Lumbermen Consider New Freeze Order

Plan Production Boost---Upson Announces lndustry Advisory Committee

Chicago, May l4-"Extension of the new WPB restrictions on the sale of softwood construction lumber beyond the 6Gday period announced may be unnecessary," said M. L. Fleishel, president of the National Lumber Manufacturers' Association, speaking for a group of seventy-five leading producers meeting in Chicago to make plans to step up production further.

Mr. Fleishel declared his belief that production plans already in operation prior to the announcement of the order and in contemplation will eventually alleviate the construction lumber emergency. He pointed to the fact that until the last few weeks lumber has been available for all war needs and civilian requirement.

Many producers who are already on a heavy overtime basis believe that the WPB will not find extension of the freezing order necessary, if skilled woods and mill labor is permitted to stay on the job and if logging and mill equipment and supplies are available.

"Lumber was one of the first basic materials required in great volume for the original defense effort," said Mr. Fleishel, who added that early conditioning of the industry for intensive production under the stimulus of the National Defense Program has increased the ability of the industry to meet the present emergencies. He stated that over 80 per cent of the present harvest of forest products is already going directly into war uses.

Arthur T. IJpson, newly appointed chief of the Lumber & Lumber Products Branch, Production Division, War Production Board, announced the formation of a Lumber Industry Advisory Committee at a session of the Lumber & Timber Products War Committee, in a three-day meeting at ihe Blackstone lfotel, May 12,13, and 14.

The Advisory Committee is in two sections comprising 16 softwood manufacturers and 10 hardwood manufacturers. The softwood representatives are:

M. L. Fleishel, Putnam Lumber Co., Shamrock, Florida; Kenneth Hancock, M. S. Hancock & Son, Casco, Maine; F. C. Mills, Mills Lumber Co., Acworth, Georgia; C. R. McPherson, Wilson Cypress Co., Palatka, Florida; C. C. Sheppard, Louisiana-Central Lumber Co., Clarks, La.; Lacy Hunt, Tilford Hunt Co., Nacogdoches, Tex.; L.K. Pomeroy, Ozark-Badger Lumber Co., Wilmar, Arkansas; Frank H' Ilimes, Crandon, Wisconsin; Carl Bahr, California Redwood Distributors, Ltd., Chicago; J.M.Brown, Long I-ake Lumber Co., Spokane, Washington; Dana McDuffie, Blagen Lumber Co., Stockton, California; F. K. Weyerhauser, Weyerhatiser Sales Co., St. Paul, Minnesota; Charles Snellstrom, manager, Snellstrom Bros., Inc., Eugene, Oregon; W. C. Savage, Lake Washington Mill Co., Renton, Washington; O. R. Miller, president, Mt. Jefferson Lumber Co., Portland, Oregon; W. B. Greeley, secretary-manager, West Coast Lumbermen's Association, S.eattle, Washington.

The hardwood representatives are: Orven Johnson, Johnson Lumber Company, Manchester,

N. H.; Bruce Pancake, Pancake Lumber Co., Staunton, Virginia; E. M. Vestal, Vestal Lumber & Manufacturing Co., Knoxville, Tennessee; J. W. Damron, W. M. Ritter Lumber Co., Columbus, Ohio; Lee Robinson, Mobile River Sawmill Co. (Exporter), Mt. Vernon, Alabama; Walter Kellogg, Kellogg Lumber Co., Monroe, La.; C. W. Parham Lumber Co., Memphis, Tennessee; Carl L. White, Breece White Manufacturing Co., Eudora, Arkansas; A. O.

Anderson, Michigamme, Michigan; O. T. Swan, secretarymanager, Northern Hemlock Hardwood Manufacturers Association. Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The first meeting of the Advisory Committee will consider the following matters, Mr. Upson said:

1. Factors adversely affecting maximum lumber production for war purposes and methods of their control.

(r) Labor. Present supply. Drift to other industries. Present extent of overtime operation.

(b) Availability of equipment repair parts, replacements, and operating supplies. Needed prioritv ratings thereon. Suggestions for general allocation policy.

(c) Federal lumber specifications. Intra-federal competition.

2. Trends in lumber production for the balance ol 1942.

3. War production requirements. To what extent can they be met by industry ?

4. Rate and amount of substitution of wood in uses heretofore using metals and materials now under priority. Softwoods. Hardwoods.

5. Limitation order L-121.

6. Should lumber distribution and use be brought under a priority rating system generally.

Special topics for those committee members interested:

7. Other pressing problems of industry.

8. Frequency of future meetings. Softwood committee. Hardwood committee.

9. Supplies'of and needs for limitation orders on:

(a) Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine peeler logs for plywood industry.

(b) Sitka spruce and Douglas fir aircraft log and lumber grades.

(c) Birch logs for aircraft plywood. Other species. In opening the meeting of the Lumber & Timber Prod-

Wilson Compton, secretary and manager of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association, prefaced his remarks by reading the opening paragraphs of a speech he had made in 1918, under comparable national and industry circumstances, which seemed especially apropos again today.

"Twenty months ago the industry declared that there would be no bottleneck in the national defense program," Dr. Compton said. "That was a justifiable statement then. Since then the scope of the defense program and now the war program, in terms of national production, has been multiplied more than seven times. Pearl Harbor and its aftermath of gigantic war expansion has brought a congestion of war construction which for the time being at least has converted this fundamental safety valve industry into a bottleneck.

"Even the Army, the Navy, and the shipyards are not now getting enough lumber. There are two ways to meet that situation. One is to drive for increased production so far as that can be accomplished. The second is to ask other defense, essential civilian and farm users of lumber to stand aside temporarily until the Army, the Navy, and the shipyards can get what they need.

Wilson Compton ucts War Committee, at which were represented 35 lumber and timber products industries, M. L. Fleishel, president of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association, read a telegram from Donald Nelson, chairman of the War Production Board, which said:

"In order to meet the imperative and immediate needs of the War and Navy Departments and the Maritime Commission for construction lumber for the housing for the armed forces and for other essential war purposes I urge you and through you all logging and sawmill operators and lumber industry employees throughout the United States immediately to inaugurate a full program of maximum production of all species of softwood lumber in common board dimensional and structural timber sizes and grades, the situa' tion is so critical that I ask your immediate cooperation and action."

"Both these ways are being used. The first based on an appeal from the War Production Board for maximum lumber production which, for the most part, probably can be accomplished only through overtime operations. The second is proposed through a pending Limitation Order of the War Production Board which proposes temporarily tcl limit shipments of construction lumber from sawmills to the Army, Navy, and the Maritime Commission.

"This Order would, of course, ordinarily be regarded as confidential information until issued. But the fact that it was publicly, although prematurely, announced on the Pacific Coast last week by officials of the War Department and is publicly known as far south as Chile and as far north as Newfoundland would apparently relieve it of any confidential status.

"This condition is one which we will have to get along with if for no other reason than that we shall have, for the time being at least, no chance to get along without it.

"This congestion of war requirements of lumber would have been greatly relieved if the war agencies months ago had taken your advice that they coordinate their specifications, anticipate their major lumber requirements so far as possible, and frankly buy in advance for reserve. I think

(Con,tinued on Page 19)

HORACE WALPOLE SAID:

"The world is a comedy to those who thihk, a tragedy to those who feel."

An Optimist

They found a lot of courage, that simmered in the sun, Then blended it with lntience, and just a spice of fun, They poured in hope and laughter, and then with sudden twist-

They stirred it all together, and made an optimist.

Troubles Of A Prophet

The local weather bureau forecaster missed his predictions so badly and so often that he became a standing joke in the community, to his great annoyance, for he was by way of being a sensitive soul. So he applied for a transfer to another city.

"Why " asked headquarters, "do you want to be transferred?"

"Because," replied the unfortunate weather mai, "the climate here does not agree with me."

A NIGHT WATCHMAN'S CRY-

-almost anywhere in the world today: 'Eight o'clock, and all's hell !"

Life Means Endeavor

It makes very little difference what you have to do so long as you work with intensity and enthusiasm. You must work hard, think hard, love hard. Make up your mind that your whole life is a struggle against weakness and tempta. tion, against sickness and misery, against sham and falseness of all sorts. Every time you fail to accomplish the thing you set out to do, another step has been taken toward that bourne where the incompetent wither and shrivel up. All life, so far as we know, is struggle.

The True Lumberman

The true lumberman is one who possesses the patience of Job, the urbanity of a Chesterfield, the philosophy of a Marcus Aurelius, the mind of a poet, whose mirth bubbles up like a fountain, who recognizes humanity in man, is tolerant of his foibles, forgive his sins, and is great in the little things of life. THIS is the true lumbennan.

A Matter Of Habit

"Yes" said the specialist as he stood at the bedside of the sick purchasing agent, "I can cure you."

"\Mhat will it cost?" asked the purchasing agent.

"One hundred dollars" promptly replied the specialist.

"You'll have to shade that price a little," said the purchasing agent. "I've got a better bid from the undertaker."

, ENCLOSED FIND CHECK

"Enclosed find check" The sweetest words That e'pr oritclassed the song of birds I How they allay the widow's fears, And dry the orphan's briny tears !

When sad and tired and short of kale, A letter comes by morning mail, Like other letters it appears, With postage stamp, and inky smears-

"No doubt" we sigh, "it is a dunSome frantic person after mon; These beastly bills we cannot pay, Take all the sunshine from the day."

"And make us wish that we were dead, With stacks of granite overhead-" And then with languid hands we tear The envelope to see what's there.

And then out comes a note, by heck, With these brave words: "Enclosed find check." Ah ! Then we bid farewell to woe, And like the Brahma roosters crow !

The sun once more is cutting hay, The gloomy clouds are blown awey, The world is glad, that was a wreck Changed by the words-"Enclosed find check."

Smart Kid

The gentlgman stopped to talk to the wee bit of a girl who was making mud pies alongside of the walk. He said:

"Say, honey, you're pretty dirty, aren't you?"

"Yes" said the little girl, "but I'm prettier, clean.',

(Continued from Page 17) that advice was not heeded because of the prevailing belief that lumber could stand it without becoming a bottleneck. But the plain fact, visible to all of us and no.w to all of them, is that finally too many liberties have been taken with lumber and timber products and that some drastic actions now are necessary. With Mr. .IJpson, as the new Chief of the newly-founded Lumber and Lumber Products Branch of the War Production Board, it is not too much to expect that eventually these situations will be greatly improved. No one better than he knows the necessity of coordination of specifications and of purchasing.

"The first general Conservation Order issued two weeks ago prohibiting the use of metals in hundreds of civilian industrial products will undoubtedly add new strains on lumber supply and lumber production. Fortunately these strains will fall principally on shop and factory softwoods and hardwoods and not much on construction lumber. But the predicted and prospective ,substitutions of wood products for metals needed more for the fighting tools are in fantastic figures.

"It is hoped and expected that you will make appropriate recommendations with respect to these facts and problems for the guidance not only of the industry but more immediately for guidance of the official Lumber Industry Advisory Committee to the War Production Board which will have its first meeting in Washington on Saturday of this week. Most of the members of that Committee are here today. In addition it is hoped that you will give consideration to the continuance of this Lumber and Timber Products War Committee and if you conclude to continue it, it is hoped that you will make appropriate provision and recommendation for the future guidance of its activities.

"We are not funning this war. We cannot have everything our way. We can and should give the war agencies candid advice. But they must reach the conclusions as to policy and action and we must ,cooperate with those conclusions. We.cannot ourselves choose the song. But we will all want to join in the singing."

The army will require during the balance of May and the month of June an estimated 900,000,000 board feet of lumber, Walter T. Deadrick, chief, Materials & Equipment Section, Construction Division, Corps of Engineers, told the meeting. The Army is now spending $24,000,000 per month for lumber. The Corps of Engineers, he feels, will have to adjust its construction program to accord with the available supply of materials. The Army will buy above or below specified grades, if such grades are not available, he declared

E. C. Leach of the Rubber Conservation Committee, Office of Production Administration, urged upon the meeting the necessity for extraordinary care of tires that their working life may be extended to the utmost.

Harry G. Uhl, vice-president, Timber Engineering Company, told of many new developments in timber engineering and wood science that have been accelerated by the nation's need for mateiials and items in which shortages have been created by the war.

Take Strong Forestry Stand

Faced by enormous demands for a bumper harvest of forest products to meet war needs, yet impelled by a desire to keep the forest green for posterity, the Executive Committee by NLMA adopted a program of tree farms.

The Association approved in toto the forest conservation policy, drawn up by its Forest Conservation Committee.

The Lumber Industry Forest Legislative Program

Taking first things first, we urge Congress to enact an amendment to the Clarke-McNary Act increasing the Section 3 authorization for cooperative forest fire control from $2,500,000 to a minimum of $9,000,000; that $7,500,000 be appropriated in the 1943 fiscal year for this purpose; and that $1,000,000 be authorized under the Act to combat forest tree insects and diseases.

Secondly, we urge that 5.789, providing for cooperative sustained yield units, be enacted with some simple amendments.

In addition, we recommend the enactment of 5.1201, providing for payments in lieu of taxes on Federally-owned or acquired lands, and 5.601, providing for early completion and maintenance of the forest survey as conducted by the U. S. Forest Service.

Survey of Present Status of Private and State Forestry in the United States

'We authorize cooperation with a recognized school of forestry for a study under the direction of a nationallyknown forester who will report on industry achievements toward continuous forest production, and also on the relationship between state forestry policies and state forestry organizations to forestry on private ownerships. This report to be completed during the calendar year 1942 and, made available to the National Lumber Manufacturers Association.

Naw Designs for Civilian Construction

P. C. Wholesale Hardwood Distributors

Published by Association HofdAnnual Convention June 25-27

May 2,1942.-Wood has a dual role in today's building field-filling all the orders of Army and Navy and Air Corps and containing the supply of material for all allowable civilian construction.

For the use of designers in both fields, the West Coast Lumbermen's Association has recently published three blueprints illustrating recommended methods of nailing wood sheathing and bracing. The blueprints, Plate 1Diagonal Sheathing with No Bracing; Plate 2-Horizontal Sheathing with l"x(' Let-In Bracing; Plate 3-Horizontal Sheathing with 7'x4' Cut-In Bracing, were prepared by J. Lister Holmes, architect, and show the best means of construction for stiffness and strength.

Another booklet prepared for architects and designers is "Wood Gutter of Douglas Fir." With the present shortage of metals, wood gutters will be more generally used than in the past. Because of their complete harmony with the balance of the structure, wood gutters have been used by architects on the finest examples of wood-constructed homes and buildings. They have earned a reputation for durability, ease in installation, and low cost.

A third new leaflet is "Crossarms of Douglas Fir," giving service records as reported by executives, engineers and maintenance men of telephone, power and railroad companies throughout the country. All transportation and communication systems have a need, now, for increased facilities. The intent of the booklet is to prove wood's suitability and availability for the job.

U. S. ARMY CALLS

H. H. Whiteside, Whiteside Lumber Company, Los Angeles, mill representatives, has been called to active duty in the Army. He holds the rank of Major, Field Artillery, and is a veteran of the first World War, having served in England and France, as well as in this country. Mr. Whiteside is a director of the National Association of Commission Lumber Salesmen.

Don Rogers, well known lumberman, who has been active in the lumber industry in this territory for a number of years, has been made general manager of the Whiteside Lumber Company.

An excellent program both for the business sessions and for entertainment is promised by President P. R. (Bob) Kahn of the Pacific Coast Wholesale Hardwood Distributors' Association at the annual convention of the Association, which will be held at Hotel Del Monte, Del Monte, Calif., on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 25,26 and 27.

This will be the 20th annual convention and will be the seventh time that this organization has met at Del Monte.

J. E. (Ted) Higgins, Higgins Lumber Co., S"n Francisco, will be toastmaster at the annual banquet on Friday evening, June 26.

CCC to Purchase Grain Storage Bins

Washington, D. C., May 15-The U. S. Department of Agriculture announced today that Commodity Credit Corporation will purchase grain storage bins from whatever sources available to be used in relieving the congested storage situation in the heavy wheat-producing States. The offer provides for the purchase of bins having an individual capacity of from 1,000 to 2,4O0 bushels and not to exceed a combined capacity of 1@,000,000 bushels.

The bins will be used for storing wheat delivered to the Corporation in satisfaction of loans and will als,o be made available to producers who are unable to make other arrangements for storage of the 1942 crop.

The offer permits the storage structures to be prefabricated or precut and to be made from lumber and other materials ordinarily used in this type ,construction. The bins or material will be purchased from manufacturers or suppliers on a contract basis. Individuals and firms interested in receiving information should apply to the Washington office of Commodity Credit Corporation.

Specializes In Pine Mouldings

Wood Refining Company, with plant at 354O Union Pacific Avenue, Los Angeles, a recently organized woodworking concern, specializes in the manufacture of California Pine mouldings.

Thomas B. Wilson, who has had many years' experience in Pine manufacturing, is manager.