Vagabond Editorials

(Continued from Page 7) ite opinion that this is the sole and only hope of the lumber industry, and that unless we do it, "lumber will drop entirely out of the picture in the building industry." You may not entirely agree with his conclusions, but there is a world of useful advice and information in his remarks, and they deserve the close study of the entire industry. rF**

There is one outstanding subject of conversation today wherever retail lumberrnen gather together-cash and carry. Probably one-third of all the lumber yards in the United States are on a cash basis today. But getting right out and announcing a cash and carry system is a step farther. At a big co4vention I attended the other day I heard no other one subject in particular discussed, but cash and carry was the order of the day in practically all private conversation, over the lunch and dinner table, and in every small group. Just how to conduct and operate a cash and carry business seemed absorbingly interesting to every dealer. A great number of dealers are doing so, and a still greater number are contemplating it. The question whether or not it is an emergency proposition and will be discontinued when norrnal conditions return, was one of the big sub-topics of discussion under this heading.

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One of the keenest minded men that I know in the entire lumber industry discussed this cash and carry matter

Congratulates Jack Dionne on Vagabond Editorials

Los Angeles, Calif,, Feb. 2, 1933

Mr. Jack Dionne, Publisher, The California Lumber Merchant. 318 Central Bldg., 108 West Sixth St., Los Angeles, California.

Dear Jack: most interestiirgly for a small group at luncheon one day. He expressed these opinions: that he thinks it is a good plan and should be permanent; that he considers it wise only where all the yards in the town go on that same basis; that people seem f,nore than willing to "pay cash and pay less"; that it is a merchandising proposition and should be accompanied always by an advertising campaign; that it should never be done piratically and at the expense of other retailers, because that would just disrupt an already unhealthy situation.

I think your editorial in the issue of February 1st is the most interesting, instructive and cheerful piece of literature I have read for a long, long time, and I wish both to congratulate and thank you for it.

There are a number of my friends to whom I would like to send a copy, and I would appreciate it very much if you will mail me a half dozen copies of this issue together with a bill for same.

Yours very truly, CALIFORNIA PANEL & VENEER CO. Howell Baker. President.

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This man showed us some of the advertising poster cards they use at their cash and carry yards. They give a per thousand and a per piece price on each item. If a customer buys a thousand or more feet, he can get the per thousand price. But they sell most of their stuff per piece, and at a much better price. For instance if their price on two by four twelves is twenty dollais a thousand, their price card reads: 2x4-12, $ZO per thousand; 24 cents per piece. See? The per piece price is at the rate of $30 per thousand, and that's the way they sell nearly all their stock. There is no deception or subterfuge. Both prices are plainly marked on their bins. But the per piece price brings a very decent profit, while the per thousand price may be a fairly close figure.

"What does 'cash' means?" is the question that generally comes up at once. Does it mean on the barrel head, or does it mean the tenth of the month? It means "on the barrel head" according to all those I have talked to. Bring in the cash, and take away the lumber.

St. Paul & Tacoma Elect Officers At Annual Meeting

Tacoma, Wash., Feb. 1.-The St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company announces the election of the following officers at the annual meeting held in Tacoma on January 28, 1933: Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Everett G. Griggs; President, Everett G. Griggs II, Vice-President and Treasurer, Corydon Wagner; Secretary, Herbert S. Griggs.

Earl M. Rogers, who for the last twelve years has served as first vice-president and general manager, has retired as the active operating head of the institution, but will continue as a member of the Board of Trustees in an advisory capacity.