SUPPLIES OF PRODUCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19859, 1 February 1928, Page 12

SUPPLIES OF PRODUCE.

DRY WEATHER BENEFICIAL. NO SHORTAGE AT PRESENT. The present long spell of dry weather has proved beneficial to the small market gardeners and growers of field produce who supply the Auckland City Markets. Although the supplies of fruit and vegetables have been slightly curtailed recently, there has been no serious shortage and prices have remained at a level satisfactory to growers and public alike. It was expected that supplies of field produce would be very short after such a long period without rain, but such has not proved to be the case. Nearly all (he giowers are small holders, working only five to ten acres, and these allotments are thoroughly reticulated with water pipes. As these gardens nearly all lie outside t:ic city limits, in Mangcre, Panmure, West Tamaki and Avondale, there is no restriction on tho use of water, and only a small difference has been noted in the quality and quantity of the produceIt is considered that had this year been a normal season, supplies would have proved so heatfy that the consequent- drop in values would not have adequately compensated the producers. As the position is at present, the demand is just satisfied, except, perhaps, for pumpkins, vegetable marrows and cabbages. Any shortages of cabbages and lettuce, however, were compensated by the good quantities of green peas and beans of all varieties that wore available! Had favourable conditions been experienced all the season, it is considered that such vegetables as pumpkins, instead of realising from 20s to 25s per cwt., would have declined to only 4s to ss, an unprofitable figure. As far as the fruit market is concerned the dry weather has had only a small effect on the quantities available, the supplies being sufficient to meet the demand without wastage. Any increase would have tended to glut the market. As regards quality, tho effect of the shortage of rain has been most beneficial, ripe rot, which has in previous seasons been prevalent, being practically unknown in the Auckland Province this year. The condition of all stone fruits is excellent, while stocks can be kept for a considerable time with perfect safety. This is to the advantage of growers and public alike, as is shown by the increased demand for all varieties of plums, peaches mid Apricots for bottling and jam making purposes.