FRUIT MARKETS CROWDED

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25732, 18 February 1949, Page 8

FRUIT MARKETS CROWDED

PUBLIC BIDS FREELY Traffic was so congested near the Lichfield street fruit and produce markets yesterday morning that three traffic inspectors were fully occupied in keeping the stream of cars and trucks moving. Bicycles, prams and other conveyances were parked outside, and inside it was difficult to move about with any freedom as auctioneers endeavoured to satisfy the many customers who had responded to the invitation to attend the sales.

From the beginning of the auction in all markets bidding was spirited, although members of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Federation of Retail Fruiterers and Greengrocers did not bid for fruit and tomatoes in containers which bore a charge. On the smaller cases, which bore no charge, they bought as usual. Produce such as marrows, cabbage, cauliflowers and similar lines, which do not require containers, were also bought as usual by retailers. Fruit brokers late yesterday afternoon expressed satisfaction with the day’s trading saying that, although the increased number of buyers had meant considerably more work, prices had been well maintained and growers had been telegraphed for continued and increased quantities of fruit. It was expected that an evening sale would be necessary last evening, but all stocks of fruit and tomatoes practically exhausted by 5 p.m. All markets are prepared for continued public buying to-day.