NEW ZEALAND FRUIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18321, 11 August 1921, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND FRUIT

PRICES AT HULL. PEARS NOT A SUCCESS. (Feom Oub Own Cofutrsi onuekt.) LONDON, June 16. A certain proportion of the Athenic’s shipment of apples and pears were sent to Hull for disposal, but the average prices realised were not quite so good us those obtained for the portion of the shipment sold in London. Prices received for apples were 6d to Is lower than the London figures, and, adding to this freight from London to Hull, which would run probably to over Is 6d per case, the result would be a depreciation of from 2s to 2s fid per ’case compared with prices received on the London 'market. In the first place, the market at Hull was well provided with Tasmanian apples, in not very good order, and this had a prejudicial effect on the auctions. Probably, too, the extra few days required for transit nad some effect on the condition of the fruit. Prices ranged from 21s per case for sucii varieties as Jonathans and King Davids up to 30s and 32s for Cleopatras. The average for Jonathans and King Davids, however, was about 235. Dunn’s Favourites sold as low as 21s per case, but those in better condition were disposed of for as high as 28s. On the whole the pears were u*,t a success. They arrived in a wasty condition, and it is evident that there is still a great deal to learn regarding the carriage of this fruit. Of the different varieties. Vicar of Wingfield arrived in the best condition owing to its hardness. The opinion is expressed by some of the brokers on Covent Garden that the low temperature daring transport was accountable for the condition of the fruit on arrival, but this is a matter which still has to be decided. Prices in Hull ranged from 7s to 14s per half-case, but some went as low as Is per half-case. Mr G. Stratford, who has been superintending the arrangements at this end. Is going fully into the question of the condition of the fruit on arrival, and no doubt when he is able to gain further information from the consignors he will have some suggestions to make which will be of benefit next season. Mr Stratford is returning to New Zealand about the middle of July. An exhibition of specially selected apples and pears from the Athenic shipment, which is now arranged in the show window of the New Zealand Government offices, is causing a good deal of admiration among pedestrians in the Strand. They certainly make a very fine display, and even the pears look as if they had not 'ong left their parent branch. It is an exhibition which reveals what the dominion can produce without letting the public into the secret of defective carriage and other difficulties which doubtless will be overcome in time. Sir James Allen is attending the dinner of the Armourers’ Company to-nitrht, whan a special feature of the dessert will be the New Zealand apples.