Condittons in tlte Ca/tfornia Millruorh fndustry

Bv A.W, Bernhauer President, Millwork In*itute of California

The prosperity of any industry is largely influenced by two most potent factors: first, conditions existing within the industry itself; secondly, external conditionJbeyond the control of any given group.

World economic conditions have materially affected the prosperity of the woodworking industry, reduced volume, caused unemployment and have developed a serious pricecutting situation. These same problems are being faced by every other industry and contiary to the belief o-f many of our own manufacturers our trials are no greater than those being experienced by others.

We cannot hope to overcome such super-imposed conditions but we can do much to help solve our internal troubles. We have a definite obligation to our loyal employees and we should exert every effort to so divide our employment that distress may be reduced to the minimum and that the work available be equally proportioned to those who have been in our organizations for many years. This can bb best accomplished by alternating employees in weekly or biweekly periods.

The reduction in volume should by'any sane reasoning tend to increase our selling price, as on a low volume production basis the cost automatically increases, but owing to lack of organization and general competitive conditions the reverse situation usually develops and in times of depression we sell our product at a price far below the actual cost of production. A continuance of this policy can only spell disaster to numerous operators and I firmly believe that many of our more progressive manu{acturers fully tealize these conditions and want to cooperate to the end that a fair selling price may be obtained.

Local organizations offer the best means of putting into effect this constructive program and fair prices can be ob- tained through such organization in a perfectly legal fashion. The government itself is advocating the establishment of cooperative marketing organizations in order to save the farmers from bankruptcy and the same principles surely apply to our industry. The day has passed when any one operator can gain an undue advantage over his competitor and only through a spirit of cooperation can success be obtained.

The Millwork Institute of California has confined its efforts to maintaining a friendly relationship between the manufacturers of Architectural Woodwork throughout the State and to further a comprehensive Trade Promotion Program among contractors, architects and owners. Through the activities of this organization the volume of millwork has been materially increased and bv a continuance of this constructive policy we will once again be able to obtain a fair proportion of the total construction cost.

The Institute has just published and is now distributing to architects throughout the State, fifty special Frame Details covering all types of construction which will make it possible for an architect to use wood sash and frames on any type of construction. Other publications of this character are now being developed and will be released from time to time as finances permit. The progressive manufacturers of Architectural Woodwork throughout the State have demonstrated their faith in the Institute by continuing their membership and supporting the progt"it in gen9rql. If the industry ever needed a constructive program, it is now, and the continuance of these activities are vitd to every manufacturer.

I firmly believe that our members have that fighting spirit that will enable them to carry on during these timei of depression and they will surely reap the harvest in an abundant measure in the verlr near future.

"White" Pine Case Redwood Mills Start ltnzac Campaign

(Continued from Page 20) ments further east. By about 1900 it was coming into middle western territories and about 1915 ponderosa completed its national distribution by entering New England in a limited way.

But as ponderosa lumber gradually spread eastward it came into competition more and more with true white pine in markets long occupied by true white pine. Accordingly ponderosa producers came to value the use of trade terms which include "white pine" for ponderosa products, and they now desire to continue such use, since these trade terms classify and associate ponderosa in the market with the true white pines and afford producers of ponderosa a substantial monetary sales advantage.

Realizing that the trend is decidedly back to wood the California Redwood Association is assisting its member mills in presenting to the trade a better class of Redwood siding-"An2ss"-4 siding that gives the hgme that modern and distinctive appearance so much desired by the home owner. Anzac siding affords a rugged, heavy shadow line effect that lends stabilitv and character to the home.

Member mills are ofiering the services of their own salesmen to the lumber dealers for contacting and selling the prospective home builder on this better class of siding. Descriptive literature and mats for advertising in the locil papers are being sent to the dealers on request, by the California Redwood Association, Financial Center Building, San Francisco.