FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8612, 24 December 1913, Page 2

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS The local markets have been particularly active during the past few days; supplies of fruit have been heavy from all quarters, which are usually in evidence in supplying tho AA ellington markets with consignments. These remarks apply more particularly to peaches and plums, which are in almost over supply. The holiday demand. however, should tend to keep tho market from going down to absolutely aanorainal level in regard to these lines. Apricots, raspberries, and black currants being in only from moderate to fair supply are meeting with keen attention; grapes are also in better demand, and strawberries at yesterday’s sales showed a welcome and smart advance. Both green and ripe tomatoes arc still maintaining the excellent demand of tho past week; m fact apart from peaches and plums there is a huovaut tone existing at the present time. Supplies of New South Wales fruits are duo to-day per s.s. Maunganui,' being practically the first shipment which has reached this market since tho strike clement came into existence. Summer fruits are expected to -come to hand by this steamer, -and probably a moderate quantity of oranges. Transhipments of Messina lemons will also probably he at hand, and as the market is bare there should be a strong demand for this description of fruit. Californian oranges and apples are gradually being worked off the local markets, and within the course of a few days tho market should bo out of these stocks. Transhipments of Cook Island pineapples reached the market this week, via Auckland, but opened up generally in had order. Apples, choice locals 10s to 11s case; strawberries, choice Is 3d to Is 5d per box, prime 7d to Od; peaches, choice 4s to 5s half case, prime 3s to 3s (id ; plums, choice 4s 6d to 5s 6d half case, prime 3s to 4s; apricots, choice 11s to 13s half case, prime 7s to 8a; raspberries, 6s to 7s bucket; blpck currants, choice 7s to 7s Gd half case, prime 5s Gd to 6s 6d; rod currants, 4s Od to 5s 6d half case; grapes, choice large Is 6d to 2s lb; cherries,, choice dessert 16s to 18s half case, prime 12s to 14s; tomatoes, choice 18s to 20s half case, prime 14s to 16s. POTATOES AND ONIONS. There is now no demand for old potatoes, and new tubers. have been still further in largo supply with the Hutt and Otaki districts sending down regular supplies. This has had the effect of slackening off the volume of new* potatoes which’have been marketed by Auckland growers. The market at tho present time is suffering from over supply, but a better tone should bo noticeable immediately after tho holidays. Tho first supplies of the season of New' South AA T ales onions are due to-day, ex s.s. Maunganui, and as the market in that quarter is high, and the recent absence of supplies here will create a keen inquiry, tho demand should he eager even at the high cost. New Zealand grown onions should bo available early next month, w'hen a normal level should be touched. OTHER VEGETABLES. There has been an improvement in tho value of green peas during the past day or two, as supplies have fallen away. This lino, together with carrots, parsnips, lettuce, and cucumbers, as well as marrows, pumpkins, and asparagus are all in strong demand. Cauliflowers, choice 4s to 5s sack, prime 2s to 3s; cabbages, choice Is 6d to 2s sack, prime 6d to Is; lettuce, 4s to 5s case; -asparagus, large bundles Is 3d to Is 6d bundle, small Od to Is; green peas. Os to 11s cental hag; carrots, 5s 6d to 6,s 6d sack; encumbers, 3s to 8s dozen; French beans, 2s Gd to 3s Gd hag; rhubarb, 3s to 6s dozen bundles; marrows, 8s to 10s sack; pumpkins, 10s to 12s sack; spinach, 3s to 4s case; beetroot, 4s to 5s sack. EGGS. A slightly weaker tendency is noticeable in the local markets for fresh eggs, as supplies have increased in volume. Tho present value is Is 3d to Is 4d per dozen.