The Price of Potatoes.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7918, 6 September 1905, Page 3

The Price of Potatoes.

VIEWS OF A WELLINGTON MERCHANT. WELLINGTON, Sept. 2. A loeal merchant, who was interviewed to-day by a Post reporter regarding the potato marketi stated that he considered that prices had about readied their limit. With the new season's crop ieoming on the market in a lew weeks' time, prices (he said) should begin to decline, but even with the new crop in, the prico is likely to be considerably higher than it was lor the corresponding period last year. In regard to the recent prices, lie slated that merchants had not fonr.d a. ready sale for point (MS of late. Since the prices have hern so high there has been a diminishing sale. In other words, the high price is having efleet on the consumption, the public being unable to aftord the price asked. Tnc value of potatoes on the local market to-day is £l3 per ton, and there is not a great quantity available even at that price. Canterbury merchants aro of opinionl that tho price has about reached high water mark, and in support of this they advise that VcaJHle messages Co America halve elicited the fact that supplies, may be obtained from California at a cost of ,£ll per ton, landed' at any port in New Zealand. There is, !of course, danger in importing from such distances that the shipment may not arrive here in the best condition. "In my opinion," said the merchant, "the danger and risk ol importing are so great that no merchant in New Zealand would be daringt enough to make the venture." The prices on the Tasmanian and Australian markets are now a little easier than they have been, and shipments to New Zealand can be arranged for £9, which, with the 20 per cent, duty freight, etc., would bring the cost landed here to £l2 p ( r ton. A local restaurant keeper states that a few days ago he paid £2B for two tons o! potatoes. This Hire last year he was able to semre two tons for £4 7s M. In view of the prices ruling in New Zealand hthought the high duty placed on imported potatoes should be removed