Trade Problems Discusscd at Chicago Meetings

Securing rubber tires for logging and lumber hauling trucks was declared Industry Problem No. 1 at a meeting of the Lumber and Timber Products Defense Committee at the Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, February 2nd and 3rd.

ft was requested that the National Lumber Manufacturers Association, as agent of the Committee, make the solution of this problem its first order of business, and that the Executive Committee draft and adopt further recommendations on the subject.

The meeting, which was attended by 58 individuals representing a broad cross section of the industry, elected a new Executive Committee comprising: M. L. Fleishel, Putnam Lumber Company, Shamrock, Florida, chairman; ft was further recommended that the present method of procurement ol fabricated products be continued witlr the provision that, for special or difficult items, it is desirable that commitments be made in advance for blanks or rough parts which can thereafter be allocated to the successful bidders.

O. R. Miller, Wauna Lumber Company, Portland Oregon; Walter Neils, J. Neils Lumber Company, Libby, Ifontana; W. W. Kellogg, Kellogg Lumber Company, Monroe, I-ouisiana; E. J. Curtis, The Curtis Companies, fnc., Clinton, Iowa, and J. A. Currey, J. C. Turner Lumber Company, Irvington, New York.

It was recommended that defense agencies anticipate their needs and make commitments for lumber and timber products, or at least inform the industry as soon as possible, rather than wait to determine exact dates and destinations, and that an interval of at least 14 days be allowed between notice of intention to purchase or issuance of invitations and the taking of bids, to allow a maximum number of suppliers to participate.

The War Department was commended for its work in centralizing the procurement of lumber during the past 18 months which has brought results satisfactory both to the I)epartment and the Industry, and recomrnendation was made that the same purchasing system be extended to the Navy, Maritime Commission, Lend-Lease Administration. Coast Guard, and other agencies. It was further suggested that the centralized purchasing of each of these agencies be done at as many, widely distributed points as administratively possible and conflict of dates in contiguous areas be avoided to permit participation by those in a position to quote on supplies in more than one area.

It was suggested that suitable means be provided for co-ordinating any conflicting priorities with authority to direct the precedence of delivery.

The "auction" system of procuring lumber in large quantities was endorsed, but recommendation was made that it be discontinued in the purchase of millwork and the sealed bid method be re-instated in order to increase the rrumber of potential bidders and sources of supply, and that mrllwork be purchased at the time the site and construction schedule are established, or when the lumber is purchased, whichever provides the longest time for raw material procurement and fabrication.

It was urged that specifications provide the broadest possible coverage of suitable species and minimum grades of random widths and lengths and maximum adherence to standard commercial practice. The Committee offered its assistance to the defense agencies in reviewing specifications rvith a view to improving them.

The suggestion was made that co-operation be established with the War Production Board for a central review of specifications and of the design and construction of manufactured products with a view to co-ordination in the light of current and prospective supplies of lumber and timber products.

It was resolved that the Container Branch of the WPB be petitioned to extend, without expiration date, Preference Order No. P-79 in its present form. Under P-79, due to expire on March 31st, the wood box and crate industry has secured its necessary ferrous metal under orderly processes, and the manufacturers have become familiar with its use and provisions.

Major T. C. C<lmbs, U. S. Corps of Engineers, assigned to the office of the Under-Secretary of War, explained that a directive had been issued to the eight supply branches of the War Departrnent calling attention to the accumulations of low grade lumber at sawmills to such an extent that production of high grade lumber, urgently needed, is being impeded, and directing that the lowest suitable commercial grade be used, and that random widths and lengths be used where specified lengths are not necessary. ft rvas recommended that any com,pany becoming involved in conflicting priority ratings immediately advise the government agencies concerned by telegram, sending a copy to the Lumber and Timber Products Committee.

Carlos Johnson, Interstate Tractor & Equipment Company, advised the Industry to repair and rebuild and to secure second-hand tractors wherever possible, because of the difficulties of securing new equipment.

The Committee advised that, to avoid unnecessary confiicts, recommendations of organizations represented on the Committee for changes in government specificatiorrs be communicated through the NLMA as agency for the Committee, a'nd that Defense agencies be requested tcr provide a similar central channel for such matters.

NLNIA was requested to seek a higher rating than the present A-10 for needed maintenance and repair items.

Recommendations on the conservation of critical materials, on expediting government bills of lading, and solution of conflicting priorities were referred to a drafting committee to prepare for approval by the Executive Cornmittee.

Continuation of the l.utnber and Timber Products Defense Committee was voted, with addition of such new elements as desire to be identified with it and elimination of any associations no longer in existence.

The Executive Committee, in session on February 3rd, requested that NLMA prepare a comprehensive statement of facts on the conservation of critical materials through the use of lumber and timber products and determine the best method of placing this information before the defense agencies.

NLMA was also asked to investigate any complaints of long delays in furnishing government bills of lading and find means for correcting such troubles.

The Association was further asked to make an effort t<l correct inadequacies in the present tire rationing program and seek to have state directors authorized to set up additional quotas for the industry.

To minimize difficulties arising from frequent, unexpected demands for large quantities of difficult items of lurnber, it was recommended that NLMA compile a list of such items and present it to WPB with a request that an cstimate of requirements be given the industry periodically for an advance period of 60 or 90 days.

Soft, even textured pine and modern plywood construction. Ecsy to work and linish. Pcrints, enamels and lqcquers cover economically with level, smooth surIaces oI lcsting becuty.