TOMATO CROP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26437, 16 April 1947, Page 7

TOMATO CROP

AFFECTED BY FROSTS CEILING PRICE REMOVED The ceiling price on tomatoes was removed on Monday, but only the choicest lines showed any advance. Large quantities of tomatoes are arriving from Central Otago, but most lines are affected by frost, and this quality has to be cleared out at the best offer. Frosts have been fairly regular in the Alexandra district during the past fortnight, and it appears unlikely that there will be any easing at this stage of the season. Growers have found fire-fighting among tomatoes almost impossible, and consequently they are now picking their crops green. Any fruit touched by frost will not ripen, and for that reason it has been difficult to sell green tomatoes in the marts. Jonathans Plentiful Small lots of peaches and plums are still coming forward, and prices are fairly steady at about Is to Is 4d a lb. There is an excellent inquiry for quinces. A good-sized shipment of jam melons has reached the market from Nelson, and prices are much higher than those ruling last year. A full supply of Jonathan apples is on offer, and this variety is now at its peak. Jonathan is the only variety of apple that cannot be coolstored satisfactorily, and it is not expected that the present good supply will last very long. There have been no pears on offer during the past fortnight. Banana Shipment A shipment of bananas is expected ex the Waipiata, which left Auckland on Monday night for Dunedin direct. The fruit will probably be available about Friday. A very small lot of Island oranges and grapefruit is expected in Dunedin soon, but the exact quantity is at present indefinite. Green vegetables are not overplentiful this week, and the market could absorb larger supplies of cabbages and cauliflowers. ‘Pumpkins and marrows are both in heavy supply.