COMMERCIAL

Evening Star, Issue 24280, 22 August 1942, Page 6

COMMERCIAL

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Another shipment of Australian navel oranges has readied the market. There were a little over 2,000 cases for the local market, and Oaniaru. Unfortunately, the consignment arrived in a very wasty condition and every case had to be picked over, entailing a considerable amount of work. A Chinese fruiterer put the condition of the shipment in a nutshell. “ Too many lotten ” he said. As a result of the state of the oranges the actual quantity available was lower than was anticipated. In order to make up part of the loss on the shipment the Marketing- Department increased prices by 2s 6d per case. Oranges at up to 38s 6d per case must be considered more of a luxury than a necessity. A further shipment, of Australian lemons also came to hand. These also sold at high rates. The market is at present fairly well stocked with lemons for the time of the year. Strangely enough, New Zea-land-grown lemons are still unobtainable. Bananas are now sold out. at marls. A further shipment is expected shortly. Boorman oranges are in better supply, and the demand is not so keen. Small lots of passion fruit are arriving from Korikcri. The small quantity of dessert pears available have io be rationed to retailers.' Apples arc not. so plentiful. Delicious, Stunners, and Granny Smiths are the only varieties on offer. The Marketing Department. has increased prices and sales are on the slow side. Cauliflowers are in fair supply. Cabbages are still plentiful, with prices low. Spinach and Brussels sprouts have a good inquiry. Ample supplies of swedes, carrots, and parsnips are on offer, in marked contrast to the position in the North Island, where high prices have been ruling for these vegetables. Wholesale prices are as follows Apples: Delicious, 9s to 12s 6d per case: Jonathans, 8s to 11s; Stunners, 4s 6d to 8s 6d; Granny Smith, 6s to 10s. Pears: Dessert, 7s 6d to 9s per halfease. Poorman oranges, 20s to 25s per case. Navel oranges: Repacked, 27s 6d to 33s 6d. according to count. Bananas; Sold out at the marls. Lemons: Australian, 30s to 35s per bushel case. New Zealand passion fruit, 23s to 25s.per case. .Lettuce: Choice, Is 6d to, 3s per-dozen. Carrots: Is to Is 6d per dozen bunches: 5s 6d per sugn'r bag. Leeks: 4d to 5d pey bundle. Celery; la 6d tq 2s per bundle. Savoy cabbages, Is 6d io 2s 6d per sack; spring cabbages, 2s 6d to 5s 6d per case. Spinach, 2s 6d to 3s 6d , per dozen bunches. Cauliflowers: Choice, 8s to 10s per sack. Beetroot, Is to Is 6d per dozen bunches. Parsnips, to Is 6d per dozen bunches; 5s per sugar bag. Brussels sprouts, 4d to 5d per lb. Pumpkins, to 2£d per lb. Swedes, to 2s per sugar bag.. CO-OPERATIVE DAIRY COMPANY. The annual general meeting of shareholders of the Co-operative Dairy Company of Otago Ltd. was held on Thursday at the company’s offices in Castle street. There was a small attendance. Appreciation of the support given by the suppliers was expressed by the chairman (Mr C. T. McCallura), who stated that even though there had been a considerable loss of supply to cheese, the output had risen by 14 tons in comparison with the previous season. Substantial economies in costs had been effected. All the sharehoders present expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the company’s business had been transacted during the season and with the excellent state of the accounts. The usual dividend of 4 per cent, on paid-up capital was passed, payable on September 15, 1942. The retiring directors, Messrs C. Stokes and Lieutenant-colonel P. Waite, were re-lected, leave of absence being granted the latter for a further 12 months Messrs Barr, Burgess, and Stewart were reappointed auditors. DECREASE IN EGG PRICES. The Dunedin Egg Marketing Advisory Committee, working in conjunction with the Internal Marketing Division and the Price Tribunal, has arranged for a decrease in wholesale egg prices, to be operative from Monday;—(Heavy Is Bjd, standard Is 6d, medium Is 4d, pullet Is 3d, large duck Is 6d, small duck Is 4d. NIVEN AND CO. The annual report and balance sheet presented at the annual meeting held in Wellington last w T eek stated that the works have been occupied to the limit of their capacity on defence and general industrial work. The increasing shortage of essential material was hampering production and many of the commodities handled are now under Government control. The company has 155 members of its staff in the armed forces. After reserving an amount of £35,550 for (axes, there remained a net profit of £10,429, which, with £6,588 brought forward from last year, gave a total" of £17,017 available for disposal. The directors recommended the payment of a dividend (free of tax) at the rale of lOd per share, absorbing £7,541, the placing to General reserve of £2,500. leaving a balance to carry forward of £6,976.