CITY MARKET.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19195, 29 December 1927, Page 6

CITY MARKET.

THREE STALLS OPEN YESTERDAY. PRICES NO LESS THAN IN SHOPS. Before business was commenced at the City market yesterday morning, the avenue between the buildings and ground near the stalls was hosed to lay the dust. Only three stalls were open, fruit and vegetables being on sale at all of them. The iee-eroniu man, who was restricted by the Health Department to selling Eskimo pies, has gone his way, and the poulterer has also forsaken his stand. The latter did so well just before Christum*, however, thut he proposes to e«juiy a stall in aecordaneo with the Health Department's requirements, and commence again the sale of poultry. An inspector visited tho market I yesterday morning, but was apparently satisfied that tho regulations ivolo being observed. It was stated yesterday that three growers contribute supplies to one of tho stalls. In tho utteruoon n calico sign indicating that the fruit and vegetables came direct from the growers was nailed up over it. Customers at the market were fairly numerous yesterday, but not all were satisfied that by making their puichases there they could effect a saving. It was stated that the stall-holders were satisfied with their business in the opening week, the total takings for the three days being approximately £6OO. A comparison of the prices in the market with those in retailers' shops discloses no great variation, indeed the fruiterers claim they are selling some lines cheaper. Within the market itself the stall-holders differ in their ideas as to prices, and in at least on© stall adjustments are made from time to time in the charges made. Cm G. R. Hunter and P. W. Sharpe propose addressing meetings of growers with a view to securing their co-operation. It is also proposed to paint tho buildings in an attractive colony and to improve the market by erecting n. better fence along the frontage and by laying out the spare ground in plants and shrubs. One of the spare stalls is to be placed at the disposal of tho stallholders for the storage of fruit and vegetables overnight.