AT THE MARTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 224, 21 September 1928, Page 4

AT THE MARTS.

MOST VEGETABLES PLENTIFUL

ONIONS SCARCE AND DEAR.

ABUNDANCE OF CHEAP EGGS.

Bananas have been iii very.short supply since I;mt report, and they will continue scarce until the Tofua briugs fresh supplies from Fiji about October 1. There was'no boat from' Sydney this week, so that citrus fi u it stocks have been worked down. Fresh supplies are expected on Tuesday. 'Ihere are still full supplies of Island oranges, for which there is a brisk demand at satisfactory prices. The next arrivals from the Islands will be by the Waipahi, due in about a fortnight's time. Thiß will be the Waipahi's last trip for the season to this port, as the vessel will then be fci ansferred to the Fiji service. There are still heavy supplies of apples in cool stores, and the prospect of clearing the ot before new season's becomes available are not over bright. The first shipment of Canadian is expected early in [November, though small quantities may arrivo next month. Lemons are still in plentiful supply and selling at reasonable rates. Following are latest quotations:— Apples: Sturmers» 6/6 to 8/; Stunners, poor condition, 4/ to 5/; Delicious, 6/ to 10/; Dougherty, 5/ to 7/; Winesaps, 6/ to !)/'; Granny Smith, 9/ to 12/; Pride of Australia, 6/ to 8/. Pears: Nellis, repacks, 11/6 to 13/; Coles, 0/ to 11/; P. Barrys, repacks, !)/ to 10/. Oranges: Island, repacks, 17/(5 to 22/; Australian Navels, repacks, 14/ to I.V; Poorman, 4/ to 6/0. Mandarins: 14/ to 17/. Lemons: Local, 6/ to 12/. Tomatoes: Island, 8/ to 10/6; hotho 1/6 to 2/ II). Tree tomatoes: No. 1, 11/ £o 14/; No. 2 and small, 4/ to 6/6. Bananas: Repacked, choice, 20/ to 26/. Grapes: Californian, in barrels, 22/6 to 24/6; in cases, 16/6 to 17/6. Vegetables. The glut of cauliflowers at the marts appears to be easing oft, but cabbages are still very plentiful. Large quantities of inferior celery are also being marketed, and t'ov all these lines values are fairly low. Lettuce of improved quality is now being offered. New potatoes are offering more freely, but the quantity available is not nearly as large as is usual at this time of year, severe southerlies having cut down the tops in many gardens. Asparagus is ooming to liiind in increased quantities and is still bringing high prices. There has been a substantial increase in the supply of rhubarb within the past few days, and the 11 utility, too, is better. A few green peas ;md broad beans were brought to the marts to-day, but the quantities were too small to justify, a market quotation. Onions have 'jumped up in price in consequence of a scarcity ot' imports which have been coming from California. The next arrivals will be from Canada in about three weeks' time. Latest selling prices have been as follow:—Southern potatoes, 8/ to 8/6 cwt; new, 2d to 5d lb; onions, 21/ to 23/ crate; V.umaras, 10/ to 14/ crate; cabbage, 2/ to 7/ sack; cauliflower, 2/ to 7/ sack; swedes, •2/ to 3/6 bag; pumpkins, .8/ to 20/ cwt; ;auen peas, (id to Od lb; beans, 2/ to 1/6 lb; lettuce, 1/ to 4/ case; cucumbers, 5/ to 10/ Aoz.cn; vegetable marrows, 3/ to 5/ dozen; citron melons, 5/ to 6/ cwt; cabbage, on benches, 1/ to 3/ dozien; cauliflower, on benches, 1/ to 4/6 dozen; celery, market glutted, first quality, 5/ to 6/6 bundle; others, 3d to 1/ bundle; rhubarb, 4/ to 5/ ilozen; spinach, V to 1/3 dozen; pumpkins, mi benehes, 2/ to 3/ each; spring onions, •Jd to 6d bundle; radish, 6d to 8d dozen; carrots, parsnips, beet and turnips, lOd to 1/0 dozen; leeks, 3d to 6d bundle. Eggs and Butter. There are still heavy supplies of eggs, with an improved demand that has been stimulated by the export business. Prices are unaltered, and are as-* follow:—Hen eggs' full size, 1/2 to 1/3 per dozen; intermediate, 1/1 to J/2. Ducks, 1/1% to 1/2. ( There are moderate supplies ot tarmers butter, which is selling at 1/3 to 1/5 per, lb. Poultry. At to-day's auctions there was a medium supply of poultry, the demand being good for table birds. Selling rates were as follow:—Cockerels, heavy breed#, prime, 6/ to 7/ each; not prime, 4/ and upwards; light breeds, prime, 4/ to 5/; not prime, ;)/• a nd upwards. Fat roosters, heavy breeds, prime, 3/8 to 4/6; light breeds, 2/9 to 3/3. Hens, heavy breeds, 4/6 to 5/6; light breeds, 3/3 to 4/3. Pullets, heavy breeds, full grown, 4/ to 5/9; light breeds, full grown, 4/ to 6/. Drakes, your.g, prime, 3/ to 4/; smaller, 2/3 and upwards. Ducks, youi)g, 3/ to 4/; old, 2/3 to 3/6. Drakes, old, 2/3 to 3/6. Day-old chicks, Black Orpington, lOd to 1/1; Leghorns, 9d to 1/. Guinea fowls, 4/ to 6/. Cockerel chicks, white Leghorns, 4d to sd; Black Orpingtons, lOd to 1/.