FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8361, 22 February 1913, Page 7

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS. Continued heavy supplies of apples, peaches, plums, nectarines and grapes arriving daily have prevented the local markets from showing any improvement in the matter of values, prices keeping at a low level generally. There was a symptom at Thursday’s sales that ’ an improvement might take place in regard to peaches, 'but this was only temporary, as heavier quantities arrived and the market weakened. Dessert apples from all growing districts of New Zealand are now reaching the market, and in tho circumstances high values are impossible.. Some particularly choice fruit is being marketed, and' the grading in the majority of instances leaves nothing to be desired. Fairly large supplies of locally grown grapes are arriving, but these are being added to by good consignments from New South Wales. A further small lot arrived from South Australia yesterday. These outside supplies are, of course, affecting the sale of locally produced. Lemons from tho Mediterranean are in fair supply, but meeting with a good inquiry, as the hot weather is an inducement in this respect. Pears are arriving in such quantities that the market is decidedly weak, more ' particularly, however, is this the case in regard to dessert varieties. A direct shipment of bananas' from Rarotonga is duo hero on the 27th instant, and it is quite probable tbat at the same time the first of the season’s oranges from tho Islands will make their appearance. Apples, choice dessert 6s to 6s 6d case, prime 4s to 6s, cookers choice 3s 6d to 4s, prime and inferior 2s to 3s; grapes, 5d to 9d Jb according to quality; plums, choice 3a 3d to 3s 9d half case, prime 3s 6d to 3s; peaches, choice 3s Sd to 3s 9d half case, prime 2s 6d to 3a; nectarines. choice 3s 6d to 4s 6d half case, prime 2s 6d to 3s; pears, choice dessert 4s 6d to 5a case, prime 3s 6d to 4s, stewing 3s to 4s case; cape gooSeberies, 4Jd to 5d lb; tomatoes, choice 4s to 4s 6d half case, prime 3a to 3s 6d, small Is 6d to 2a. POTATOES AND ONIONS. During the latter part of this week there was a general inclination for potatoes to take a decided upward tendency, in fact a sharp advance took place, but since then there has ’been a downward fluctuation. Supplies are not at the moment any too plentiful, but it is expected that towards the close of next week will see southern tubers on the market. A good demand is being experienced lor onions, with supplies arriving mostly from Canterbury. Oversea inquiries are tending to keep the market steady at the present tune, but it is anticipated that for ahead delivery values will decline. Pickling onions are in irood inquiry. Potatoes, choice A 8 to A 8 10s per ton; onions, £7 10s to .£8 per ton; pickling onions, <£ll 10s to .212 per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES. Cauliflowers, swedes, pie melons, green peas and pumpkins are ail m good demand, supplies of these lines being somewhat short of requirements. Mostly ail other descriptions of vegetaibles are selling at nominal levels. Cauliflowers, choice 63 to vs sacic, prune 4s 6d to 5s 6d; cabbages, choice 3s 6d to 4s sack, prime 2s 6d to 3s; swedes, 55s to 60s ton; French beans, 2s to 3s part sack; turnips, 2s Gd to 3s 6d sack; pumpkins, 7s 6d to 9s sack; parsnips, 4a to 5s sack; green peas 7s to 10s part sack; pie melons 7s fid to 8s 6d sack; beetroot. 4s to 4s Gd sack; lettuce. Is to Is 6d case; marrows, Ss to 8s 6d per sack; carrots, 3s 6d to 4s 6d sack. EGGS. Eggs are arriving fairly freely, and a good demand being met with from Is 4d to Is 5d per dozen is ruling. POULTRY. A good inquiry continues to exist for all descriptions of birds, both dead and alive. Roosters, good young birds 4a to 4g 6d pair fair 3s to 3s 6d; hens, good young 3s fid to 4s, fair 2s Cd to 3s; ducks, 4s Gd to 6s pair; turkeys, gobblers 17s to 20b pair, hens 8a to 10s.