JAMS AND FRUITS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 16 June 1920, Page 2

JAMS AND FRUITS

EXPECTED HKiHER PRICES. Considerably higher prices arc likely to rule for New Zealaiid-inadie ja.ni, in. view of the expected advance in the price of sugar, states the Post. Due of tlie leading preservers, of the Dominion lias informed his clients that the best is being done to facilitate the despatch of orders booked up to 31st •.March before the end of June; but that the shortage of sugar was acute, and that at the time of writing no more than .suflicient for four days' boilings was in stock'. The price of sugar was expected to advance 2J,d. to 3d "per lb. If so, then the prices of jams, marmalades, and other preserves would be advanced in proportion, and become luxuries instead 1 of goods. Quotations, have been received from C'alifohau fmitpacking houses for the, now season’s canned; fruits. They are sensationally high,] and there is but small likelihood of| much business passing. It has been calculated, that on present packers’ quotations t-ho fruit would have to be sold here at 2s 6d to 3s or more per; tin, to give the barest return to the retailer. “ Australian canned fruit has, had a good run in Now Zealand, owing to the previous high prices of the, .American fruit: but it also is still tool high in price, for general use in most households. It is noticeable that the consumption of all canned.! fruits hag. been much restricted, since prices have reached the present high levels. M’ith regard to dried fruis, New Zealand is now largely dependent on Australia, -Supplies are now coming freely to hand from that quarter: but it is reported that Australia is short. Figures received from all the, SunRaved settlements show that the total 1920 season’s dried vine fruit crop under Australian Dried 1 Fruit Association control will be approximately weight) 5400 tons currants, 0609 sultanas, 3500 tong Jexias. These tonnages qre subject.to slight amendment when, final figures become available about 30th June, bub they are close enough to demonstrate that 1920 tonnages are easily the greatest yet produced in Australia.