STRAWBERRY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21378, 30 December 1932, Page 8

STRAWBERRY SEASON

DECREASE IN PRODUCTION EFFECT OF DRY WEATHER SUPPLY ALREADY DECLINING The absence of any appreciable rainfall in recent weeks has greatly affected the maturing and ripening of strawberries. The quantity of this fruit reaching the markets has dwindled already, and in the opinion of one merchant very few strawberries will be obtainable after the New Y ear. In spite of the reduced supplies, the high prices ruling just beforo Christmas have not been maintained. The fallingoff in quality in the later fruit has also had a weakening effect on values. The recent rain will not produce any more fruit as the flowering season has passed. It is estimated this season's fruit has amounted to only two-thirds of last season's crop. The Marguerite and Captain Cook varieties finish first, but llelenslea Surprises are generally obtainable for about a month later.

Prices this year have been better than last season from the grower's point of view, but the increase has not been sufficient to compensate for the comparatively poor bearing of the plants. It would appear that there will also be fewer loganberries this season than last. They are bringing about 6d a chip in the markets, as against 4d last year. Black currants began to come forward from Grey town about a fortnight ago, but supplies are short at present, the prices not being sufficient to induce growers to send many more while the Southern market, remains open. Raspberries are as yet obtainable only in small quantities, the season proper not having commenced. Within the next week it is expected larger supplies will be available. There is usually not a very great demand in Auckland for raspberries, a merchant said yesterday. Gooseberries have been off the market for a few weeks now..

Of the slono fruits, plums m&y bo had in ample quantity, but the best o£ the Burbanks and Satsumas, as well as some other late varieties, are yet to come. Peaches are also ripening in increasing quantities. The early crop was reported to be light, giving fairly good prices to the growers.