FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8782, 11 July 1914, Page 8

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS Tlio quietness ruling in the local markets for dessert apples still continues, despite the fact that the quantity offering is not at all heavy. At tihs time of the year there is usually a keen inquiry, and the present condition of the market is somewhat unaccountable. Dessert pears, more especially choice favourite varieties such as Winter Coles. Winter Nelis and Josephines are commanding excellent attention, with supplies arriving in only spasmodic quantities, and the quality generally first class. No doubt the high rates obtaining here will attract shipments from Tasmania by the steamer which has just left Hobart, and will reach here next Friday; shipments of dessert apples and cooking varieties will no doubt be forward fairly freely as such supplies will be the first to arrive here from that quarter after the reduction in duty which comes into force on 14th inst. From July 14th to December 31st in each year the impost on imported apples and pears is Id per lb, and for the remaining' months', when New Zealand apples and pears are in full supply, a protective duty of one penny per lb is levied. Very small shipments came to hand this week from Sydney, comprising only passion fruit, pineapples and a few mandarins; all round the demand was keen, and in fact stronger than that of last week, values on this occasion being much higher; especially was this the case in regard to mandarips. Lemons and oranges from that quarter are being inquired for keenly, but there is no indication when anything like regular and large quantities will come forward. The late arrival of the Maitai prevented her shipments of lemons from South Australia being sold yesterday. As only a small total is available, again a high level of values is bound to exist. The absence of both New Zealand and New South Walesgrown is bringing about a particularly strong market, and the tension will not be relieved until larger supplies can arrive from Australia. Direct shipments of Cook Island oranges and bananas are duo hero next Thursday, and as the last sales of bananas closed with.a very strong tone, a keen outlet should be faced for these further arrivals. Island oranges have also been selling at higher prices at the last two auctions than was previously the case thisl season; hothouse tomatoes are coming forward in small lots and commanding excellent rates. '

Apples, choice dessert 8s to 9s case, prime 6s 6d to 7s 6d, 'unpopular varieties 4s 6d to 5s tkl * cookers, choice favourite 8s 6d to 9s 6d case, prime 6s 6d to 8s case, according to variety, others 4s 6d to 6s; pears, choice dessert 7s to 8s half-case, prime 5s ,to 6s, loss popular lines 4s to ss; stewing, choice 6s 6d to 7s case, prime ,4s to 6s; hothouse tomatoes, Is 4d to Is 5d lb; lemons (locals), 7s to 8s case; passions (locals), 6s to 6s box; tree tomatoes, 2s 6d to 3s 6d box. POTATOES AND ONIONS.

A good .outlet is being met with for potatoes. ■where the quality is sound. Supplies still dontinue to offer freely, Lyttelton being responsible for,,, the bulk of the business which is being done from this city at the present time. Tho market docs not show' any alteration lately, and generally the quality is satisfactory, in regard, to onions, operations are again of a .hand-to-mouth character, and as the season closes tho quality is becoming more unreliable, and holders in the south recognise tho necessity of unloading what stocks are available. , Supplies, however, not being heavy, prevent the market from declining. Pickling onions are only in moderate, demand. Potatoes, prime £4 15s ■to £5 5s per ton, according to variety; onions, £6 to £6 10s per ton; picklers, £5 10s to £6. OTHER VEGETABLES. Exceptionally high prices continue to rule for both cauliflowers and cabbages. More particularly is this the case in regard to the first-named line. Lettuce has also moved upwards in value, and the same remark applies to marrows. Other lines of vegetables, with very:few exceptions, are generally’ selling well. Cauliflowers, choice heavy los to 17s sack, prime lie to 14s, inferior 5s (id to 8s; cabbages, choice 8s 6d to 9s 6d sack, prime 6s to 8s; swedes, 40s to 50s ton; carrots, 3s 6d to 4s 6d sack; parsnips, 5s (kl to 7s 6d sack; beetroot, 3s to 4s sack; hothouse French beans, Is 2d to Is 4d lb; turnips, 2s 6d to Ss sack; marrows, 2s 6d to 3s 6<l sack; lettuce, choice 4s to 5s 3d case, prime 2s 6d to 3s Gd ; pumpkins, 4s.to 5s sack; turnips 2s 6d to 3s 6d sack. EGGS. A good demand is existing for fresh eggs, os well as preserved. The market remains at the lower values which recently set in; fresh are ruling at Is 4d, and preserved at Is 2d per dozen. POULTRY. A strong demand is resulting for all descriptions of choice birds, more particularly in regard to roosters and hens. Young .roosters, choice 4s 6d to 5s 6cl pair, good 3s 6d to 4s;, hens, good heavy 4s to 5s pair, fair 3s to 3s 6d; ducks, 4s 6d to 6s pair, according to condition; turkeys, gobblers 18s to 22s pair, hens 8s to 10s.