N.Z. POTATOES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 October 1938, Page 6

N.Z. POTATOES

NO MARKET IN SOUTH AMERICA. X BIG LOSS ON SHIPMENT EXPECTED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, October 14. Contrary to statements made by the Minister of Marketing, the Hon W. Nash, and the Internal Marketing Department, there is no market for New Zealand potatoes in South America this season. It is stated that a shipment of more than 3000 tons, which left Lyttelton last week, and 600 tons already at Buenos Aires, will be dumped or given away. This information is contained in a letter from an official source received by a Christchurch firm of produce merchants, and it confirms earlier rumours which were denied that the shipments would be unsaleable. It is estimated that on the big shipment alone there will be a net loss of £3O 000. The letter states that most of +he potatoes in the 600-ton shipment are now lying in barges in Buenos Aires harbour. Incredulity was expressed that after this experience a further 3000 tons should be sent. In the first place, the letter points out. South America does not want potatoes. and. in the second place, it is too late in the season to ship them. The first shipment, the letter added, was, in addition to representing “coals to Newcastle.” badly grown. It would represent almost a total loss to the shippers.