part of merchants, brokers, and farmers alike. About nine months ago the area under this crop was estimated at 22,500 acres, but actual figures show that this has been slightly exceeded, the interim figure being a little more than 23,000 acres. Ba r sed on the average yield for five, seasons ending with 1924-25, it was thought that a total yield of 123,300 tons could be anticipated. Preliminary figures, collected by personal canvass, however, showed that over 135,000 1 tons were dug or expected to be dug by growers throughout the Dominion. Now that the crop is practically a!H lifted, verification cards have been posted to growers and, judging by those already returned, there should be an increase of at least 10,000 tons' on this figure, making a total of not less than 145,000 tons. It must be noted, however, that the figures quoted include table, se.ed, and pig potatoes. In the light of figures obtained, it is expected that the average yield will be second only to that of the record 1908-9 season.”