Tri-Club Conference at Stockton Favors American Lumber Standards

American Lumber Standards, Segregation of Grades, Dealer Distribution and Selling Direct to Contractors by Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Brokers, were the principal subjects discussed at the annual get-together meeting of the three Valley clubs held in Stockton, Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23.

Business sessions were held in the roof garden of the Wolf Hotel on Friday at noon, and on Saturday at 8 a. m. The lumber industry banquet at which the clubs were joined by members of the Millwork Institute of Califor-

Lumbermen's Club, and other well known lumbermen who sat at the head table, Chas. G. Bird, Stockton Lumber Company, in his capacity of Master of Ceremonies made a number of announcements. most of which related to the comfort and convenience of the visitors.

American Lumber Standards, and Segregation of Grades were the first subiects discussed.

L. A. Nelson, Portland, manager of the Department of Grades, West Coast Lumbermen's Association, was the first speaker. He said the interest of his association in American Lumber Standards goes back to a pledge made to Iferber lfoover when he was secretary bf the Department of Commerce, when they agreed to promote these standards. In the course of his remarks the speaker disclosed that since December practically every railroad in the United States has agreed to buy West Coast Lumber on American Lumber Standards, as a result of meetings held with car builders and railroads.

The movement towards standardization is going ahead fast, and thb California Retail Lumbermen's Association which voted at its annual convention last November to go on American sizes and grades will set a date at their meeting on April 6 for switching over.

Mr. Nelson said this change will help'the sawmills, as it will enable them to cut down on their stocks. and he believed the change will make very little difference to California retailers. He again assured the retailers of every possible kind of cooperation on the part of his association.

Club nia, and other lumbermen who were invited to attend, was held at the Stockton Hotel.

The meeting of the Valley clubs this year differed from those of former years, inasmuch as it was a purely "stag" affair, and it was felt that the attendance which numbered over 100 was a very satisfactory one.

Business Session

The joint business meeting of the three clubs was held in the Roof Garden of the Wolf Hotel at 12:15 p. m.

E. T. Robie, Auburn Lumber Co., Auburn, presided,-and in opening the meeting introduced F. Dean Prescott, president of the San Joaquin Valley Lumbermen's Club, Ira E. Brink, president of the Sacramento Valley Lumberrnen's Club, Lester H. Elliot, president of the Central California

George Weir, sales manager of the Coos Bay Lumber Co., said he saw some difficulties ahead in adopting American Standards, but expected the change will work out all right.

A. J. "Gus" Russell. Santa Fe Lumber Co., San Francibco, said some difficulties were presented by cargo lumber coming in rough into the Bay district.

Retailers who expressed their opinion regarding the change included the following: Elmer Ellis, Palo Alto; I. E. Brink, Chico; J. H. Shepard, Sacramento; Walter S. Spicer, Santa Ana; L. H. Elliot, Lodi; Milton Cross, Merced; W. K. Kendrick, Fresno; J. Frank Wright, Porterville; Warren Tillson, Modesto; J. G. Ferger, Fresno, John Yancey, Newman; E. S. McBride, Davis; Frank F. Min-

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