Potatoes.

Manawatu Herald, 14 June 1898, Page 3

Potatoes.

The Weekly Press on tlie last Christchurch market repots :—Potatoes are new being purchase^ more freely again, especially for Forward delivery, for which £Q is being given. We understand that an* offer has been made of 500 tons of potatoes in cases from Vancouver at £6 10s c.i.f. Sydney, and if supplies were to come forward in any quantity from that direction it would probably have some effect upon the Australian markets. The N. Z Times also reports : — Potatoes are just now realising what may be snid to be really good prices, and there is a strong probability of a further advance. The statistical position exhibits considerable strength, and it seems that very shortly the Australian colonies will be dependent entirely upon what surplus can be exported from New Zealand. The Tasmanian supply, it is estimated, will be exhausted by the end of the montb, and the Victorian crop, which has suffered tbrough tbe effects of the drought, is deficient is quality and not likely to offer any serious competition to the New Zealand produce. Although this colony has an exportable surplus till the crop, compared with lasi year, shows a market deficiency, and the strong demand that may b. expected will undoubtedly cause prices to harden. Speculation in potatoes began a iew weeks ago, and ssveaal of the speculators hope tc handle substantial profit,