FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8810, 13 August 1914, Page 2

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS . Despite the fact that only small shipments of fruit are reaching the local markets, the demand for same is not at all brisk; these remarks refer, however, more- particularly to apples. It is reported, that there are still fairly large supplies of dessert pears in 000 l store for delivery later on in the season to the markets. At the present time small stocks are coming forward and tlie market for this fruit has kept at a steady level lately. Owing to the small supplies of citrous fruits from New South Wales last week, it is expected that there will be a. heavy inquiry for whatever quantities come to hand. Direct shipments of Oook Island oranges and bananas are due here today; per s.B. Tahiti, and as bananas have been in very short supply for soma weeks past, the trad© are waiting with' some anxiety the arrival of this fruit. An improving market for Island oranges has also been noticeable for some little while, and this line also should face a good outlet. At this time of the'year there is usually very little fruit available, and those are confined to a few varieties, consequently in the ordinary course of circumstances very satisfactory values should be ruling froin -shippers’ point of view. There is just a slight depression existing at the present time in connection with the outlet for fruit, but this is regarded as only temporary, no doubt due to the largo amount of money devoted lately to purchasing articles of more necessity. As this rush is over practically, no doubt the papal outlet will be existing immediately for fresh ■fruits. POTATOES AND ONIONS. . The very heavy and consistent demand for potatoes on the South Island recently has naturally had the effect of forcing up values during the past week. At the same time, the advance has not been very material, no doubt due to the very large yield of tubers which was reported generally to be in evidence this season in the potato districts of the South Island. It can be looked for generally that present values will be fully maintained, as operations have been on a very largo scale, and there is every prospect of this continuing. At all events, it is evident that there are sufficient potatoes to last requirements . until the advent of new tubers later on in the year. Heavy business has also been done in Canterbury onions, and the market is slightly stronger. At_this late stage of the season produce of this description does not lend itself to keeping for any length of time, consequently contracts are quit© out of the question, and operations are of a hand-to-mouth character. New potatoes; which were available some little time ago, have not been in supply lately. Potatoes, prime.

£4 6sjto'£4 10s per ton; new potatoes, prime large, 2id to 3d per lb; onions. £6 to £6 10s per ten. OTHER VEGETABLES. A strong market continues to rule, for cauliflowers owing to scarcity. Cabbages have shown a considerable advance, whilst lettuce, pumpkins, parsnips, and marrows are all continuously and strongly inquired for. Generally the vegetable market shows a keen tone. ' , Cauliflowers, choice 14s to 16s sack, prim© 10s to 12s; cabbages, choice 10s to 11s sack, prim© 6s 6d to 8s 6d, small 3s to ss; lettuce, 4s to 6s case; beetroot, 4s to 6s sack; turnips, 2s 6d to 3s 6d sack; marrows, 6s to 7s sack; pumpkins, 5s to Ys sack; spinach, 3s to 4s case; carrots, 4s 6d to 6s 6a sack; rhubarb, 8s to 12s dozen bundles; artichokes, 4s to 6s half sack. EGGS. • An easier tone is existing in the local markets for both fresh and preserved eggs. Th© former were at Is sd, and preserved at Is 2d per- dozen.