N.Z. POTATOES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 April 1940, Page 9

N.Z. POTATOES

WILL EMBARGO BE LIFTED? (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, April 2. The question, now seemingly a perennial one, whether Australia will lift her embargo on New Zealand potatoes, has been raised again. New Zealand merchants have been invited to quote for the sale of potatoes to the Commonwealth under Australian conditions, with the right to cancel if the embargo is not lifted. A similar position arose last year, when potatoes were at a high price, both in Australia and New Zealand. Early in March, before New Zealand potatoes were ripe and readj’ for digging. the embargo was actuall.v lifted, with the stipulation that imports from New Zealand should not. exceed 250 tons a week. A trial shipment was later made to Australia, but the embargo was renewed at the beginning of June. Actually the New Zealand crop last season was a short one. and prices went to high levels, but this season the crops appear to be better, and prices are low. the present quotation for forward delivery being £3 10s a ton. At this time last year Tasmanian potatoes were worth about £lB a ton. and others up to £l7. Last weekend Tasmanians were quoted at £ll. little more than half the price a year ago.