FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8737, 20 May 1914, Page 4

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS Tho principal feature of the local fruit markets at the present time is the lower range of values which aro ruling for dessert apples. In addition to the inclement weather being an adverse factor to a buoyant spirit ruling, heavy supplies of dessert descriptions have come to hand, in fact a fairly largo percentage is from the Auckland district where the excellent quality Dougherty variety is the best representative ci the late descriptions of dessert; apples. The weaker market aaa affected all grades very perceptibly, but it is anticipated that when the present weather changes for the better there wiU bo a corresponding influence felt in the markets. .In contrast to apples is the somewhat strong tone existing for choice dessert descriptions of peats; supplies are not arriving any too freely, and this has brought about tho present position of the markets. Passion fruit is stall decidedly scarce, and buyers aro anxiously awaiting shipments regularly from Australia. The* outlet for lemone continues satisfactory, and supplies are now fee. ing within a small compass. It to not anticipated that there will be further shipments this season from the Mediterranean. The Sydney steamer is expected to laud to-day pineapples, for which, for the past six weeks, there has been a strong market. Locally grown grapes and quinces aro commanding excellent attention. The usual monthly shipment of Coot Island oranges and bananas is duo hero on Thursday, per s.s. Tahiti, and in view- of the strong market for the last two cargoes of bananas, due to smallness of shipments, competition at this week's sales'is bound to be of a very pronounced character. Only a light supply o! oranges is anticipated, in which case values for this fruit should show vast improvement on previous rates. Tomatoes ai-e now markedly on the wane, and the demand is only nominal.

Apples, choice dessert 83 to 8s 6d case, prime 63 Gd to 7s 6d, unpopular varieties 4s Gd' to , ss; cooking apples, 4s Gd to 5s case, prime 3s Gd to 4s ; pears, choice dessert 10s to 11s case, prime 8s to 9s, stewing 4s Gd to ,5s case, prim© 3s Gdi to 4s; quinces, 4s Gd to 5s 6d case; grapes, choice large Is 2d to Is 3d lb, prime lOd to Is; passion fruit, 5s Gd to Gs Gd box. POTATOES AND ONIONS. Th© markets in the South Island are reported to bo slightly weaker for potatoes; at the same time there is still a strong feeling on the part of some-hold-era that the market must pick up very shortly, and consequently they are not disposed l to quit at the lowest range of values at which present operations are taking place. 'Che market is quiet for Canterbury onions; the quality is satisfactory, at the same time tfiey do not lend themselves to keeping for any length of time; operations are of a hand to month character. In the course of about two months the usual appearance of Japanese onions will be in evidence, as New Zealand onions are not able as a rule to keep satisfactorily after July. Pickling onions are almost unsaleable, with only spasmodic inquiries. Potatoes, prime .£5 to .£0 5s per ton; onions, £6 to £6 10s per ton; pickling onions. £6 to JJ7 per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES.

A particularly strong market is ruling for cauliflowers, in fact the market has advanced on lost week's values; cabbages, green peas, French beans, and parsnips aro ail meeting with good attention. Cauliflowers, choice 8s to 10s sack, prime 6s to 7s sack, others Is 6d to 2s Gd; cabbages, choice 3s Gd to 4s Gd sack, prime 2s to 3s; carrots, 4s to 5s sack; parsnips, 5s Gd to 6s 6d : sack; lettuce, 6d to Is case; swedes. 50s ton; marrows 2s to 2s Gd sack; pumpkins, 3s Gd to 4s 6d sack; beetroot, 4s to 5s sack; French beans 8e to 9s half sack ,-artichokes, 2s Gd to 3s Gd half sack; spinach, 2s to 2s Gd case; turnips, 2s to 3s eaok; green peas, 10s to 12s per sack. • EGGS.

The market has dropped considerably for fresh eggs, with supplies fairly plentiful. Present values are about Is lOd per dozen, with preserved at Is sd.