GROCERY NOTES

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26030, 6 February 1950, Page 8

GROCERY NOTES

A good shipment of cornflour from Paisley is now being discharged at Auckland, ex the Tekoa, but Canterbury deliveries will probably not be made until several weeks hence. Two other shipments are due in the north later in the month. New season's dates are scheduled to arrive in New Zealand on February 13, and about the same time further quantities of mixed fruits are expected from Australia. New season's prices for Australian vine fruits have not yet been announced. This year the Australian Fruit Board intends packing sultanas and currants in 11b clear wrappers. Prices will be only a fraction

up on loose price, and as a time-saver this method of packing must appeal to every retailer. New season’s blue Prussian peas are now coming forward at prices slightly dearer than last year. A further shipment of British-made safety matches has been arranged, and it is probable that the first consignment will reach Lyttelton about the end of March. Tinned Herrings.—A shipment of two well-known brands of tinned herrings recently arrived from the United Kingdom, and is being distributed to retailers. Queensland Tinned Fruits.—New prices quoted for Queensland tinned pineapple for April shipment have advanced approximately 3s a dozen for the 30oz tins and 2s a dozen for the 20oz size. Fruit salad in 30oz tins is also offered for April shipment at the same price as last year. Dried Apricots.—Reports from Austr.aa on dried apricots indicate that the crop is very light and the new season’s prices just received are up 15s a box on last year. Failing full supplies being available from Australia, importers are likely to make up the deficiency from South Africa, although prices are higher. lodised Salt.—A popular pack of iodised salt that has been off the market for several weeks will again be procurable shortly. Merchants are advised that a shipment has come to hand in the Port Auckland, now unloading at Auckland. Recently a limited quantity of another well-known English pack arrived in tins and cardboard drums, and it is expected that regular shipments of these lines will be coming forward. Nails and Staples.—After the recent adjustment in the price of fencing wire it will be of interest to farmers that the price of batten staples has been reduced by 17s a cwt. The price of wire nails has also been revised and is approximately 4s 9d a cwt cheaper. Indications are that the output from manufacturers has not increased to any extent, and merchants’ supplies are still short.