ISLAND ORANGES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26784, 29 May 1948, Page 3

ISLAND ORANGES

CONSIGNMENT EXPECTED small"apples not popular Tile balance of the shipment of bananas which was delayed at Wellington reafched the market by ferry and rail during the past' two days. A part of the consignment arrived in poor condition, but it was not as bad as the previous shipment. A small consignment of Island oranges is on its way, anti should arrive here early next webk. Most of the apples on offer this week were of small size, and the auction rooms had difficulty in clearing stocks. There is little difference in price between the large sizes, which retailers prefer, and the smaller grades, and as a result the small sizes are bought only when the others are not available. Most of the apples noW offering are Jonathans, although small lots of Cleopatras and Statesman are being received. No Delicious apples have been on the market since the windfalls were received from Nelson nearly a month ago. Small lots of pears are being released from cool stores, but the market could absorb considerably larger supplies. 'Die. supplies of grapes are tailing off, and the quality is not as good as formerly. The prices, however, remain satisfactory from the growers’ point of view. Heavy supplies of tree tomatoes are coming forward from the North Island, but the prices ruling cannot show a great margin of profit to buyers. More tree tomatoes have reached the market than was the case in past seasons, and it seems that much larger quantities are now being planted. While this fruit is very popular in the fSlorth Island, people in the south are taking some time to become accustomed to it. This also applies to Chinese gooseberries, which are selling locally at much lower prices than in the North Island. Hothouse tomatoes have a good inquiry. Supplies of tomatoes grown outside are still coming forward, but they have little demand unless they are well coloured.and are unaffected by frost. Cabbages and cauliflowers are in better supply. Cabbages are maintaining ceiling rates, but the prices for cauliflowers showed a decrease on those ruling last week. Carrots, parsnips and swedes are in better supply. Lettuce are selling at low prices. Range of Prices The rates ruling at the end of the week were Lemons.—New Zealand-grown: Town, 25s a bushel; country, 245. Grapefruit.—Jamaican: Town. 46s 6d a case; country. 43s 6d. Bananas.—Green, 31s a case Quinces, 4s to 6s a half case. Cape gooseberries, to 7s a half case. Pears, 7s 6d a half case, 18s 9d a bushel case; cases 6d and 9d extra. Grapes, 3s 6d to 4s 6d lb; Gros Colmars, 5s 6d to 6s lb. Apples.—-Jonathan, 12s 6d to 13s 6d a case; cookers, 8s to 10s 6d: cases. 9d extra. Tomatoes.—Hothouse, Is 9d to 2s 6d lb. Outside-grown: Choice. 6d to Is 2d: others, 2d to 4d lb. Passion fruit, 18s to 22s a aase. Tree tomatoes, 6d to lOd lb. ' Chinese gooseberries, Is 2d to Is 6d lb. Jam melons, ljd lb. Lettuce. Is to 2s a dozen. Carrots, 4s to 5s a sugar bag. Cabbage, 16s 6d a cwt. Pumpkins, to ljd lb. Marrows, 5s to 7s cwt. Beetroot, to Is 6d dozen. Celery, 4s to 7s a dozen heads. Leeks, -9d to lOd a bundle. Brussel sprouts, 4d to 6d lb. Spinach, 3s to Gs a dozen bundles. Parsnips, to 7s 6d a sugar bag.