APPLES PLENTIFUL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25214, 1 May 1943, Page 3

APPLES PLENTIFUL

PEARS IN SHORT SUPPLY HIGH PRICES FOR GRAPES Heavy supplies of Jonathan apples have arrived from the Nelson district, and large stocks were held in the marts at the week-end. The Government . fixed prices remain unchanged, and there is now little likelihood of any drop in values. Cookers are in better supply. These latter are mostly on the small side, and are hard to place, even at low rates. Fears continue in very short supply, and drastic rationing to retailers has to be employed. Should the shortage continue auctioneers will probably introduce the system of balloting for the supplies. In tire meantime, a considerable quantity is being placed in the Central Otago cool store, to be drawn on later in the season. There were no supplies of New Zea-land-grown lemons this week, but a small quantity is expected in the next few days. These will also be rationed to retailers. It is gathered from official sources that a small quantity of oranges will shortly be on the market. A few late plums are still arriving, but peaches are almost finished for the season. Quinces are also about finished, and the demand has eased off. Gros Colmar grapes have been realising very high values. As much as 5s per lb was obtained in the wholesale marts during the week. The grapes are coming from the Kakanui district. Locally-grown Gros Colmars should be on the market shortly. Tomatoes from Canterbury and Central Otago are not so plentiful, and a proportion of the consignments are of inferior grade. The market had a firmer tone at the week-end. Prices for cauliflowers have eased. Cabbages are in fair supply. Choice quality lettuce have a good demand. Celery, leeks, and spinach have a good inquiry. Marrows are in heavy suppply. Many lines are affected by frost, and these are almost unsaleable. Pumpkins have a better inquiry. Carrots and parsnips are in good supply, and are selling below the fixed ceiling price of 2d per lb. Cucumber prices are unchanged. Wholesale prices are as follows:

Apples: Jonathans, 4s 6d to 6s 6d per case; other desserts, 4s to 5s 6d; cookers, 3s to 6s 6d. Lemons: New Zealand, 14s 9d to *2s per case, according to count. N Oranges: Unobtainable. Pears: Winter Cole and Winter Nelis. 11s 6d per bushel case; others, 10s 6d. Gros Colmar grapes, 4s to 5s per lb. Plums, dessert, 10s to 14s 6d per case; others, 6s to Bs.

Bananas: Sold out at the marls, Peaches, 5s to 7s per case.

Quinces, 4s to 5s 6d per half-case. Tomatoes: Local hothouse, lOd to Is 3d per lb; Christchurch, 5d to 8d; outsidegrown, IJd to sd. Celery, up to 8s per dozen heads. Lettuce: Choice, to 2s per dozen: inferior unsaleable. Carrots, Id to lid per lb. Cabbages, 3s to 4s per sack. Cauliflowers, 3s to 6s per sack. Pumpkins, l}d per lb. Parsnips, Id to lid per lb. Swedes, to 2s per sugar bag. Spinach, to 2s 6d per dozen bunches. Jam melons, to 2id per lb. Marrows, 5s to 7s per cwt.. Cucumbers: Hothouse, 6s to 9s per dozen; outside-grown, 6s to 8s 6d per halfcase.

Green peas: Choice, 5d to 7d per lb; others, 2d to 4d. Beans: Runner, 3d to 4d. Onions: Canterbury, 14s per cental bag. Potatoes, 6s to 8s per cwt; market improving.