On This Day, 11 October 1918

Birmingham Mail

Friday 11 October 1918

THE DOMESTIC MARKET.

POOR SUPPLIES AND PRICES.

There are several disconcerting features at the Birmingham market to-day. Apart from English meat, of which there are good consignments, supplies of fish, poultry, rabbits, and fruit are much below normal. The situation in the fish trade is causing the merchants anxiety. Apart from herrings and mackerel, supplies are at a minimum; and to-day a number of leading retailers failed to execute their orders. Seldom has the dearth of prime fish been so pronounced. Maxima prices prevail.

It was anticipated that the recent advance to 10½ d per lb. would have the effect of bringing many more rabbits into the market, but this hope has not been realised.

Ducklings and goslings will appeal the epicure only, but he must not mind price considerations if he desires to gratify his tastes. Hares are not controlled and rates show an upward tendency.

The egg market is poorly supplied, and there is little immediate prospect of improvement. New-laid English eggs command 6d. each, and Irish eggs are only fractionally cheaper.

There are, practically speaking, no cheap apples on the market, and dessert fruit command from 1s. 9d. to 2s. per lb. The fruit shops generally are badly stocked; never worse. Grapes are plentiful. Vegetables are in good supply, but there is nothing cheap.