CORRESPONDENCE Export Embargo on Potatoes.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 452, 21 February 1919, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

Export Embargo on Potatoes.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—The action of the Government in prohibiting the export of potatoes comes not only as a surprise but a shock to the people of this and surrounding districts, which comprise the principal potato-growing area of the Auckland province. The people of the country have during the war allowed without protest the Executive to assume and exercise powers which were never intended at their eleotion, but now that the war is over to permit these self-constituted autocrats to interfere with the rights and liberties of the people without proper legal enactment is intolerable. Not only is the export embargo unwarranted and unjustified, but at the present time nothing could be more assinine, with the markets and stores glutted with potatoes and the crops rotting in the ground for want of purchasers. This is undoubtedly. the position as far as thd Auckland markets and Auckland's source of supply—the Fukekohe and outlying districts — are concerned. _ The fact that under such condi- \ tions the Minister responsible for the \ embargo should issue such a proclamation shows a sad want of knowledge of the conditions prevailing. Probably his idea was to restrict the export of the Southern crop which will be available in another month er two; that there was any here in the North for export never entering his mind. Had the export been regulated by a reasonable fixed price although a questionable policy—the producers affected would not feel so sore but that the Government should by proclamation cause the growers a loss ou their production so as to hand . the difference over to other sections of the community would smack of Bolshevism, only the Government are making this present to those well able to purchase at a reasonable price, as well as to the daily wageearners. It is to be hoped that saner councils will prevail and the embargo be lifted, or a reasonable regulation price fixed, otherwise future production will be restricted as the farmer will feel unable to contend against the vagaries of Government enactments in addition to high cost of labour, manures, potato blight and seasonable risks. It is high time the country had the opportunity of replacing several of the present unsatisfactory administrators with men of business foresight and acumen who would legislate equitably for the general welfare.—l am, etc., JOSEPH HENRY, Patumahoe. 19/2/19.