Generaf Lumber Export Agency Established

Washington, D. C., Mar. 11.-Establishment of a national agency for lumber export has been outlined at a meeting here of lumber export groups representing \Mestern and Southern softwoods, and hardwoods. The new body at their request rvill function as a part of the activities of ti," National Lumber Manufacturers Association. Substantial financial support has been underwritten by the exporters.

It rvas agreed that the outstanding present task of the llew agency is the preparation and submittal of briefs, set_ ting forth the position of the forest products industries with reference to foreign trade, to those agencies of the Federal government having in hand the negotiation of reciprocal trade agreements with foreign countries. A brief was filed in connection with the pending trade agreements with ltaly, and plans were approved for the adequate presentation of facts with regard to other agreements in the making or in prospect, including those with Canada, and nearly 15 other countries.

The status of American lumber trade in those important foreign markets for which trade agreements will be negotiated, including their tariffs, quota and exchange restrictions, and other artificial barriers to imports from the United States, rvas thoroughly canvassed. The conference agreed that the following points should be regarded in these applications: l. To seek a reduction in duty sufficient to permit a substantial increase.in sales of American lumber in each market.

2. Where cluty is assessed on a basis of weight, to seek a change to basis of measurement.

3. Shou' disadvantages due to clifierence in ocean rates from IJ. S. and other exporting countries.

Seek, through law if necessary, a U. S. drawback on reimported box lumber cut to multiple shook lengths; this for only those markets approved by box shook exporters.

Seek to establish favorable foreign tarifi classifications for fabricated timbers such as designed by the Tim- ber Engineering Company.

6. In addition to presenting the economic condition of the lumber industry, shou' needs for added outlets for mature timber products.

7. Show estimates of possible sales to each foreign market under more favorable tariff treatmenr.

8. Shorv effect on employrnent of increased export.

9. fnfluence on conservation of increased steady exDort of lumber.

It rvas understood that the several groups lvere to advise the Export Depa.rtment as to foreign market possibilities under more favorable tariff treatrnent. .Th,e department will, following the conclusion of: tiade pacts with various governments, consider the broad. question of export trade extension and suhrnit plans.for promoting the increased use of American building and industrial woods abroad.

The new agency, proposed as a department of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association, will be directed by a permanent committee of lumber export interests of not over five members, each, with an alternate, to be selected by the supporting groups from among their number. Pending the election of this committee L. E. Force, W. J. Sowers and Dougias F. Heuer were appointed as a temporary planning committee. The new agency will supply export data to its subscribers.

Those attending the conference included: Douglas F. Heuer, Secretary, National Lumber Exporters Ass'n,, Memphis, Tenn.; W. J. Sowers, Vice President and General Manager, American Pitch Pine Export Company, New Orleans, La.; L. E. Force, General Manager, Douglas Fir Exploitation & Export Co., Seattle, Wash.; C. E. Dant, Dant & Russell, fnc., Portland, Oregon; H. G. Hawthorne, Pacific Coast Exporters Ass'n., Seattle, Wash.; Henry N. Anderson, Grays Harbor Export Co., Aberdeen, 'Wash.; W. Brown Morgan, General Box Co., New York City; C. H. Kreienbaum, Reed Mill Co., Shelton, Wash.; C. D. Hudson, Secretary, National Wooden Box Ass'n., Washington, D. C.; Wilson Compton, National Lumber Manufacturers Ass'n.; and former Senator Clarence C. Dill of Washington, who has been engaged by the West Coast Lumbermen's Association to represent it in connection with pending reciprocal trade agreements.

The proposals of the export groups for the formation of a national agency for these purposes will be submitted for approval to the Board of Directors of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association. Prompt approval is expected.

Joins Sales Staff

Floyd W. Westman is now,conne,cted with the Los Angeles office of the Washington Veneer Company, and will assist Ted Wright, California sales representative, in the California territory. Mr. Westman has been associated with the plywood industry in the Northwest for a long period and has been at the company's plant in Olympia, Wash.

Redwood Shingle Bureau Meets

Redwood Shingle Bureau, which has as its object the promotion of the use of Redwood shingles, held a meeting at the Commercial Club, San Francis'co, March 11.

Present were the executive committee of the Bureau consisting of George W. Gorman, Hammond Lumber Co.; Fred Holmes, Holmes-Eureka Lumber Co.; Jack Williams, secretary, California Redwood Association; N. P. Burgess, \Meott, Humboldt County; E. L. Moore, Santa Cruz; R. C. Turner, Navarro Shingle Co., Philo, Menocino County, and Jim Farley, The Pacific Lumber Co., Chairman of the committee.