STONE FRUIT SCARCE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25092, 25 January 1947, Page 9

STONE FRUIT SCARCE

VEGETABLES IN SHORT SUPPLY apples expected next WEEK At a time when, normally, supplies ai e at a peak and prices at their lowest. stone fruits and vegetables have oeen in short supply, and made high Prices in the Christchurch produce markets this week. Retail shop buyers apricots. peaches, ana plums were fauoned according to their usual buyJ/gjmnng the week, but a greater j rmit is expected towards the end of next week. As *. or several weeks past, vegetables m short supply. Peas sold at up ro 7d and 8d for the best lines, an average price being 6d. With the fixed price of potatoes dropping next month, inere were plenty of potatoes in the markets for the first time this season.

Cauliflowers were still scarce, and there was no immediate expectation of cabbages. High-grade marrows, making their first appearance this season, were selling at prices ranging from IBs to 42s a dozen, and a small quantity of onions were auctioned, having been sent from the North Island, and sold at 14s fid a hundredweight. Further supplies of North Island onions may be available next week, but the supply depends on the margin of profit to be gained by growers after freight and packing charges have been deducted, Roxburgh fruitgrowers are sending their produce to the North Island, said one auctioneer, the price for stone fruit being higher there than locally. Tomatoes held their price throughout the week, and it is not expected that there will be any easing m price until supplies increase. Lettuce was plentiful. but no apples had appeared, in the markets by yesterday, put some are expected next week.