FRUIT EXPORT SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21411, 8 February 1933, Page 5

FRUIT EXPORT SEASON

GOOD RESULTS EXPECTED ADVANTAGE OF EXCHANGE SMALLER TOTAL OUTPUT On the basis of last season's prices, the exchange rate of 25 per cent should return an additional £7500 to the fruitgrowing industry in the Auckland province this season. The financial results of last year's pools are just to hand, and it is estimated that the export of 180,000 cases of apples and pears from the province was worth about £75,000. According to growers' estimates for shipping space, the output this year will be about 150,000 cases of apples and pears. Revised estimates are now being sought, and these may vary the anticipated total. It is not thought probable that prices will show much variation, but the rise in the exchange rate should be of benefit to growers. " We believo that the extra made through exchange will inako this year at least a satisfactory one to the exporter," said Mr. S. Conway, acting-manager in Auckland of the Fruitgrowers' Federation, yesterday. " Apart from the extra freight charges, the gain will go direct to the grower, as he will operate under minimum fixed prices in sterling. Most growers' requirements frani overseas, in the way of packing supplies, were acquired before the rise in exchange." Last year the Auckland province had a record crop for export and a reduction this season was not unexpected. Some diseases are more • prevalent this year and there is a considerable proportion of apples which are of little export value. The 1932 crop was exceptional, only 116,000 cases being exported in 1931. Much the same varieties of apples and pears will be going forward this year. An examination of last season's financial results shows that'a definite demand was created for New Zealand pears and these commanded higher prices. Delicious apples, Auckland's main export crop, brought comparatively low rates, while slightly better values were realised for other popular varieties. The first consignment of apples for export was sent last week-end to Wellington for shipment by the Tamaroa, which is expected to arrive at Southampton on March 13. The consignment comprised 2590 cases of Gravenstein, an early variety Last year the Gravenstein shipment from the Auckland province totalled 7900 cases. Prices were somewhat low, but it is expected that this year there will not be very heavy supplies of American apples on the London market owing to cxchango being adverse to the shipper. The fruit season is lather early this year owing to the quick maturing weather which has been experienced. The export season will continue until the end of May, the next shipments from Auckland being by the Akaroa on March 1 and the Rangitiki on March 5.

PORTLAND CEMENT WORKS

REOPENING DEFERRED CLOSED FOR EXTRA WEEK [BY TELEURAPJI— OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANGAREI, Tuesday The works of Wilsons (N.Z.) Portland Cement, Limited, at Portland, which have been . closed since December, will not reopen next Monday as was anticipated, but will remain closed until Monday, February 20, stated Mr. T. H. Wilson, works manager, to-day. The intention was to allow the stocks in the storage bins to be further reduced before reopening. One kiln will bo then used and approximately 118 men will be engaged. This was the number employed prior to closing down in December, and means tho works will be working at one-quarter capacity.

It was hoped, continued Mr. Wilson, that tho works would remain open throughout the winter months.

THE CITY MARKETS SOME FRUITS DEARER HEAVY SUPPLIES GENERAL , Better prices wei'e secured for some lines of fruit at the city markets yesterday. The markets, however, are still in heavy supply generally and low values are the rule. Choice dessert apples were in fair demand and there was a slight advance on last week's rates. Dessert pears were also more strongly sought, causing a rise of Is 6d a case. Peaches continued* to sell at low rates, owing to the largo supplies. There was a good sale for sound api*ieots at improved rates, Tomatoes, which have glutted the market lately, are now shorter of supply, and a rise in values was recorded. Lemons continued to fetch high prices, ranging from 8s to 14s a case. There was only a limited demand for bananas and grapes, which were comparatively slow of sale. Mushrooms were in good supply, selling freely at up to 17s a benzine tin.

Although prices for potatoes were unchanged, the market was firmer and there was . a ready demand for supplies of good quality. Cucumbers were in exceptionally heavy supply and prices fell to Id to 3d a dozen, being practically unsaleable. Cabbages fell in price. owing to heavy supplies coming forward from the Ohakune district. Large supplies of pumpkins were also available, lout prices were steady. Other lines in good supply wero beans and green peas, prices for which were below last week's rates.

There was an average supply of poultry, the demand being fair. Prices were about on a par with last week. Supplies of eggs are becoming smaller and there was a further rise of Id a dozen yesterday. Prices were:— FRUIT Ajjplea, Gravenstein, 3s to Gs a case; Albany Beauty, 3s to 6s 6d; Scarlet Permuin, 2s to 4s; windfalls and others. Is to 2s (id; cookers, 2s lid toMs; nectarines. 3s to ss; pears, dessert, Bon Chretien, 4a to lis; cookers, 2s to 2s 6d; apricots, 5s to 6s lid; peaches, la 9d to 2s 3d: in trays, 3s (id to ss; plums, October Purples. 2s to 3s lid; I'urplo King', 4s to 5s lid; others. 2s lid to 3h lid; blnckberries. 3id to 5d a chip; oranges, Australian Valencias. 16s to 18s 'a case; Amorican, 395; tomatoes, outdoor, Is to 3s; bananas, No. 1, 13s to 15s; No. 2 and medium, 6s to 13s; Cape gooseberries. 3d to 84d lb; strawberries, Captain Cook, 9d to Is 3d chip: lemons, 8a to 14s a case; grapes, "hothouse, Gd to lOd lb; mushrooms, 15s to 17s a benzine tin. r 1 FIELD PRODUCE Potatoes. Is 3d to 2s 3d a bag; swedes. 2s to 4h; onions, 2s! 3d to 2s 9d; kumaras, lid to ljrl lb; cabbage, 2s 6d to lis 6d a hug; cauliflower, 4b to 5s 6d; pumpkins, 3s Ho 5s cwt; cucumbers, Id to 3d dozen; carrots, Is to 1b Gd: parsnips, 9d to Is 3d; turnips, 6d; radish, 8d to lOcl; spring onions, lid to Is lid a bundle; spinach, Gd to lOd a dozen; green peas, 4s to 7s fid a bag: beans, Is to 3s 6d; marrows. Is to 2s a dozen; melons, citron, fid'to 8d each; watermelons. Id to Is each; celery, cooking, (id to Is lid a bundle; dessert. Is to Is 6d; rhuburb, 6d to Is cd.. POULTRY Cockerels, heavy breeds, prime, 2s fid to 4s; not prime, fidmp; light breeds, prime. Is (id to 2s 6d; not prime, 3d up; fat roosters, heavy, prime. Is 6d to Is- 9d: light, Is to Is fid; fat hens, heavy, Is 3d to Is 9d; light, 9d to Is 3d: pullets, heavy, best, 2s fid to 4s; smaller. Is 3d up; light, best, 2s fid to 4s; smaller. Is 3d up; drakes, young, prime. Is to Is fid; smaller, Cd up; old, !)d to Is; clucks, young, -Is 6d to 2s 6d; old, 9d to Is. DAIRY PROD.UCE Hen eggs, first quality, Is 3}d a dozen; B grade, Is 2Jd; duck eggß, first quality. Is 2Jd; B grade, Is lid. Farmers' butter, 6d to 8d a lb.