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Oranges The supply of oranges has shown considerable improvement, all sources of supply having shipped larger quantities than for some years. Importations have not only resumed normal proportions but the total number of cases imported is greater than for any year since 1939. For the past few years oranges have been allocated to retailers through the wholesale distributors on the basis of purchases made during the last period of plentiful supplies, but the quantities now coming to hand are proving that many retailers are unable to accept deliveries on this basis as they are finding themselves unable to cope with the increased supply. Other retailers, however, can handle more than is being allocated to them and it would appear advisable to cancel the retail allocation lists as soon as sufficient oranges are available to meet all needs. Although, as stated above, importations are now 'back to normal pre-war quantities, the demand for oranges has increased, and it may be some little time before the retail allocation lists can be cancelled. The landed condition of oranges has also shown improvement. Apart from the fruit being stronger when packed, this has been possible mainly on account of carrying vessels leaving ports of shipment closer to scheduled days for departure and also to stricter attention being given to the method of stowage to give the maximum ventilation. Australia.—Heavy crops were experienced in Australia and this, combined with more shipping space being available, enabled normal quantities to be shipped from Australian ports. The problem of providing a continuity of supply is still made difficult on account of too many steamers leaving Australia about the same time and thus leaving a gap before they return for further loadings. This position accounts for the occasional short periods of slack supplies. All importations were made from the irrigation areas of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, and although oranges were available from the coastal districts of New South Wales where fruit-fly is prevalent, no attempt was made to take advantage of this source of supply. The fruit generally arrived in good condition and met a ready market at fixed prices. Australian oranges are available from June to December with smaller supplies tapering off to March. Cook Islands. —Production in the Cook group still appears to be improving and larger shipments were received than has been possible for some years. Supplies are usually available from April to September but the period is governed by climatic conditions which affect the size and condition of the crops. The landed condition of island oranges was satisfactory. Jamaica.—The quantity of oranges received from Jamaica was larger than for a number of years. This fruit also landed in good condition. The normal season for these oranges to land in New Zealand is from December to April, thus filling the space between the end of the main Australian season in December and the commencement of the island shipments in April. Fiji. —Only very small quantities are available from Fiji , and consequently this fruit has very little effect on the total quantity imported. These oranges are usually available a month or so earlier than the Cook Island variety.

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