COMMERCIAL.

Northern Advocate, 19 August 1919, Page 6

COMMERCIAL.

THE PRODUCE MARKETS.

WELLINGTON PRICES.

Owing to the absence of sufficient supplies of locally-grown fruit to meet the demand there has been a decided improvement in values ruling for dessert apples, as well as pears (says the Wellington Times), in view of the fact that no Tasmanian iruita ar e coming to hand this season the position has been further accentuated, and tliere does not appear u> oe much prospect of anything like low rates obtaining, as present values are sulhciently tempting for apple holders to unload their stocks in greater quantities, than have to face in many instances storage charges for keeping the fruit in cool store for a further two months. No doubt later months will see the usual shipments of Californian apples coming forward, but it is, of course, altogether too early yet for these to make an appearance. The absence of Sydney jam oranges this season has thrown th e demand on to New Zealand Poormans to a greater extent than usual

Apples, choice dessert favourites 14s to 16s case, choice ordinary varieties 12s to 13s, prime 9s to 11s; cookers, choice, 7/6 to 8/ case, prime 5/0 to 7/6; pears, choice dessert, favourite varieties 18/ to 20/ case, choice ordinary 12/ to 14/, prime 10/ to 11/, stewing 6/ to 8/; jam oranges, choice 15/ to 17/, prime 12/ to 13/. POTATOES AND ONIONS. Ample supplies of potatoes are now available, at the same time values are fairly high, as holders in the South Island in some instances consider that befor e long a distinct 'advance should take place, as it is problematical whether there will be sufficient to tide over the requirements of the season. A slightly firmer market is evident during the last day or two, and there is a difference of fully 10/ per ton between some merchants' ideas of value. Onions are practicay done for the season, and it is extremely difficult to get any answering to good quality. Potatoes, £10 10/ to £10 15/ per ton; good quality, £9 to £9 10/. Onions, £17 to £17 10/ per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES. Parsnips have undergone a sharp rise in price, whilst cauliflowers and cabbages maintain a very high level of values; other descriptions of vegetables are commanding high money. Cauliflowers, choice heavy 18/ to 20/ sack, prime 13/ to 15/, good 7/ to 9/; cabbages, choice 15/ to 17/ sack, prime, 11/ to 13/, small 7/ to 9/; spinach, 5/ to 7/ sack; swedes, prime 8/ to 9/ sack, good 5/6 to 6/6; turnips, 2/ to 3/ sack; parsnips, choice 18/ to 21/ sack, prime 14/ to 17/, small and inferior 5/ to 7/; carrots, choice 8/ to 9/ sack, prime 6/ to 7/; beetroot, 19/ to 21/ sack; pumpkins, 15/ to 17/ sack; cucumbers, 8/ to 12/ dozen, according to size; lettuce, choice 8/6 to 9/6 ease, prime 6/8 to 7/6. EGGS. The market has further weakened for fresh eggs, which are now selling up to 2/1 per dozen, with preserved at lower rates.