THE POTATO SUPPLIES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2502, 15 May 1909, Page 7

THE POTATO SUPPLIES.

' A shortage or potatoes similar to that <-,f three years ago is likely to be experienced during the coming winter, until few weeks ago the season, promised most favorably, but wot weather m various districts resulted in an outbreak of the dreaded, blight. In Otago an increased aroa was devoted to the cultivation of the tubers, but the farmers are not digging 50 per cent of the crops, and in some places 2o per cent is about the average. Reports from North' and South Canterbury, • Marlborough and Wellington arc to the effect that the potatoes there are badly attacked by the blight, and that it is becoming difficult to secure sufficient supplies of sound tubers. An unusual feature of the visitation is that it w most severe on the varieties of potatoes that have hitherto been .sought after for their keeping qualities. As yet the shortage has not beenyapparent .-enough ;to uairnnt importation from -Australia, as the current price there, .£3.5s to.£4 a ton, prohibits a profitable trade to tlie Dominion. It seems to be only; a matter of weeks, .however, when New Zealand will have to draw on Australia -to a very great extent and at an enhanced price for her 'supplies.—•‘Manawatu Standard.”