WHOLESALE MARKETS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 215, 10 September 1940, Page 4

WHOLESALE MARKETS.

TRADE MAINTAINED. SULTANAS AND CURRANTS SHORT. During the early part of last week business received by wholesale grocery merchants was somewhat slow, but the volume increased considerably" towards the end of the week and is being well maintaued at the moment. In the tobacco section orders are now being received for the mid-month delivery, and these will be executed to both country and city on Monday next. Matches. — On Friday laat the Price Investigation Tribunal fixed the maximum price at which boxes of wooden safety matehes can be sold throughout New Zealand in less than the customary packet lots at Id a box. This price order applies to wooden matches of any brand or description in boxes designed to hold up to approximately 60 matches. Playing Cards. —Some lines have been particularly short for some time, so that a 6mall supply of second-grade which are now available will be welcomed by the trade. Greaseproof Paper.—The first supplies of American greaseproof paper have now reached New Zealand and are being rapidly distributed. The market has been completely bare for some months due to the impossibility of obtaining supplies from Norway and Sweden. Dates Will Be Available. Kraft Paper.—All types of wrapping paper have been in very short compass for some time, but this position has been eased somewhat during the last few days. Dates.—Contrary to earlier expectations, a direct boat has been arranged to leave Basrah shortly to bring the new season's dates to this market. Import licenses are being issued to enable the trade to take advantage of this opportunity. . Mildura Fruit.—Orders for Australian j sultanas and currants placed under fourth period licenses have now been completely executed, with the result that stocks now in store will have to last the trade until the new season's fruit becomes available next April. Stocks in wholesalers' hands are not large, with the result that it is anticipated that an extreme shortage will be experienced later in the year. Prftsa Alterations.—The Price Investigation Tribunal have this week authorised new selling rates for Sicily almonds, Seidlita powders, Brazil nut kernels, Californian prunes, English cornflour packets and nails. Cornflour. —The local agent for a wellknown brand of English packet cornflour has advised that the Press advertising, which has been cancelled for some months, is to recommence immediately. It is anticipated that this will stimulate the demand for this product. Sales Tax Arrangement New prices for ox tongues have been announced by a southern packer and all sizes show substantial advances. As an example, 21b sizes have advanced by 7/6 a dozen and the other sizes have gone up in proportion. Each week agents and manufacturer advise further lines in which prices are being reduced in order to absorb the extra sales tax, thus keeping the retail price the same. In most cases these lines have been patent medicines and personal requisites. Most packers of passion fruit pulp advise that they are completely out of supply. Further supplies are expected to be available later on in the season. Arrivals from overseas and coastal ports during the past week: Walnuts, disinfectant powder, proprietary brand tea, cough remedies, sheep tongues, boot polish, pill preparations, jellies, breakfast foods, millet brooms, caustic soda, strapping wire, wax matches, laundry bar soap, bottled .vinegar, medicinal salts, Penang ■ago and pearl tapioca, safeties, dried peaches, peanut kernels, Rangoon rice, citrio acid powder, Australian fine salt, three-Crown sultanas, Mob lexift raisins, Australian canned peaches and apricots, etc etc The market for Penang sago and tapioca is very firm. Cabled quotations received last week showed a steady advance on both lines. WHOLESALE CURRENT PRIOR*. . Better.—First gradt,. Mil l/«i. butt l/«fc lb; second grade, pate. l/«ilb: whey. pMevl/3% to. Cheese.—Export (80's), erate lots Mid lb, less lOd lb; medium (40's), crate lots lOd 10, less 10>/ 4 d lb; (20's). crate lots lOVad lb, less 10% d lb net; loaf, crate iOU 10% d lb.less lljid lb. Bacon.—Ham. l/«» lb; •foUsd boneless ■fcim,-W lb; cooked whole ham, lit lb; cooked tolled, l/tjfc lb; cooked pressed ham, l/10tt an*. 3/ttfc lb; rolled middles. 1/s',i lb. Lard, bulk Sd lb, paU 3d lb. Dripping-, pats, «fcdl lb. ;• Honey.—First grade: lib cartons, 11/3 dozen; 31b tins. 23/3 dozen; 61b tins, S7/6 dozen. . bushel: whole black, 13/3 bushel.