FRUIT AND PRODUCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6362, 9 November 1907, Page 4

FRUIT AND PRODUCE.

WELLINGTON QUOTATIONS. There has again been a distinct: change for the better in the local fruit markets during the week, and prospects continue extremely satisfactory, particularly for strawberries and gooseberries, first supplies of which have lately reached the markets. Apples continue at last week’s rales, and the IGOO packages of Sydney oranges, mandarins, lemons, and passions had a keen reception on Thursday. Apricots from Now South. Wales made their first appearance for the season, ex Maheno. The market is bare of bananas, but will bo replenished on Tuesday with Friendly Island grown, and on Uth witJi Fijian. As there is a keen inquiry existing, high rates are anticipated/ Only moderate quantities, of Fijian bananas have been arriving lately, due to the fact that the Sydney market is abnormally high, and shippers in the Islands are directing the bulk of their fruit to that more profitable centre. Apples, best local dessert, Ss to 10s; prime# Gs to 8s; inferior, 3s to 4s; cookers, 6s to 10s case, according to condition; grapes, 2s to 2s Gel lb; strawberries, choice. Is Gd to Is 9d box; medium, Is 3d to Is sct; gooseberries, 5s to 8s half-case, according to size; tomatoes, choice Is Id to Is 3d; prime, lOd to Is lb; lemons (local) 3s to 4s case. POTATOES AND ONIONS,

In marked contrast to a week back, the local markets arc now in a glutted state, and extreme difficulty is being found in some cases in unloading the heavy stock*. The high values which were suddenly in evidence lately have had the effect of inducing increased marketings, with the inevitable result that the market declined. There is no marked increase in the volume of new potatoes yet offering, although the first of the season from Otaki were sold during the week. Onions are very sluggish. Recent advices from Australia report that the now crops arc altogether too green yet to stand shipment. Supplies may be expected in about a fortnight. The advent of these, however, at export towns is having the effect of weakening the inquiry for old seasons. Best table Derwents, £7 to <£B per ton; others, .£5 to .£7; new potatoes, IGs to IGs Gd cwt; Otaki choice, 20s to> 24s cwt. Onions, ,£lO to <£l2 per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES.

An excellent inquiry continues to bo maintained. The market for cabbages is much weaker, and cauliflowers have also declined. Rhubarb, 3s to 5s dozen, according to size; cabbages, choice, 6s to 8s; prime, 4s to se; cauliflowers, choice, 10s to Ids sack; prime, 7s to 9s; asparagus, large, Gd to 8d; medium, 4d to sd; cucumbers, 4d to 9d each; parsnips, 4s to 5s sack; carrots, prime, 6s to 7s sack; medium, 4s to ss; green, peas. Is 3d to Is 9d; lettuce (local), choice, 7s to 8s; others, 5s to Cs case; celery, Is Gd to 3s dozen bundles; spinach, 6s to 7s case; beet-root, 3s to 4s sack. EGGS. The supply is equal to the demand, with Is Id to Is 2d dozen obtaining. POULTRY. A much Larger quantity of fowls has been directed to the local market lately, which has caused a slightly easier tendency. Hens, good table, 4s to 5s pair; inferior, 2s Gd to 3s Gd; roosters, 3s to 5s Gd pair; ducks, 6s to 7s; geese, 5s to 7s; turkeys, gobblers 15s to 17s 6d pair, hen 6 9s to 11s.