FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8352, 12 February 1913, Page 4

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON: MARKETS. The local market may be described as displaying an excellent tone for all descriptions of fruit; troth dessert and cooking apples particularly aro receiving strong attention at tne harids of buyers; greengages are getting into smaller supply, with the result that as usual at the close of the season values ruling are at high levels. For the most favoured varieties of dessert plums keen attention is also being paid to tbis fruit. Nectarines, if anything, together with tomatoes, are feoiuowhat quiet owing to shipments being fully equal to requirements. Values for these lines are more on a parity with those ruling at about the same time last year. Both dessert and stewing pears are inclined to arrive with more freedom, with the result that operations on the part of purchasers are somewhat largo. For choice lines -of peaches there is a good demand, and the volume of this fruit available fluctuates almost daily. Capo gooseberries are commencing to make their appearance,, and receiving good attention; blackberries aro also inquired for. The usual weekly shipment of fruit from Sydney is due to-day, and will no doubt comprise a larger quantity of grapes than that yet available this season; pears and passion fruit are also expected. Tho monthly shipment of bananas is due from Fiji on Friday morning, and it is anticipated that both cases and bunches will meet with an excellent outlet, as tho volume of fresh small summer fruits is not so heavy now as was tho case a month back. Apples, choice desert 8s to 9s case, prime 6s 6d to 7s 6d, cookers choice large green 4s 6d to 5s case, prime 3s to 4s; grapes, choice 8d to 10d lb; peaches, choice 4s 6d to 6s case, prime 3s to 4s; plums, choice dessert-4s 6d to 5s half case, prime 3s to 4s; pears, choice dessert 7s to 8s case, prime 5s 6d to 6s 6d, stewing 4s 6d to 5s case; tomatoes, choice 5s 6d to Cs Gd half case, prime 4s to ss; nectarines, choice 4« Cd to 5s half case, prime 3s to 4s; greengages, crioice 6s 6d to 7s 6d half case, prime 5s 6d to 6s; cape gooseberries, 4ld to 5d lb. POTATOES AND ONIONS, A good inquiry still continues to exist for new potatoes, and as southern grown have not yet come forward, and supplies from the north and other districts are not unduly heavy the market does not display any great change. Tho quality of the tubers is generally satisfactory. Qnions aro offering quite freely, and for ahead delivery the market promises to be much weaker; pickling onions are in good demand at the moment. Potatoes, choice J 57 10s to £S 10s per ton; onions, J 37 to £8 per ton; pickling onions. .612 10s to .613 10s ton. OTHER VEGETABLES. With the exception of for cauliflower*, pumpkins, swedes and green peas values aro inclined to be at lower levels. Cauliflowers, choice 7s to 8s sack, prime 5s Gd to 6s 6d; cabbages, choice 3s to 3s 9d sack, prime 2s to 2s 9d; carrots, 4s to 5s sack; parsnips, 4s Gd to 6s sack; turnips, 3s 6d to 4s sack; pumpkins, 8s to 10s sack; spinach. 4s 6d to 5s Gd case, marrows, 2s 6d to 3s 6d sack; swedes, 605,.t0 70s ton; green pens, 8s to 10s part sack; beetroot, 5s to Gs sack; French beans. 2s to 3s half sack; artichokes, 5s to 6s half sack. EGGS. The market locally for fresh eggs has further weakened owing to a largo increase in the supply; present values are from Is 4d to Is 5d per dozen.