FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8681, 14 March 1914, Page 8

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS Supplies of locally-grown fruit this week have been augmented by the arrival of tlie usual monthly shipment of Fijian bananas, which comprised a fairly large total. The fruit generally opened up in good condition, but in some instances there was apparent irregular order. The demand, contrary to expectations at this time of the year, was somewhat quiet. At the same time, there is a fair quantity of other fruits available which probably militated against a’ stronger inquiry resulting for the bananas than would otherwise have been the case. The market has shown a further advance for choice dessert apples, Cox’s orange pippins and scarlet Pearmains being more sought -after than other varieties. The suppiy of dessert apples lias fallen off to some extent lately, and this has resulted in higher levels obtaining. Cooking apples are also well inquired for. Favourite dessert varieties of pears are selling well, and in some districts supplies are over for the season. Canterbury, however, is usually the heaviest supplier at this time of the year, and no doubt shipments can be depended on from that quarter for some time to come. Peaches are in good supply, but for favoured descriptions there is a dearth at the moment. Grapes are selling fairly well. A small shipment arrived from Sydney this week, but did not meet heavy competition. Capa gooseberries are in good demand, and supplies -are not any too heavy for requirements. Tomatoes are arriving almost wholly from the Hutt district-, as Nelson supplies appear to be exhausted for the season; although spasmodic shipments may arrive from that quarter. Plums are also almost finished for the season. Owing to the scarcity of Messina lemons this fruit has advanced in price. The market is bare of oranges of all descriptions, and will be so pending further island-grown coming to hand on the 26th in.it.

Apples, choice dessert 8s 6d to 9s 6d case, prime 7s 6d to Bs, cookers, choice 5s to 6s' case, prime 3s 6d to'4s 6d ; pears, choice dessert 8s 6d to 9s 6d case, prime 7s to Bs, stewing 4s 6d to os 6d case; grapes, choice large lOd to Is lb, prime 7d to- 9d; peaches, choice favourites ss" 6(1 to 6s half-case, prime 4s to ss, stewing 3s 6d to 4s 6d; plums, choice 4s 6d to os half-case, prime 3s to 4s; tomatoes, choice 4s to 4s 6d halfcase, prime 3s to 3s 6d, inferior Is to 2s; Cape gooseberries, 4Jd to 5d lb; Tjuinces, 3s to 4s case. POTATOES AND ONIONS. Owing to the nominal state of the potato markets in the northern districts, attention is being paid in a great measure to supplies from that quarter, operations with the South Island being somewhat neglected in consequence. Consignments are also coming forward from the Hutt district, the quality of which is generally satisfactory. Compared with this time last year, present quotations are now much lower in the south. The heavy yield, however, of potatoes in the Auckland province has brought about the lower level of values in that quarter. At the same time, at this period last year heavy operations were being made with southern supplying districts. The Canterbury market for onions has weakened considerably qf late," and values are now more at a reasonable level, with a fair amount of business resulting. Pickling onions are in good demand, with increased quantities forward. Potatoes, prime £5 per ton, fair £4 to £4 10s: onions, £6 10s to £7, pioklers £8 to £9 per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES'.

A good demand generally is being met with in tho local market for all descriptions of vegetables. Cauliflowers, green peas, and pumpkins are all in strong demand. Cauliflowers, choice 7s to 9s sack, prime 4s 6d to 6s; cabbages, choice 3s to 3s 6d sack,- prime 2s to 2s 6d; lettuce, Is 6d to 2s 6d case; pumpkins, 4s 6d to 7s sack; parsnips, 4s to 6s sack; French beans, 4s to 5s threequarter sack; green peas, choice young 11s to 13s three-quarter sack, others 8s to 10s; carrots, 4s 6d to 6s sack; parsnips, 5s to 6s sack; marrows, 2s to 2s 6d; swedes, 60s to 70s ton; beetroot, 4s to 5s sack; asparagus, . large bundles Is to Is 6d bundle, small 6d to 9d; turnips, 2s to 3s sack. EGGS. The market has advanced for presorted eggs, Is 4d per dozen ruling for same; fresh have been steady of late, with a good demand at Is 6d. POULTRY. r ' <r “' Although supplies are arriving freely, the demand is good. Hens, good heavy 3s 6d to 4s pair, fair 2s 6d to 3s; roosters, good young 4s to 4s 6d, fair 3s to 3s 6d; ducks, 4s 6d to 6s pair; turkeys, gobblers 18s to 22s pair, hens 8s to 10s.