THE FRUIT MARKET

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10614, 12 June 1920, Page 3

THE FRUIT MARKET

POSITION IN WELLINGTON TOO MUCH POOR QUALITY FRUIT. In Bis official report to the director of the horticultural division of the Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce, the fruit inspector (Air T. L. Gedge) for the Wellington district states: — Supplies of Stunners and Doughertys came forward during inis month, and in conjunction mm Dilicious, are the main varieties now preierrea Uy retailers. The over supply of poor quality fruit • still prevents the prices becoming enhanced to any extent, and growers would be well advised to curtail supplies of such inferior fruit. Supplies of Cox’s orange apples and V tear pears have caused adverse comments Irom all and sundry, the condition of which in the majority of instances being that of almost unsaleable fruit. The loss to some growers through endeavouring to market such fruit will no doubt have deterrent effect in future seasons. Munroe’s and London Pippin have also readied the over-ripe stage, but are still keenly sought after. Lord Wolselcy is, however, the best cooker now on the market.

Vegetables have been in short supoly, and prices are gradually advanc ing.

The following is a fair average of the prices realised: —Applies. Jonathan ss, Stunners 4s Cd to 6s 6d. Doughertys 6s 6d to 6s 6d, Delicious 8s 6d, Spitzenborgs 4s 6d, Cox’s orange 3s Gd to ss. L. Pippin 4g 6d, Monroe’s 5s 3d, Alfriston 5s 6d, Lord Wolsely 6s, JR. du Canada 4s 6d. Pears:—W. Cole 6s 6d half case, W. Nells 6s half case. B. Rose 3s half case, Vicars 4s 6d case, Keillors 4s case. .CONDITION OF CROPS.

Prom the reports of local officers as to the condition of the fruit crops, the following are taken: — Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay.—All crops harvested. Seasonable orchard work well 'in hand throughout the district.—W. H. Rice.

Nelson.—With this mouth the orchard harvest finishes, the late apples being tho last to he gathered. The weather has been seasonable, with ample rainfall. —W. C. Hyde. Motueka. —Apples: Practically all harvested. Lemons: Looking well. Pears: Season finished. Strawberries: Finished. Tomatoes: Practically over. Walnuts; harvested. A cold windy snap with snow fairly low down on the hills was experienced on the 20th of the month.—W. T. Goodwin.

Marlborough.—All varieties are now harvested and under cover. The month closed with several sharp frosts, which have done more towards'checking woolly aphis than was _ accomplished by late spraying. Defoliation is advancing rapidly from the'samo "Clause,' and a start has been tnade’ 6ff priming. Advantage is also being taken of the recent dry weather to commence the autumn ploughing, which in a few places is well in hand.—O. Craigio. ~