Hardwoods on the Pacific Coast

Bv LeROY H. STANTON President, E. J. Stonton & Son, Los Angeles

The hardwood business on the Pacific Coast, in company with practically all other lines, has, of course, been afiected by the general depression in business. Building operations have been greatly curtailed due to the troubles of the building and loan companies, and the fact that depressed real estate values have caused so much difficulty in re-financing. Naturally the hardwood business has been hit by this condition, not only through building material sales but on account of curtailed operations in the furniture factories. The reduction in building operations will, of course, result in a quickened demand later on, although indications are that l93l will be a very quiet building year.

With greatly decreased volume, the hardwood yards are confronted with the very serious problem of reducing operating expenses to a point where- they can handle the decreased demand at a profit, and it seems to me there are two very important features which the hardwood dealers should consider at this time:

First: Closer 6-operation sure ethical and profitable conditions.

Secondly: think of new is absolutely necessary to indealings under the depressed

The hardwood lumbermen must constantly uses for his products.

It is certainly a fact that the whole lumber trade have been very backward in promoting the use of their products with the result that the steel and plaster people have made very serious inroads on the use of wood prbducts. Steel sash have actually been sold at higher piices than good Sugar Pine Sash, when I. believe a good-Sugar Pine-man cou-ld give very convincing arguments thai Sugar Pine makes the better sash. Furthermore, the plaster piople are working out attractive textures and have driven wood finish out of a great many buildings where it could be shown that the proper use of trim and doors could greatly enhance the attractiveness and beauty of the plastei texture. In other words, the plaster dealer would do well to work hand in hand with the lumberman for the reason that use of com- paratively moderate-priced hardwood trim, such as philippine Mahogany, simply makes a good frame for the textuie plaster, _and as any builder should admit, gives the room the bright and, cozy effect so necessary to a good home.

Some builders are even using panelwork, tiim, and doors, which can_ be purchased locally at very reasonable prices, in the so-called home apartmenis, so distinctive in Southirn California. These builders have found that the use of this attractive rvoodwork has not only brought them higher rentals than obtain for apartmenti with iold plaster interiors, but has also acted is a g:eat stimulus in-filling their buildings and keeping them fiIled.

In conclusion, it seems to me that we hardwood men have a real opportunity close at hand to increase our business duringthe depres_sion and aft-erwards, if we all will just put in continuous and untiring efiorts to promote the usl of 6ur hardwoods with the buililing trades.- Beautiful hardwoods produced by American labor in our own Philippine possessions are coming in at very reasonable prices,-and it-seems to me that all of the lumbermen should co-operate to see that every new home, apartment or flat erectid in Southern California has the main rooms trimmed in these inexpensive but attractive woods. Lumbermen must awake to the necessity of fighting for the continued and increased use of their products or take a far back seat to the merchandisers of other products.

Another Joyous Occasion

(Continued from Page 12) no cycle ever returns, but the children of men continue to build homes, offi,ces, and stores; and to erect tall edifices that fret the stars of night. Opportunity knocks again, and Lady Luck waits, just aroundihe cornlr.

_ S-o [gre we go,_sailing out with a propitious tide, Captain Jack Dionne at the helm, and The ealiiornia Lumber \4erchant charting a smiling coirrse. Remembering the past, I hope we may avoid the shoals of Unethical Competition, the Sargasso sea of Inactivity, and all the adverse tides that 49w, and keep to the pleasant, sunlit sea lanes of Mutual Helpfulness and Co-operation. Singing, Working, Play- ing, away we go-it's sure to be a bonnfu voyage.

Anniversaries tend to make one introspectiv-e-they set us to conning the lessons of the past, and planning a future by the bright, revealing light of-experien,ie. Ann-iversaries pro1pt us to speak the words of appre,ciation, too often left lrnsaid, renew our allegiances, and itrengthen the bonds of brotherhood.

An4 so I'm glad that once a year we celebrate the coming of The California Lumber Merchant to our shores. I k-now. of no other journal so intimate-so helpful to the cl-ass.it represents. We know its publisher, its cipable stafi of editors, and its contributors. They are real to us, and not far distant personalities of whom we have only heard. Thev are -our friends, business associates, companions, and aiquaintances. We know that they are interested in our prob- lems, and are moved by our joys and tribulations. 'The California Lumber Merchant is-our magazine, published for us in our own Golden State. No othei is like-it-no other could take its place. For that reason we delight to do it honor, for that reason we should give it our earnest cooperation, and loyal support.

Here's to Captain Jack, his efficient crew, and The California Lumber Merchant ! Here's to every one of us-may we meet here again-next year, after a pleasant and projperous voyage !