Important Changes in \M. C. L. Ass'n

An intensive effort to improve the quality and grading of its products was decided upon by the West Coast Lumbermen's Association at its June meeting, held in Portland, Oregon, when it was voted to discontinue its daily sales analysis and divert to grading and inspection of the energy formerly expended in collecting price data.

This was the culmination of plans adopted by the directors of the association several months ago and approved by the general membership. At that time the bylaws of the organization were amended as pertaining to eligibility of membership, so that they now read:

"No mill shall be admitted to membership in the West Coast Lumbermen's Association whose grad-s fall below a test of grades efficiency, to be determined by the board of trustees.

"Any member whose grades over a reasonable period shall fall below the test of grading efficiency established by the association shall forfeit its membership in the Association.

"This membership qualification, together with a list of the association members in good standing, shall from time to time be nationally advertised."

Under the authority of this by-law, the association now requires that the product of all members be not less than 95/o on grade according to West Coast Lumbermen's Association Grading Rules and complying with American Lumber standards.

According to Robert B. Allen, secretary-manager of the association, improved mill inspection work by the Department of Grades is now being carried on and monthly detailed inspection of stock in sheds and yards of manufacturers is [o be held to the highest possible standard.

"Whenever such inspection reveals a condition of stock being not at least 95/o on grade, the mill will be sent a letter of warning by the association and will be put on probation with special attention from competent gladers, in order to bring its grades back to conformity wittr ttre standards," Mr. Allen explains.

"Then if on the next inspection the stock is still below standard, the case will be reported to the trustees and prompt acliog will be taken in cancelling the membership of such mill."

Where new mills apply for membership, applications are placed on file until association inspectors have time to elamine the stock, or if below standard, until the grading of the particular mill has been brought up to the siandard of the grading department.

"Only mills belonging to the West Coast Lumbermen's Association have the privilege of this rigid monthly inspec- tion service," Mr. Allen declares, "assuring uniformity of grades in conformity with American Lumber Standirds. The- wh.ole program constitutes a sincere efiort on the part of the Association to guarantee that stock purchased from its members will be of uniform quality and grade."

Under.the present system, it ii explained, every mill employeg who is connected with grades is officially rated every month as to his grading ability. This requirement has been in force for more than a year, with the result that deficient graders have been largely weeded ogt, while mill emplovees dealing with grades have been encouraged to take a greater interest in their work. Graders hold meetings with the association supervisors after working hours, in order to get special instruction.

The present grading system was further strengthened at the June meeting by the passage of a resolution making the permanent Grading Rules Committee of the Association the sole interpreter of rules. This prevents any possibility of variation of grade interpretation and fixes the supreme "court of last resort" on any question of grades.

The West Coast Basic Differential List (not a price list) of May I,1926, is the only basic list applying to,West Coast forest products, which conforms to American Lumber Standards and it is pointed out that lumber buyers and distributors who place their business on that list are helping further the cause of governmentally-sponsored grades, sizes, simplified practice and waste elimination. It is also believed that the efforts of the West Coast Lumbermen's Association, representing as it does the world's most important stand of soft wood timber, will be appreciated by lumber dealers, architects, contractors and builders as a forward step in the standardization of material.

Long-BellOak Flooring

"TI{E PERFECT FLOOR" ia an important part of every house that'e built. Itg durability, economy, inherent beauty, and sueceptibility to a fine finish are unaurpaesed. Lons-Bell trademarked oak fooring is thoroughly seasoned, well manufactured and carcfully graded so that the labor cogts of laying and 6nighing are considerably rcduced.

Mr. Glen Pierce, Contractor, Ionia, Mich., says: "Car- penter's time is also noticeably saved with sood floor- ing which, being qccurately -machined and- carefully seasoned, can be fitted together with a minimum of effort, Ordinary flooring often requires considerable elfort to drive the joints together and even then is likely to spread because not thoroughly seasoned."

T!t.-lqgg_ty.o!_tLis quality flooring is not "skin deep"- IT IS DURABLE AND BEAUTIFUL ALL THE WAY THROUGH.

The Long-Bell Lumber Company

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