FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8725, 6 May 1914, Page 11

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS As an indication of the falling off jin the supply of local fruits reaching this market, it may he mentioned that i steamer only reaches Wellington now every other day instead of as during the summer months a daily connection between Motueka and this market. The stronger tone which set in for dessert apples, more particularly in re(gard to those of favourite varieties- is (still in evidence, in fact the supply is short of requirements, and it may be anticipated that present rates will not bo superseded by any decided change for the worse. Cooking apples, are also fleeting with excellent attention. The outlet for- choice dessert pears such as ■Winter Coles and Winter Nclis is excellent, and in this line also there is 'really a dearth of supply and excellent'values are ruling. The season for the .descriptions just mentioned is about (commencing, and with good quality land condition high values should rulor some time to come. The market for quinces is decidedly stronger, supplies having fallen away, Bfld in this case also present values aro likely to rule. The market is practically hare of Messina lemons, and it is doubtful whether any will oome to hand to-day via Sydney, ■in which case values for what lew are available should advance. The inquiries for passion fruit are far beyond the supply available; only small and spasmodic lots having oome forward from local orchards lately. The trade is looking forward t<> shipments coming ■to hand to-day from New South Wales, in which case a strong demand is assured- Pineapples aro also being..eagerly demanded owing to shipments from Sydney lately having been very small. Transhipments of a moderate quantity of Island oranges came -to hand . via Auckland yesterday, and met with a. fair demand. The usual monthly supply of Fijian bananas is due hero on Thursday next; sujiplies of banana's in retailors’ Hands are not at all -heavy, and as keen competition resulted for last supplies available from the Cook Group a strong market should result this, week. Tomafcoop," whilst they have declined slightly in price, are still commanding a. high range.of values.

Apples, choice coloured 11s to 12s case, prime 9s to 10s .case, unpopular dessert varieties 6s 6d to 7s 6d case; cookers, choice 4s 6d to 5s case, prime 3s to. 4s; pears, choice dessert 10s to 11s case, prime 8s 6d to 9s 6d, good 6s to 7s j stewipg, choice 4s 6d to 5a 6d case, prime 3s to 4s; Cape gooseberries, 5d ‘to 6d lb; passions, 5s 6d to fis 6d pox; tomatoes, choice, 6s Cd to 7s half-case, priine 5s to 6s, seconds 3s to 4s, green Gd to Is 6d; grapes, choice largo la to Is 3d lb, prime 8d to JOd. POTATOES AND ONIONS.

The southern markets for .potatoes continue to show.a Steady tone; there is in some instances a difference of fully 10s per ton in the ideas of values of holders; so far as forward business is concerned there is not much inclination on the part of growers to contract unless at values much higher than operators are-prepared to give. As the season advances there is a greater percentage showing Signs ot disease than was the case three or four weeks back. Onions aro reported to be slightly firmer in the south; 'operations are only fair and the quality generally is satisfactory; pickling onions are quiet at £8 10s to £9 per top ; onions, £5 10s to £6; potatoes, prime £5 10s to £6 per tom OTHER VEGETABLES.

A particularly good market is ruling at the present time for cauliflowers, whilst cabbages, green .peas, French beans, and mushrooms afe' , Selling well; iii fact- a- very buoyant tone is rnlmg with supplies short of requirements. Cauliflowers, choice 8s to 10s sack, prim 6 6s 6d to 7s fid; others 2s to Ss; cabbages, choice 4s to 4s 9d sack, prime 3s to 3s 6d; parsnips, 4s 6d to & 6d sack; French beans, 5s fid’to 6s fid half-sack; pumpkins, 4s to 4s 6d sack; carrots, 3s 6d to 4s 6d sack; green peas, choice 11s to 13s threequarter sack, prime 8s to 10s; ‘turnips, 2s fid to 3s fid sack; beetroot, 3s to 4s sack; mushrooms. 9g to 12slarge case; spinach, 2? to 3s case; lettuce, fid to Is 3d case; cucumbers, 6s to Ss case. EGGS. The market is still feeling tho effects of the American importations; fresh locals are selling in the vicinity of 2s, and preserved at Is 5d to Is 6d per dozon.