New Pfan of Nationaf Grouping of Lumber fndustry Activities Decid ed Upon

Chicago, December 16.-With strong representation from every softwood and hardwood region, the Directors of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association unanimously approved in executive session today the recommendation of the Executive Committee o.f the Board, in meeting November 17,1932, that nation-wide support throughout the lumber and timber products industries be se,cured for the advancement of the "General Lumber Industry Service', of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association. In fact, the two days consideration brought out the forceful expression of opinion of leading lumbermen in each region, of the inability of the lumber manufacturing industry to function as a unit without the continuation of the general industry services of the Association.

Endorsement was also given to the Executive Committee's approval of prompt development of the promotion programs of the American Forest Products Industries, Inc., under whose administration will come all lumber promotion work heretofore conducted by the National Lumber Manufacturers Association, except building,codes and ordinances. This latter activity will continue to be an activity of the National Association itself.

The comprehensive plans considered by the Directors provided for creation in due course of a third organization to be known as Wood Research Trust, In,c.

National Association of fnterest to All Lumber Manufacturers

The new plans for lumber manufacturers' organization and functions were presented by Mr. Carl Hamilton, Chairman of the National Lumber Trade Extension Committee. He explained the lack of satisfactory functioning associations in some regions and hen,ce the inability to ,continue the National Association in the simple form of a federation of regional associations financed by the regional associations. To meet this situation, he explained the new plan of financial support for the National Association. He outlined the character of work to be conductecl by it and emphasized that each activity is of a type of vital interest to all lumber manufacturers regardless of regional organization or afiiliation-whether large or small manufacturers and whether of hardwoods or softwoods. These activities were ehumerated as:

1. E,conomics; accounting and planning

2. Governmental relations 3. Conservation and forestry 4. Taxation and tariffs 5. Transportation 6. Trade practices 7. Publicity

9. Wood utilization

10. Standardization

11. Foreign markets

12. Lumbermen's Blue Book.

Trade Promotion Administration

Under the newly created American Forest products In_ dustries, Inc., will come, Mr. Hamilton explained, all na_ tional work involving lumber trade promotion. He called attention to the fact that these servi,ces should be and are available to timber owners, lumber manufacturers. lumber distributors and forest products industries including wood fabricators and lumber-using groups. The service of the American Forest Products Industries will thus be available to all lumber manufacturers who subscribe to the ,,General Lumber Industry Service" and in addition desire specific trade promotion work. He pointed out that the work planned for this new organization of the lumber and forest produ,cts industries will include the lumber trade extension work heretofore conducted through the National Association.

Fundamental Research provided

While it is unlikely that fundamental physical, mechan_ ical and chemical research on wood will be started in 1933, nevertheless the plan, Mr. Hamilton pointed out, provided also for the .creation of a third separate organization to be known as Wood Research Trust, fnc. This will be for those manufacturers who are vitally interested in the con_ du,ct of fundamental research as a means for the permanent maintenance and continuance in use of lumber and timber. The organization will ,comprise lumber manufacturers and wood-using groups banded together in a well planned, co_ ordinated activity of this kind, and be under ownership and control separate from the National Association and the American Forest Products Industries, Inc.

Details of National Association Worked Out

Following this presentation, discussion centered on the eligibility for membership in the National Lumber Manu_ facturers Association, the rate of dues and the method of payment. The conclusion on these questions, it was agreed, should be such as to strengthen existing regional associations; that the National should not otherwise be restricted as to seeking direct aompany support; that membership in the National should be offered without restriction to manufacturers in those regions where no regional organization exists or where the local regional association's rate of dues is such as to preclude the possibility of collective support of the National Association; that the rate of dues for all manufacturers should for the present be the same regardless of regional affiliation; and that National dues should preferably be paid through existing regional associations. Decision on these major questions was incorporated in the following resolutions unanimously adopted.

Membership Eligibility

RESOLVED, that support for the National Lumber Manufacturers Association be solicited from individual manufacturers who are not members of regional associations in su'ch regions as do not have available ,competent regional association facilities, provided the regional associations undertake actively to assist the National Lumber Manufacturers Association in se,curing adequate support of its activities.

Rate of Dues

RESOLVED, that for the present a standard rate ol llc per M be adopted to ,cover support of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association regardless of whether that support come from an individual manufacturer direct or in group support through a regional association; and

RESOLVED FURTHER, that this standard rate be applied to either production or shipments in manner to conform to the established practice within ea,ch of the difierent producing regions; and in the absence of an established practice, to shipments.

Many Ot-her Questions Considered

Having unanimously approved the continuance of aggressive general lumber industry service through the new plan of organization for the National Lumber Manufacturers Association and the concentration of national industry trade promotion under the American Forest Products Industries, Inc., the Directors ,corrsidered a number of other important questions,

Lumber Distribution

A resolution by 1\{r. Ralph Hines relating to the industry's entire merchandising problem was approved. It pro-