Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, JULY 31, 1920. EXPORT OF POTATOES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2157, 31 July 1920, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, JULY 31, 1920. EXPORT OF POTATOES.

CABLE advice has been received by the Prime Minister that- the importation of New Zealand potatoes into Australia cannot be permitted. The matter lias been the subject of various communications between the Commonwealth and New Zealand, but this message appears to be final. The decision will be received with decoded regret by New Zealand growers, for at present there are great quantities of potatoes in (bis country, while there is a shortage, with correspondingly high prices, in Australia. It is understood that the reason advanced for the Commonwealth’s decision is that: certain diseases are prevalent in the New Zealand crop. There are reported to be tons on tons of potatoes, and the quality is very good this year, lying in the South Island stores. Nature has been bountiful to the grower this year —and he wishes she hadn’t. A merchant informed a representative of The Post yesterday that he would be only too glad to sell potatoes by the sack to anyone who will come along with 11s Gd from store in Wellington. They would then cost a. fraction over Id per pound, and they wall keep from three to four months, and are sound, good, table sorts. Export to Australia is not permissible. Stimulation of local consumption by selling at 11s Gd to 12s a sack would no doubt help the grower to reduce bis holding. But even after fulfilling all New Zealand domestic requirements there would still be a very heavy carry-over. AVhat is wanted is seme cheap means of delivery of this superabundance of wholesome and nourishing food, now at bottom prices, into the homes of the people. If the people could be sure of getting the potatoes at the bouse at Id per pound they would effect a saving in the price of the article, ease down on bread, assist the grocer, and prevent what portends to be a grievous waste of wholesome food for want of heller and less costly distributing methods than at present! obtain.