FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8734, 16 May 1914, Page 7

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS

The wet and cold weather during the past few days has somewhat depressed tho local fruit markets in regard to the outlet for both apples and pears, at the same time this would not be so marked were it not for the fact that there is only a small percentage of choice fruit of 'these varieties available at tho present time; as a result tho weather has had more of a detrimentally influencing effect upon second and third grades of fruit which aro reaching tho market. As the season is advancing such late varieties as Winter Nelis and Winter Colo pears aro inclined to increase in volume. Supplies of the well-known and popular Dougherty apple have lately come to hand from Auckland, and met with a good reception. With brighter weather there would bo a heavier inquiry; as a matter of fact consignments of apples have increased somewhat lately. Quinces showing choice quality are selling particularly well; grapes are also in excellent demand, and some very luscious fruit is available this year. Messina lemons are in good demand, and the quality even at this fairly late stage of the season leaves nothing to be desired. As previously remarked tomatoes are commencing to be a neglected commodity, and values are now fully 50 per cent, lower than what they were a week or two back. Further shipments of Island oranges and bananas are due hero from the Cook Group on tho 21st inst., and in view of the strong demand which resulted at the last recent sales for bananas, a particularly strong outlet is assured for arrivals by tho opportunity in question. A marked feature of the Cook Island bananas now is the excellent quality and grading generally compared with the rather crude methods of some few years ago. In view of the disastrous hurricane in the Cook Islands of some weeks back, which did great damage, it is reported to many orange-producing islands it is not expected that there will be anything like a large cargo for New Zealand ports on this occasion; a keen outlet is therefore anticipated. Apples, choice dessert 10s to 11s case, prime 8s to 9s, unpopular descriptions 6s 6d to 7s 6d ; cookers, choice 4s 6d to 5s case, prime Ss to 3s 6d; pears, choice dessert 10s to Hs, prime 8s 6d to' 9s 6d. unpopular varieties 6s 6d to 7s 6d; stewing, choice 4s 6d to 5s case, prime 3s to 4s; grapes, choice large Is 3d to Is 6d, prime lOd to Is; quinces, 4s to 5s case; tomatoes, choice 4s to 5s half-case, prime 3s to 3s 6d; inferior Is to 2s; passion fruit, choice 6s 6d to 7s 6d box, prime 5s to 6s. POTATOES AND ONIONS.

The most marked feature of the potato markets at the present time is the decided difference in values amongst holders, consequently in many districts there is a distinct firmness, whilst in other parts a slightly lower range of values has set in. The near future of the market, howe 'or, is pronounced in some quarters to be one of distinct strength, and whether this will be borne out soon can only be awaited. At all events it is reported f that yields this season are fairly heavy, and it is a question greatly of what damage the blight will bring about. There is no change to report i connection ■ with onions; quality continues to give satisfaction, but the demand is only fair; pickling onions are very depressed ; potatoes, prime £5 5s to £5 10s; onions £5 10s to £6; pickling onions, £6 to £7 per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES.

An excellent outlet continues to rule for choice heavy cauliflowers and cabbages, as supplies are not arriving any too freely; parsnips, green peas and French beans are also meeting with a good measure of attention: lettuce and pumpkins are, however, almost neglected. 1 Cauliflowers, choice 8s to 9s sack, prime 6s 6d to 7s 6d; cabbages, choice 4s to 5s sack, prime 3s to 3s 6d; lettuce, 6d to Is case; parsnips, choice 6s to 7s sack, others 3s to ss; marrows, Is 6d to 2s 6d; pumpkins, 4s to 5s sack; French beans, choice os to & part sack, others 2s 6d to Ss 6d ; Swedes, 40s to 60s ton;, green peas, choice 12s to 14s per three-quarter sack; carrots, choice 4s 6d to 5s 6d sack; turnips, Is 6d to 2s 6d sack. EGGS. Supplies of eggs, both fresh and preserved, are well up to requirements at the present time, and if anything the market is a shade easier; fresh are selling at Is lid per dozen and preserved at Is sd. POULTRY. For choice young birds there is a good outlet of all descriptions; roosters, good young 4s 6d to 5s pair, fair 3s to 3s 6a; hens, good heavy ,4s to 4s 6d, fair 2s 6d to 3s; ducks, choice 5s to 6s pair, fair. 3s 6d to 4s; turkey?, gobblers 18s to 22s pair, hens 8s to 10s.