CHEAP FRUIT

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11827, 7 January 1933, Page 4

CHEAP FRUIT

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Raspberries, pea '-he*, plums. ana

block currants ar- available at tempting prices in the Wellington f’-tnt markets, and people who require qttan titles for preserving <*r jam maknm find tluu most fruits arc offering at rates which arc well below the luxury level. Lettuce, r-aniflmver, and pMatoe- are also being disposed oi at prices which repay the inconvenience of i ran sporting bulky supple--- from the vegetable market.

The holiday period, which .-impended activities in the fruit and vegetable market', has resulted in a large - apply of raspberries or excellent quality coming forward, .ond those ate selling

ai a price that -imuld Or- a the domestic jam-maker. lie- containing Hilo to nlh of beautiful fruit have been selling in the markets in Blair Street at i s 6d, and after the retailers have been supplied queues of private people usually line tip to secure one or two tins for home use. The heavy rain which fell just ofiei Christmas Day has been of great value to market gardeners, and fruit and vegetables have responded to it by making wonderful growth. Those who have been looking forward to a second crop of strawberries coming on to the market for jam purposes are likely to be disappointed. A Wellington merchani said that the Nelson growers had not paid much attention to jam strawberries this season. It was expected that some supplies would come to hand, but the quantity would not he large. Peaches and plums are plentiful, the former fetching from 4s 6d to 5s 6cl a case, a price at which it pays to bottle or preserve. Plums also are plentiful, and they range from 2s 6d to 7s a case, according to the variety. Black currants are now in, and they are selling at 6s 6d a case of 18 to 20lb. Apricots are nearly over, although small quantities may come to hand from Grcvtown and Motueka. The quality has not been so good this season.

Lettuce, cauliflowers, etc., are in such abundance that ihe former can be had at 9d and Is a case, and cauliflowers or greens at Is 6d. Potatoes are only realising 2s 61 to 3s 6d for a bag of about a hundred-weight. Peas are retailing at lid and 2d a lb., hut are much cheaper when two or three people make a joint purchase, since the average price per lh varies according to the size of the hag.