GRADING POTATOES.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 241, 14 June 1928, Page 3

GRADING POTATOES.

A SOUTHERN INQUIRY. Smaller Tubers Question. A Matamata View. The Ashburton Chamber of Commerce wrote as follows to the Matamata Chamber on the subject of grading of potatoes for export:— “ The matter of the institution of ar. intermediate grade for potatoes between seed-and f.a.q. table has been referred to my chamber for consideration, and I have been instructed to convey the suggestion to all chambers of commerce with the request that they bring the matter before their respective grain merchants’ associations. ! “As is well known each season there is a great number of potatoes which are quite sound, but owing to their being a little too small will not be accepted as f a.q. tables. These potatoes are quite suitable for culinary purposes, and it is thought that if an intermediate grade could be instituted, growers would he able to sell these, and the housewife could, if she wished, purchase her potatoes at a lower price which would tend to decrease the cost of living. “ I should esteem it a favour if you would kindly treat this matter as one of urgency in order that, if possible, this grade be instituted for this year’s crop.” The secretary of the Matamata chamber has replied as follows: “ I am in receipt of your circular of May 25. In reply, I am directed to state that my chamber thinks it would be a great mistake on the part of southern growers if they graded a smaller potato. There are plenty of small potatoes to be had in the Auckland province, and while we know that they may be good eating, yet the public expects southern potatoes to he larger and a better sample. If a smaller grade creeps in the public will not have the same confidence in buying the southern products as before.”