BREAKFAST TABLE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17564, 15 June 1925, Page 7

BREAKFAST TABLE.

RETAIL PRICE REVIEW. FISH IN SHORT SUPPLY. The rough weather experienced last week interfered with fishing operations' to such an extent that to-day tho supply of fresh fish available ill Christchurch was very limited. There was not much variety either, and prices generally wore higher than has been the case for a long time* To-day groper was selling at Is a lb (in the piece) and Is 3d (cutlets), ling nt 7d and sole and flounders at Is 3d. There were a few small trevalli avail•able at 6 and 8 for Is. Smoked fish is in good supply at standard prices. If rough weather has been experienced down south it is probable that the supply of oysters will not be so good this week as lias been tbe case during the past few weeks. There are non - good supplies of mutton birds on hand though the number coming forward is somewhat below the average recent years. The quality of the birds is, however, better than was the ease last season when th G bulk of tho birds was very small. The retail price ot mutton birds in Christchurch is Is 3d each. PRICE OF EGGS. Tlie cold, wet weather of last week had an effect on tbe quantity of eggs coming forward to the market, and although there was no increase in the price of eggs, the downward tendency in values was stopped for the time being. Guaranteed fresh eggs are still being quoted in the shops at about 2s 5d a dozen. Prices will, of course, become much lower than this as the season advances: Arrangements are now being made to export a large quantity of eggs to England during the flush of the season, in the same manner as was done last year. One of the main ideas* of this export trade is to endeavour to ensure for poultrymen a payable price when eggs are most plentiful. Last year, although a large quantity of eggs was exported, prices of eggs for local consumption went fairly low and the same may happen this year unloss the volume of the export trade is very much larger. VEGETABLES AND FRUIT. Cabbages are cheap at present at *d and 0d each. Cauliflowers cost 9d. Is and Is 3d each, parsnips, carrots. beetroot and white turnips 2d a bunch, celery 9d and Is a bunch, spring onions and radishes 2d a bunch, and spinach 4d a bunch. Local hothouse-grown tomatoes are now practically finished, and they are clear at Is Gd a lb. Locally-grown grapes arc also getting done, and extra choice ones cost as much as 4s a lb. First grade Jonathan apples, first grade Delicious and first grade Sturmers all cost Gd a lb. Lord Wolseley cooking apples cost 31b for Is, dessert pears 4d and Gd a lb, Island oranges three, four and six for 3s, bananas six to twenty-four for Is, Italian lemops four for Is, South Australian navel oranges three for Is 3d, passion fruit six for Is, mandarines five and six for Is, Queensland pine apples 2s Gd and 3s each, fresh cocoanuts 4d and Gd each, Poorman's oranges for marmalade Sd a lb. TIIE POTATO MARKET. Referring to the potato market, an Auckland report sa\*s: —“The quality continues excellent, the rain having done no harm in Canterbury. There is*no sign of blight, and it is estimated that the crop is the best that has been obtained for years. Growers are counting on an export trade, but the restrictions in Australia are so exacting that it is not likely that many will be shipped unless these restrictions are relaxed. There are hopes of further trade with South America, but only to a limited extent.” The statement in this report that the potato crop in Canterbury is the best that has been chained for years is hardly correct. In some districts good yields have been obtained, but in others the crops have turned out poorly. It is true that up to the present this season the price of potatoes has been comparatively low, but the general opinion amongst Christchurch merchants appears to be that there will be a considerable rise in the price later in the year. If a trade with Australia can be worked up (and some are hopeful that this will be done) then it is bound to have the effect of forcing potato prices upwards, but, even without this trade it is quite possible that potatoes will not be very plentiful later in the year.