DEARTH OF ORANGES

Evening Star, Issue 23565, 2 May 1940, Page 8

DEARTH OF ORANGES

MARKET COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED SMALL SHIPMENT DUE OH K-3NDAY 'There are many things, from safety matches to aeroplanes, which the average person finds it hard to procure at the present time, but one of the scarcest, and one which has a steady demand, is the orange. As a matter of fact, it is practically impossible to obtain any at all, tho majority of fruiterers being cut right out. Tho position will be eased a little on Monday, when a shipment of Jamaican fruit arrives. The quantity is not known, nor is the condition, but as the shipment will be the last of the season it is feared that the condition will not bo good. A few weeks ago a very small consignment of Jamaican oranges came to hand, and there were in a seriously deteriorated state. The quantity, by the time repacking had been completed, was so very small that orders had to be rationed on a quartercase basis. There is no reason whatever to expect that Monday’s shipment will be in better shape, and if the quantity is no greater there will be practically no alleviation of the situation. The first definite improvement should show itself about the end of this month, when Island oranges are expected to start arriving on the local market. Advance information as to when shipments will be received cannot bo obtained, and any dates are only approximate, as is indicated by the fact that Monday’s shipment of Jamaican oranges has been expected almost daily for some time past. Australian navel oranges will appear on the market about the middle of June, and their arrival is eagerly awaited, for they are easily the best which come to Dunedin. Although it has been freely rumoured that shipments will bo smaller than last year there appears no reason to - believe that this will actually be the case.