FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9096, 15 July 1915, Page 2

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS

The excellent demand for both apples and pears which has been in evidence now for some days past still continues, and as supplies are quite insufficient for requirements, especially in regard to dessert descriptions of favourite varieties, the level of values ruling at the local sales continues particularly satisfactory for growers. The wisdom of holding fruit for tho late markets of the year is being fully exemplified eardi season, as growers, with their experience from year to year, aro now able to best gauge the condition and the varieties which are best for these late marketings. At thr present time there is a .specially’ good inquiry- for Dougherty apples, with other varieties, such as Sturmers, Jonathans, ■and Delicious, in slightly lesser inquiry. So far as pears arc concerned the market is now at tho highest point it has been this season, and the scarcity is hound, if anything, to be increased to far as New , Zealand fruit is concerned. The duty on imported apples and pears, however, is reduced to-day to a halfpenny per lb. and no doubt tho first steamer from Hobart after this date will at all events bring supplies of pears it not apples. A smaller quantity of New South Wales citrus fruits arrived by the steamer ou Monday tii&n tlx&t available the previous week, and as a result excellent values ruled generally for all de ficriptions; ’in fact tho trade was not able to satisfy their requirements, especially with - coastal and, _ country demands to be met. There is a good inquiry for locally-grown lemons, owing to small supplies arriving from Sydney; whilst grapes and passion fruit aro also selling well. Direct shipments of Cook Island oranges and bananas are duo here on Thursday, per s.s. Moana, from the Cook Islands, and it is anticipated that there will be a keen demand, owing to shortage in the supply of bananas lately, and the fact that a good proportion of oranges have not been arriving in sound condition. Apples, choice dessert 8s 6d to- 9s case, prime Gs Gd to 7s Gd; cookers, choice 7s to 7s Gd case, prime 5s to Gs; pears choice favourite dessert 13s 6d to 14s fed case, choice ordinary varieties 10s to 12s, others 7s to 9s, -stewing 5s Gd to fes: grapes, choice Is Gd to 2s lb, prime Is to Is 3d; lemons (local). 8s to 9s case; passions (local), 4s. to 5s box. POTATOES AND ONIONS. The markets 'for potatoes in the South Island have generally been slightly steadier, at the same time there has been a strengthening tendency to the level ot about a fortnight back in some quarters. There is a distinct difference in value ß ruling between the various districts, ihe markets for seed potatoes are reported to have Advanced, and very heavy inquiries from Sydney have been received. Locally the demand is -also strong. Onions have undergone a rise in price lately, and it will be very difficult shortly to secure any'showing good order. Potatoes, choice £7 10s to £7 15b nsv ten others £6 to £7; onions, £6 5s to £6 10s per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES. A strong demand still continues to rule for cauliflowers, and, a good inquiry is ruling for pumpkins, melons, turnips ami lettuce. Cauliflowers, choice 8s to l«s sack, prime Gs to 7s; cabbages, choice, Is 6d to 2s sack,'others Is; lettuce, choice 4s 6d to 5s case, prime 2s Gd to 3s 6d; 'parsnips, 3s 6d to ; 4s 6d sack; brusscls sprouts, 8s to 10s half sack; turnips. Is to 5s sack; beetroot, 4s to 5s sack; carrots, 5s to 6s sack; pumpkins, 8s to 10s sack; marrows, 4s to 6s sack; spinach, 3s to 4s case; melons, 8s to 9s sack. EGGS. Supplies are inclined, to arrive more freely of both fresh -and preserved eggs. Present values are Is 5d for fresh and Is 3d for preserved. WHOLESALE' PRODUCE PRICES. Messrs Laery and Co., Ltd., Allen street, report wholesale prices as follow: Fowls’ wheat, prime, 7s 7d; fowls barley, 6s 3d; Cape barley, 6s 6d; feed peas, prime Gs 6d, good 6s; Prussian blue peas, 8s 6d; maize, 6s 3d to 6s 9d; chaff, oat-sheaf, £lO ss; hay, £7 to £8 10s; flour, in sacks, £18; oatmeal, £24; bran, £9 10s; pollard, £11; nee pollard, £8 10s; onions. 5s 6d to 6s cwt: potatoes, whitArskinned table £7 to £8 Dements £8 10s; bacon, all best factory, sides 10d lb, hams 9id. rolls lid. shoulders 7|d; cheese, , factory, medium 94d; linseed meal, - £l9 10s per ton; linseed nuts, £l4 ton; linseed ground cake, £l4 ton; whole linseed, £lB ton-