S. P. to Give Consideration to Possibilities for Using Lumber

Full consideration of the possibilities for using lumber "where it meets requirements of economy, safety and modernity" will be emphasized as a policy of the Southern Pacific Railway system in its planning of all equipment, right of way and structure projects. This assurance was given A. C. Horner, in charge of the San Francisco office of the National Lumber Manufacturers' Association, by President Paul Shoup and other leading ofificials of this important western carrier.

In addition to a natural preference for wood as a material, these officials realize that lumber and other forest products are among their most important traffic factors and feel that the road should not only use such material extensively itself, but that it should do everything possible to promote its increased use by others.

President Shoup, in the conference arranged by R. B. White, of the Exchange Sawmills, Inc., chairman of the National Lumber Trade Extension Committee, explained that this was not a new policy, but an emphasis of an old practice. The principal nerv feature of the roa<l's attitude will be that trade extension representatives, now that they are available, will be welcomed to all offices of the Southern Pacific to assist road ofifrcials in making the best use of wood and to suggest points at rvhich it is believed wood can be used advantageously.

As an instance of the Southern Pacific's already favorable attitude, Mr. Horner pointed out that it had recently ordered 25 cabooses, all to use wood extensively. It was orig- inally specified these should be of steel but road officials felt that lvood rvould be more comfortable for employees and less costly. In addition, it would be stimulation of the use of forest products.

In his discussion with his former superior officers Mr. Horner, having formerly been a civil engineer with the Southern Pacific, found them particularly interested in recent advanced developments in the lumber industry. They especially inquired about the extent of trade extension work, the effort of the lumber industry to market an identified, or a grade-marked and trade-marked product, research and distribution of knowledge concerning buildine to avoid termite attack, the possibilities of further us. oJ structural redwood and_ Douglas fir and where they might be used with special advantage. Mr. Horner has -adviied the Washington trade extension office that this contact will be closely followed and developed.