THE MARKETS

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 52, 1 March 1918, Page 8

THE MARKETS

POULTRY FAIRLY PLENTIFUL.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-opera^ tive Distributing Co. reports to-day that local potatoes have been in rather short supply during the past week, and naturally supplies ha.ye been drawn from the South, but in most cases shipments haye 1 been disappointing, as they have arrived in bad condition. There, is a fair demand for oats, but offerings are short—probably owing to the fact that the mills are devoting their attention mainly to wheat. Maize is in rather short supply just at' the moment, and prices are accordingly high. Ryegrass is in good demand. Cocksfoot is none too plentiful and high rates arc ruling. Pig meals are exceedingly scarce, but as a shipment is expected to arrive early this month this should relieve the market considerably. Poultry is fairly plentiful and I'ealisiiig satisfactory prices. Fowl feed is short and is commanding good values. Supplies of pork are coming forward in very limited quantities and prices are high. Eggs are scarce, with figures advancing. There is a small enquiry for honey at advanced rates.

Cabbages are plentiful, with low prices ruling. Cauliflowers offering are of poor quality, but values remain firm. Carrots are in fair vsupply. New Zealand' onions are coming to hand in fair quantities, and figures ruling are somewhat similar ta last week. Parsnips are meeting with a ready sale, providing quality is good. White turnips are fairly plentiful, and values good. Lettuse is eagerly enquired for at late quotations. "French beans are plentiful, also beetroot. Marrows are also in fair supply, with prices satisfactory. Swedes are coming to hand in fair quantities, but the demand is poor. Owing to the cold snap, ripe tomatoes arc In short supply, and prices have considerably advanced. Green peas are now going off, and high figures are being realised. Cucumbers are plentiful, and the sale for same is almost nil.

The majority of varieties of fruit are now scarce, r.nd good prices are being procured all round. Dessert, apples of good quality are fairly plentiful, and are realismpc satisfactory "figures. Nectarines are very scarce; in fact, almost unprocurable. Peaches are niso scarce, with prices ruling hit;!). The market for plums has been almost bare during the week, and hin-li rotes have been ralised where offered. "Dessert pears of good quality are realising fair prices. Blackberries are coming to hand in large quantities, and when the condition is good values are high.