FAMINE PRICES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20730, 14 February 1939, Page 7

FAMINE PRICES

AUSTRALIAN POTATOES NEW ZEALAND LICENSES LIFTING OF BAN URGED (United Press Assn,—Elec. Tel. CoryrJgbt. CANBERRA, Feb. 13 Famine prices for potatoes in Australia are responsible for renewed demands on the Commonwealth Government to remove the embargo on New Zealand potatoes. So strong is the pressure that an announcement on the subject, is expected within a few days. The New Zealand Government declines to give any information concerning the basis on which import licenses arc allocated under the new trade policy. This statement appears in a report received by the Department of Commerce from the Australian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand. Mr Critchley. The New Zealand Government points out that it is impossible to estimate the total value by which imports from Australia will be reduced in the next year. Consideration will be given to the issuance of yearly instead of half-yearly licenses if the new regulations are retained in 1940. Mr Critchley hopes to be able to give all details affecting Australian exporters in a personal report to the Minister of Commerce shortly. RETENTION OF EMBARGO TASMANIAN GROWERS' REQUEST RECORD PRICES IN SYDNEY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 14, 11.50 a.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 14 The Daily Telegraph says Ta-smanian growers are pressing the Federal Government to retain the embargo on New Zealand potatoes. This was stated in Federal political circles yesterday. The move follows the agitation for the removal of the ban because the record potato prices in Sydney made them unprocurable by the average family.