FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9257, 26 January 1916, Page 2

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS A steady market has been existing lately in regard to dessert apples and the demand has been especially good for choice descriptions; cooking apples showing large size are in excellent demand, and high rates are resulting. Prices (or tomatoes are much lower, than they .vere a week back; in addition to large quantities arriving from Nelson, outdoor grown are coming to hand from (he Hutt, and it is consequently quite likely that from now until the close >f the season low rates will obtain. Peaches are facing a better outlet than was' the case a few days back; nispoerrios are coming to hand in small quantities owing to shortage of buckets; other descriptions of fruit are in large supply and selling at nominal rates. Passions ,and locally grown lemons are the exception to this, however, and any marketings would command extreme rates. Practically no fruit is arriv'ng from New South Wales now and the market should bo very favourable oUortly for securing supplies of all fruits for jam purposes. Direct shipments of Cook Island bananas are due here on the 27th instant, and as a strong market resulted for last supplies of bananas from Fiji values should be high on this occasion. Island tomatoes may also ar. rive by the same opportunity. Apples, choice dessert. 8s to 9s case; prime, 6s to 7s; cookers, choice, 5e 6d to 6s 3d case; prime, 4s 6d to ss; pears, choice dessert, 4s 6d to 5s half case; prime, 3s to 3s 6d; apricots, choice, 4s 6d fo 5s half case; others, 8s to 3s 6d; nectarines, choice, 4s to 4s 6d half case; prime, Ss to 3s 6d; plums, choice, 3s 6d to 4s half case; prime, 2s to 2s 6d; peaches, choice, 5s to 5s 6d half case; prime, 3s to 4s; tomatoes, choice. 4s to 4s 6d half case; prime, 2s 6d to 3s 6d; greengages, choice, 8s to 4s half case; passions, choice, 8s to 10s half case; cape gooseberries, 5d to 6d lb.

POTATOES AND ONIONS. An excellent demand is being met with for potatoes and the market Is particularly strong .at . the moment. Heavy inquiries are being made from Australia and should export continue there is every possibility of high rate* oontlnuing. .even when South ‘ Island grown are available. Generally the quality and condition are very satisfactory. New Zealand onions are now. likely to be available in large quantities from now onwards. The Victorian markets being low prevent bigh >pening rates for, the' local article existing; pickling onions are facing a good inquiry. Potatoes, choice, A 7 per ton; others, A 5 10s to A 6 10s; onions, £5 10s to £6 per ton; pickling onions, J5lO to £l2 per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES. A keen inquiry exists for cauliflowers, cabbages, and french beans; other deecriptions of vegetables, except marrows, are selling well. Cauliflowers, choice, 6s 6d to 8s flack; prime, 4s 6d to 5s Gd; cabbages, choice, tie to 9s; others. 4s to 6s sack: flwedes, 4s to Ss cwt; spinach,. 4s to 5s case; marrows, 2s to 3s case; green peas, 11s Co 13s sack; carrots, 6s to 7s sack; beetroot, 4s to Ss sack; lettuce, 2s 6d to 3s dd case; french beans, 3d toAd lb; parsnips;' ss' 6d to 7s sack; turnips, 3s to As -sack. ; - - EGGS.

The market: has been steady tfor some time past at Is 3d per dozen ruling.