GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18603, 30 January 1926, Page 12

GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

GROCERIES. The present harvest season is making business in .the country fairly busy, which makes up for the slackness of trade in town r.nd suburbs.

There is at present a fair demand for "tinned fruite of all iLnds. Pineapples are not too plentiful on the local market, and stocks are firmly held. Supplies of canned apricots, pears, and peaches are at the moment sufficient to meet deniands, but_ this position will not remain CO for : ong, and those storekeepers who have not covered requirements will find prices firming. The general shortago of fresh fruit this season is bound to reflect on the canned iruit position. Sago and tapioca still continue to hold their own r.£ .regards price. The next direct arrival cannot be hero until April at tho earliest, and probably tho Lyttclton cargo may not be landed until May. Supplie.3 of sugar are still ample to meet all requirements, and no chort&go in stocks is anticipated this season. Preserving jars have arrived, and as prices are very low, business should be brisk both with tho public and the merchants. A new line is expected on this market shortly. It is a syrup made from leaua raisins and manufactured in Australia. It is a very fine article, of very pleasing taste, a ltd Bhould meet with a, ready sale as soon aa stocks arrive. Certain lines of plug tobacco aro r>ow en the market at retail values which show o-ood btiving. These tobaccos are ' outside fines—that is, outside the control <n the bjrr concern that has supplied most of Zealand's tobacco for mans years.