WINTER FRUIT DEMAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16909, 23 July 1918, Page 4

WINTER FRUIT DEMAND.

EFFECT OF COLD WEATHER. The coM weather experienced of late has had a marked effect on the demand for fruit. Inquiries from local wholesale merchants yesterday elicited the information that the sales in most varieties had decreased by at least 25 per cent, during 'the last three weeks. This is said to be in direct contrast to the experience of last season, when tho ddhiand for fruit waa maintained right throilgh the winter. Most of the fruit now being sold is from the cool stores, though there is also a good supply of lemons owing to a prolific winter crop. Shipments of lemons have also been received from America and Sydney, and prices for this class of fruit are 'normal. porta of fruit from Sydney are ' smaller than is usual at this period of tho year, and shipments are coming to Auckland via Wellington, involving an extra cost in freight and charges of practically 1100 per cent. I Island fruits are also stated to have suffered from the cold weather, the last shipIment of bananas from Fiji having been rather severely affected. he oranges are , said to be of good quality, and are now on the market at moderate rates. ~ Prices ; for hothouse fruits are naturally high. I and what is stated to have been probably | a record price was received by a firm of auctioneers for a quantity of hothouse [grapes last week, the line selling for 5e 7d i J a pound.