AT THE MARTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 203, 28 August 1934, Page 4

AT THE MARTS.

BANANAS ARE CHEAPER.

HOTHOUSE TOMATOES SCARCE

SHORTAGE OF ORANGES

Owing to the extreme shortage of oranges, values for this fruit, as well as for the small quantities of mandarins available, have advanced. The next shipment from Australia is due here on September 11. Kipe bananas wore much cheaper at to-day's auctions. There is no change in the market for applets, with ttie exception that good lines of Delicious are now meeting with better demand, l'ears are slow oi sale at last week's quotations. Hothouse tomatoes are getting scarce, as it was oniy tlic late UU6UIIHI sown that were coming m, and theso are now about over. 'mere are, however, still some of. the recent shipment from the Islands available. Tree tomatoes arc in fair demand, and Australian pines in good order sold at from 10/ to '26/ per eaise, according to count.

Quotations for average lines are as under, extra choice lots realising higher prices:—Apples: Jonathan, 3/ to 5/0 per case, choice to 7/; Ualiarat (in good condition), 4/6 to 0/, wasty '2/ to 3/; Salome, 3/6 to 5/; Delicious, 2/ to 5/; Stunners, 3/6 to 5/, choice 7/(i; Cranny Smith, 5/6 to 8/. Pears: Coles and JNTelis, 9/ to 0/0 case; three-quarter cases 0/ to 7/; P. Barry, 6/0 to 8/. Passions: 5/ to 12/; choice, to 18/ cas-e. Mushrooms: 2/0 per lb. Plums: Californian, 19/ crate. Oranges: Island, repacked, 25/. Lemons: Cured, 9/ to 12/0; others, 4/ to 8/. Grapefruit: New Zealand, large, 0/ to 7/; medium, 3/ to 5/; small, 2/6 to 3/; Californian, 30/. Tomatoes: Island, 11/ case; hothouse, 0;l to 1/3 lb. Bananas: Ripe, 9/ to 17/ case. Tree tomatoes: 3/C to 0/. Pines: According to count, 16/G to 22/. Grapes: Californian, red, 20/(3 to 28/0 case. Coconuts: 14/ per sack. •

Vegetables. Supplies of both old and new potatoes are quite equal to the requirements of the market. Good sound onions are in steady demand. Pumpkins are now in short supply, Triumphs selling at from 12/ to 16/ per cwt. There are still some of the last shipment of kumaras from the Islands offering, but local-grown axe in short supply. Hothouse cucumbers are selling at from 8/ to 12/ per dozen, and Fijian at 6/ to 8/ per case. Cabbage are still in heavy supply, and sell at cheap rates. The demand for cauliflower has been fair, pumpkins, 0/ to 18/ cwt; cucumbers, 6/ while good quality lettuce is scarce. Swedes are now very cheap, owing to the heavy supplies sent in. Small quantities of asparagus were on sale to-day, and brought up to 2/6 per bundle. Quotations are: —Potatoes, new, Id to 3%d lb, Southern 5/6 to 0/6 cwt; swedes, 1/ to 2/ bag; onions, 2/ to 5/ bag; kumaras, Tauranga 6/ to 7/6 bag, Island l%d to 2d lb; cabbages, 1/ to 4/ sack, on benches 9d to 3/ dozen; cauliflowers, 2/ to 4/6 sack, on benches 1/ to 3/, dozen; to 10/ dozen; carrota, 4d to 9d dozen; parsnips, 9d to 1/ dozen; beet, 8d to 1/; turnipe, 3d to 5d dozen; radish, 3d to 6d dozen ; spring onions, 3d to 7d bundle; spinach, Gd to 1/3 dozen; leeks, Id to 4d bundle. Marrows: 1/0 to 2/6 per dozen; citron melons, 8d to 1/6 each; lettuce, 1/ to 5/ case; cooking celery, 4d to 8d bundle; dessert celery, 1/ to 2/ bundle; rhubarb, 2/ to 4/ dozen; asparagus, 2/ to 2/G bundle. Table Poultry In Demand.

At to-day's auctions the supply of poultry was medium, and the demand was keen for table birds. The prices paid remain firm. Selling rates were as follow: —Cockerels: Heavy breeds, prime, 4/ to 5/6 each; not prime, 2/9 upwards; light breeds, prime, 3/ to 4/3; not prime, 2/6 upwards. Fat roosters: Heavy breeds, prime, 2/V to 3/9; light breeds) 1/9 to 2/9. Fat hens: Heavy breeds, 3/3 to 4/6; light breeds, 2/3 to 3/3. Pullets: Heavy breeds, best, 3/ to 4/6; smaller, 2/ upwards; light breeds, best, 2/0 to 4/; smaller, 1/0 upwards. Drakes: Young, prime, 2/3 to 3/; smaller, 1/9 upwards; old, 1/6 to 2/. Ducks: Young, 1/9 to 2/9; old, 1/0 to 2/. Turkey hens: 4/ to 6/; gobblers, 0/6 to 11/. Guinea fowls: 2/6 to 4/.