GOVERNMENT MARKET REPORTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 247, 12 July 1919, Page 10

GOVERNMENT MARKET REPORTS

FfIUIT AND VEGETABLES. The following are the official Government reports on the state of the fruit and vegetable markets (dated July 10) :— Wellington.—The bulk of the apples coming on to the market at the present time .are of poor quality. Winter Cole and Nelis pears, are still coming forward in very, good condition. Notwithstanding these conditions, prices have generally increased. , The following are the average prices realised:—Apples: Jonathans, 10s. (id.; Stunners. 125..; Delicious, 12s. Cd.; Rome Beauty, Bs, Cd.; .Rhymers, 75.; Munroes, 7s. I)d.; Epps Seedling, lis. lid.; Washington. Ss. (id. Pears: Winter Cole, Hs.; Winter Nelis,. 155.; Vicars, 9s. Auckland.—This month has seen the last of the apples and pears direct from the trees to the market, and the supply is now from the cool stores, which by report are well stocked this season, and so far there has been no scarcity.

With the exception of a few guavas there is no small fruit on the market. Apples.—A good and regular supply has come in during the month, and" some first-class samples, 'exceptionally choice, have been marketed. The.Delicious is still a great favourite, and choice lines are coming in from several northern orchards and from Nelson. Largo consignments of American Horn nro coming in. and this variety of apple, although good in flavour, is so warty and jnsectbitten and unsightly that it is of littlo commercial value. Only a very small percentage is well grown and of a marketable size.

Pears.—The supply has been regular, and anything choice has been in keen demand, and far'less scab has been in evidence.

Poorman's Oranges.—Por the past two seasons the bulk of theso have been poorlv grown and very small, and. good samples have been scarce. Grapes.—A few lines are still cowing, but are only medium in colour and cleanliness.

Vegetables have been very 6carce, «nd have brought high prices. Potatoes have been in good supply. Onions: Good samples are scarce and hard to procure.

Christchurch.—The fruit markets in Christchurch aro now being supplied from' outside' sources, very mtle local fruit bi.'ing available. Nelson &\,#\v6 are arriving regularly, and mostly iii good condition. Small supplies from Central Ota»o are also coming m hand. Vegetables, are in fair supply, with a good demand.

Dunedin—Some fairly large consignments of apples (cooking and ■ dessert) havo been coming from Nelson; these have been of good quality. Central Otago has not been sending any very large consignments, but, with a few exceptions, the quality is very good.

iuvercargill.—During the mouth consignments have been steadily falling off; frequently towards the end of the month as few as fifty cases comprised the stock on hand at individual auction marts. The Nelson fruit received has been conspicuous for quality, colour, and packing, i These consignments havo realised good prices, and have been much appreciated by auctioneers and purchasers.