RUSH FOR ORANGES.

Fruiterers in all parts are making strenuous efforts to secure a share of oranges, for which the public are clamouring. The fruit is very scarce, and there are not nearly sufficient oranges to satisfy the general demand. This applies to all markets, not only Covent-garden. Consumers are asked to be indulgent towards shopkeepers, who are doing their best to provide oranges at the controlled price. Unfortunately, harassed retailers cannot always be successful in their quest for oranges.

In former days there were plenty of sweet Jamaican oranges for Christmas. The oranges of Jamaica, although pale-skinned, are very sweet; in fact, they are, or were, the sweetest oranges on the market at Christmas. This year there will not be any. Questioned on the subject, Messrs. Elders and Fyffes Ltd., the importers, state that it is impossible to bring Jamaican oranges here at the controlled price without incurring financial loss; so they have caused shipments to be stopped. That is one of the advantages of control. For the reason stated the fruit will be missing.

Owing to unfavourable weather in Spain, shipments of oranges to the United Kingdom have been smaller than those of last week, and considerably below those of the corresponding period of last year. About 12,000 cases have been shipped to Mersey ports and 47,000 to London. Arrangements are being made by the London fruit trade for an equitable distribution of these oranges on arrival, and it is hoped that the people of the Eastern Counties and London may all be able to enjoy a share of the supplies. Seeing that in this instance the trade are managing their own affairs, it may be taken for granted that the work will be done in the fairest and most satisfactory manner. Should sunny Spain live up to its reputation in regard to weather, large shipments of oranges may be expected in time for Christmas.