Redwood Review For 1935--Outlook for 1936

Bv J. W. Williams Secretary, Californio Redwood Association

The level of activity in the Redwood region during 1935 was definitely upward. It was decidedly the best year since 1930, the level falling between the years 1930 and 1931.

The production for all species for 1935 totalled approximately 380 million feet-an increase of approximately 10 per cent over production of 1934. Shipments totalled about 358 million feet, a 17 per cent increase over 1934. When other uses of lumber-such as used by the manufacturing companies in plant maintenance and improvement and the waste in re-manufacturing plants at the mills are considered, the total consumed approxiinated 393 million feetconsiderably above production for the year. Unfilled orders on books at the end of the year was nearly double the amount on hand at the beginning of the year.

If Redwood alone is considered, the increases are slightly greater than those given above since production and sale of minor species was lighter for 1935 than in 1934.

The Redwood industry started the year with short and badly broken stocks. The need of building up the stocks was apparent to everyone. However, the volume of business during the first part of the year was such that stocks were actually reduced rather than increased for the first s€ven or eight months of the year. Only during the final four months of the year, primarily in the three months from September to November, inclusive, was any material increase in stocks made. The volume at the end of the year was still about 5 per cent under that at the beginning of the year. There is every indication, however, that the assortment of stocks on hand has been improved during the year. Surpluses of low grade stocks have been reduced or eliminated. Many of the short items have been restocked and available material in unseasoned Redwood of the best moving items is in better condition than earlier in the year. The industry has not been able to accumulate a sufficient reserve of stock for air seasoning, and dry stock is obtainable only by special kiln-drying in a great many items.

The statistical condition points to continued improvement during 1936, over 1935. At the beginning of 1935, order files were light. Shipments during the first quarter were dependent upon current orders and lagged behind orders received during the early part of the year. At the close of the year, the order file was in excellent condition, assuring a much better first of the year start than was possible in 1935. Furthermore, the year 1936 seems to be starting on an "up-swing" rather than on a decline. Orders placed during the last quarter of 1935 were not only heavier than shipments but surpassed all except the second quarter of the year.

Therefore, with conditions favorable for an early start, the year 1936 should show even more improvement than did 1935, if conditions improve in accordance with present appearances.

Loolcg for Good Year in 1936

"Business in December has far exceeded our expectations," said R. Clyde Johnston, vice-president of The R. J. M. Company, Los Angeles, distributors to dealers of standard building commodities. "We look forward with confidence to a substantial in,crease in our business next year."

Tennessee Lumberman Visits Coast

J. Ray Greenway, sales manager of the lfarris Manufacturing Co., Johnson City, Tennessee, manufacturers of fine hardwood floorings, recently made a tour of the cities of the Pacific Coast, on a business and pleasure trip.

While in Los Angeles Mr. Greenway conferrbd with the Thompson-Ryness Hardwood Lumber Co., exclusive Southern California representatives of his concern.