REVIEW OF THE CROPS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 14, 12 June 1912, Page 4

REVIEW OF THE CROPS

♦ (Continued) Potatoes. Although there is probably no person who will dispute the fact that dairying is our mainstay, there aro several who may object to potatoes being considered of second importance. So the claims of beef, mutton and wool cannot easily be overlooked-but these latter are brought in from all parts of the district and sold through so many different sources that it will necessitate a good deal of enquiring to ascertain the approximate value of these extensive farming industries. But witb potatoes there is much more data to work upon. A well-informed authority estimates that there were 1000 acres in potatoes this season. The average yield would be about 7 tons to the acre, and the average price about £5 per ton. This would show us a total crop of 7,000 tons, worth £35,000, there would be sufficient seed left in the district to again plant lOOOacresand also a surplus for export. This seed, which is the produco of our second crop, can 1)0 safely valued at £5,000 which gives a total value for the year of £40,000. Northern Star and Gamekeepers were practically the only varieties grown and opinions are evenly divided as to which is the better potato. There are undoubtedly different strains of these varieties and growers should always be careful and try and get the best strains. If a grower has a poor crop, whilst his neighbour can get a heavy crop of the same variety, he should make it his business to secure at once some of the strain grown by his neighbour even if lie has to throw his own seed to the pigs. Blight has not been very prevalent this season, and on that account practically all of the crops have been successfully harvested. A prominent Pukckoho grower was heard to express his regret at the failure of blight, and expressed tho opinion that a wave of blight helps tho prices and usually suits his district, as Pukekoho potatoes withstand this disease when other localities are swept out. Prices this season have boon exceedingly low, except during the months of September and October when values ranged from £SO to £l4 per ton. November saw a further fall to £6 whilst at the end of December growers were lucky if they could securo 60s. on.rail at Pukekoho. Since then the price has fluctuated between 60s. and 80s. and for those that had only late potatoes tho season has not been as profitable as usual. The lower range of prices this season occasioned chiefly by : (1) The low price of firstclass old Southern potatoes, which spoiled the sale of the new crop; (2) Dishonest packing on the part of some of tho growers. The first cause is one of the misfortunes over which we have no control, but no doubt the lesson has been more expensive to tho Southern growers than it has been to this district. Perhaps they will profit by the experience thus gained and in future market their produce earlier and not hold on for a repetition of the prices they had to accept when Pukekoho potatoes took charge of the market. The last lots of Southern potatoes sent to Auckland last season failed to realize enough to pay the steamer freight up, let alone the cost of sacks and production. This is a lesson that our Southern friends should not readily forget. The second cause shown abovo is a more serious matter. There is a time of tho year when Pukekoho potatoes find their way all over New Zealand, and unfortunately in a good many directions Pukekoho farmers have earned a reputation that is not envied by their competitors, and thoir produce is only accepted in these towns when there is no other available. This is a most unfortunate state of affairs and it is quite time this question was taken in hand by those chiefly interested and somo steps taken to put down these practices. The majority of tho growers are not to blame as there are very few amongst them who would knowingly associate their names with dishonest samples, but unfortunately it is necessary for them to employ native labour and whilst their backs are turned tho damage is done and the fanner, not the Maori, gets the blame and is the loser over the transaction. In some cases the grower is at fault for allowing a crop to bo dug and marketed in an unfit and green condition, thus spoiling the market for his neighbour who has taken the risk of planting weeks earlier, and who is marketing a good sample, but is invariably robbed of the fruits of his enterprise. If these practices could be stamped out it woidd do a great deal towards fully reestablishing the confidence of tho buyers in Pukekoho potatoes.