FRUIT AND PRODUCE

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 22

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

Bray Bros. Ltd. (Dunedin) report as follows for week ending to-day:—

Conditions in the local wheat market show little or no change from those existing last week. In Otago, broken weather has again caused an interruption of threshing operations, and although there is a large quantity of wheat in stack, there is still a lot in stook or still uncut. . Payments to farmers' are on the basis of 5s a bushel, f.0.b., for Tuscan in all districts south of Waikouaiti, with the usual increments for other varieties.

Fowl wheat has been offering more freely during the week, and lines that fail to make milling grade are being sold as fowl wheat at 5s a bushel, sacks extra, on trucks. Supplies are still very short in the North Island, and it is understood that some milling wheat will have to be sold as fowl wheat to make, up the shortage. Wholesale prices are as follows:

Flour; 200’s, £l3 15s 6d; 100’s, £l4 12s 6d; 60’s, £l4 17s 6d; 25’s, £ls 7s 6d.

Bran, £5 5s per ton. Pollard, £6 15s per ton. Oatmeal: 2001 b sacks, £22; 25’s £24.

The oat market remains firm, but few lines are offering. Prices are 3s lOd per bushel, f.0.b., s.i., for A’s, and 3s 7d, f.0.b., s.i. for B’s, which is equivalent to 3s 2d for heavy A’s. 3s for ordinary A’s, and 2s 9d to _2s lOd for B’s on trucks at country sidings. The chaff market is being kept well supplied, from nearby districts and from Canterbury, and values show no change. Where. sales can be made they are on the basis. of £5 10s per ton, sacks extra, ex_ truck, but most of the business is being done ex store at £5 15s per ton. The potato market is short-sup-eThe wet weather has interwith digging. The King Edward is the variety principally sought after. Prices to-day rule up to 7s 6d per cwt. All seeds are firm. Most of the business, however, is still confined to last season’s seeds, as the quality of new season’s lines are too poor to interest merchants. Certified ryegrass and cocksfoot are also firm, and there has been no change in the position with regard to dogstail and fescue, but cowgrass. has weakened to some extent during the week. Brown top also is easier, due to more seed being saved as a result of the finer weather of about 10 days ago. FRUIT REPORT. Apples continue in heavy supply with a largo proportion of offerings still export rejects, which are not easily sold even at low prices. There is a good) demand, however, for choice lines of dessert. Cooking apples are in better supply, with prices easier. Dessert pears are enjoying a good inquiry, and cooking pears are realising better prices than in previous seasons.

Gros Colmar grapes are now coming forward, and are realising high prices. Californian lemons are in good supply. The position with regard) to oranges remains unaltered, and a real famine exists on the local market. Many shops have been without oranges for several weeks. A small consignment arrived yesterday, and at auction realised 80s per case. The first of the Rarotongan oranges are not due here until the middle of May. Bananas are meeting with a steady sale, and the supply is equal to the demand.;

Tomatoes are still offering freely, and choice quality lines are realising very satisfactory prices. Inferior grades are hard to place at low prices. A few quinces are still on offer, and' high prices are ruling. Vegetables are in heavy supply, with low prices ruling for nearly all lines. Spinach has been very plentiful, with sales slow, and only choice cauliflowers and cabbages, which are in over-supply, are saleable.

We a ther-b eat e n green peas are hard to quit, but there is a good demand for choice lines.

There is a good! demand for marrows.

Beans are practically finished for the season, but carrots, parsnips, and swedes are in good supply. The following prices were realised during the week : —Bushel and American Cases.—

Pipe bananas, 20s to 235. New Zealand lemons, 18s to 20s. Californian lemons, 50s to 52s 6d,

Peaches, dessert, 4s to 4s 6d, Peaches, jam, 2s to 2s 6d. —Per Dozen.—

Cucumbers, hothouse, 7s to 8s 6d. Cucumbers, outdoors, 7s to 10s case Lettuces, Is to Is 6d. Spinach, Is to Is 3d. Section honey, 10s. > —Per Sack.—

Cabbages, 2s to 2s 6d. Cauliflowers, 3s 6d to 4s 6d, Parsnips, Is, Carrots, 3s to 3s 6d. Swedes, Is 6d to 2s. —Per Lb.— Peaches, 2Jd to 3Jd. Grapes, Is to Is 3d. Brussel sprouts, 2d. Leeks, 4d. Celery, Bd. Potatoes, 6s 6d to 7s 6di cwt. Peas, 3£d to 4£d. Tomatoes, local, 8d to 10d. Tomatoes, Christchurch, 4d to 6d. Bacon, official price list. ' Bulk honey, 6d. Beeswax, Is 2d. Butter.—Prints, Is'2}d; bulk, 561 b, Is 2id; bulk, 281 b and 141 b, ls 2*d. Cheese, 7di to 7\d. . Eggs, market rates.