EXPORT OF POTATOES

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1940, Page 2

EXPORT OF POTATOES

By Telegraph—Press Association.

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS ROOM FOR MORE TRADE?

Christchurch, Sept. 23. In an effort to dispose of more New Zealand potatoes in Australia, fresh representations will be made by the Minister of Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, to the Australian authorities next Tuesday. In a statement the Minister said that one of the main difficulties in the way of increased exports, particularly to Soutln America, was the question of freight. Thousands of tons could be exported, but for this problem. The 5000 tons of New Zealand potatoes to be sent to Australia had given local growers some relief, and though there had been slight complaints about the quality of the first shipment the high standard of shipmens had made a favourable impression in Sydney. The Minister added that shipments had been made expeditiously from New Zealand and only a few hundred tons remained to be shipped. Whereas it was proposed when exports were first arranged to ship at least 1000 tons in October, requests for the Australian acceptance of further shipments had been delayed because of political conditions in the Commonwealth, said Mr. Nash. The Federal elections took place on Saturday and it would be opportune to reopen negotiations next week when the position had clarified. Referring again to the quality of shipments, Mr. Nash said that New Zealand had given Australia no room for complaints. Murmurs about the first shipment he believed were largely inspired by Australian merchants.