POOR CONDITION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26622, 19 November 1947, Page 7

POOR CONDITION

FljlAN PINEAPPLES

AUSTRALIAN ORANGES EXPECTED Some doubt has been expressed by the fruit trade concerning the condition of the consignment of Fijian pineapples which arrived by the Manana at Port Chalmers on Saturday. About 400 cases of the shipment will be released to local markets to-day, but it is expected that repacking will be necessary, and the amount reaching the consumer will be considerably smaller. Island pineapples rarely reach the local market in satisfactory condition, but as the Mahana came direct from Suva to Port Chalmers it was hoped that this consignment would be an exception. The Queensland variety is usually more reliable. A large shipment of Valencia oranges from Melbourne is included in the cargo of the Waitaki, which is at present unloading at Bluff, and is expected here to-morrow. There has been some doubt about the size of the shipment, and the fruit trade hopes that the consignment is in good order. It is not known whether she is carrying any lemons or grapefruit. Cherries are offering more freely, and the quality is improving. The

market is easier for strawberries, which are now in better supply. Very heavy supplies of hothouse tomatoes are coming forward from Christchucrh ; Nelson, and local growers. Prices have eased during the past few days, but it is expected that, the increased demand will result in a firming of the market. Peas from the Waimate district are coming forward in large amounts, prices being low for the time of year. Increasing supplies of new potatoes are coming, forward from Nelson and Waimate. Oamaru growers hope to start digging next week'. Cauliflowers are short of requirements, but other vegetables are in heavy supply, with low prices.