FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8653, 11 February 1914, Page 4

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS ... There is a decidedly marked improve-* meat in the local market in regard to dessert apples, and although fairly 'largo quantities, have como to hand Ikitoly, the fact that the heavy stocks of- Californian’ have been disposed of has created the usual demand found at this time of tho year for New Zealandgrown. Some excellent, quality fruit is showing, and the Gravonstein variety, also tho - Schrlet Pearmain, is having particular attention. Pears still continue somewhat dull, duo, to excessive supply, but nectarines and greengages are meeting with more attention; 'thero should bo a decided falling-off in volume of these . two fruits shortly. Both peaches and apricots continue to rule at tlfe high prices which set in some little time back; im fact, shipments coming forward of choice quality are not at all heavy, especially of the last-named. The October Purple description of plum still continues to hold pride of place in maintaining the highest prices. Grapes continue in fair inquiry, and block-: berries aro selling particularly well Cap© gooseberries arc in excellent de--mand. Shipments of Now South Wales fruits are expected.to comprise to-day, ex Mannganui, passions, pineapples, probably grapes and watermelons, all of which should find a. good outlet. Consignments of Fijian bananas are duo on Friday morning, and if the fruit should land hero in sound, marketable condition there should be a ‘good inquiry, as recent shipments have not, after transhipment in the northern port, been in the best order. Apples, choice dessert 8s to 9s case, prime 7s to 7s 6d, cookers, choice 4s 6d to 5s case, prime 3s to 4s; grapes, choice largo Is to Is 3d per lb, prime 8d to lOd; -peaches, choice to 6s half-case, prime 3s to 4s, stewing 2s Gd to 3s half-case; plums, choice dessert 4s 6d to 5s half-case, prime 3s to 4s; nectarines, choice 4s to 4s 6d half-case, prime 3s to 3s 6d; greengages, choice 4s to 5s half-case, prime 3s to- 3s 6d; Cape- gooseberries, 4d to 5d per lb; tomatoes, choice 7s to Ss hjalf-case-, prime 5s to 6s; pears, choice dessert 5s 6d to 6s 6d case, prime 3s Gd to os. POTATOES AND ONIONS. Supplies of potatoes have not been at all too heavy of late, consequently a little more life is apparent in the local markets; Southern quotations still prohibit business with that quarter, but in duo course operations must be extended in that direction The market for onions still rules high, and it is stated that supplies are not any too heavy in certain quarters, hence the high range of quotations; however, there is a slightly.easier feeling in the north, and when the bulk of the Canterbury onions are available . there should be a smart decline. Potatoes, prime £4 10s to £o per ton, fair £3 10s to £4; onions, £9 10s to £lO per ton; pickling onions, £ll to £l2 per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES. Any fresh green peas arriving are in excellent demand; cabbages me ruling low ill price, and rhubarb is inclined to bo neglected so late in the season. Marrows are in good supply, but pumpkins are scarce. Only fair quality cauliflowers are available, and nominal nates aro ruling consequently. Cauliflowers, 2s to 6s sack; cabbages, prime, 2s 6d to 3s 6d sack; beetroot, 4s to 6s sack; asparagus, 6s to 12s dozen bundles; green peas, 11s to 14s part sack; turnips, 2s 6d to 3s 6d sack; spinach, 3s to 4s case; marrows, 3s to 3s 6d case; pumpkins, 9s to 11s sack; lettuce, 3s to 4s case; parsnips, 6s 6d to 8s sack; carrots, 3s 6d to 4s 6d sack; French beans, 4s 6d to, 5s 6d pant sack. EGGS. A steady tone continues to prevail for both preserved and fresh eggs. Supplies are particularly small of the last-named, -and present value is Is 6d to Is 7cl per dozen, with preserved at Is 3d.