Buildrn{ Conditions in Arlzona

Bv J. J. Halloran Halloran-Bennett Lumber Co.

Phoenix, Arizona

Do not believe that building conditions generally vary very much in Arizona over the general average for the country. There has been a general easing up in building construction throughout the state, and this is particularly true of the mining centers like Globe, Miami, Jerome, and Clarkdale. Bisbee and Douglas, also, have reflected in building operations the low price that copper now yields, which is probably the lowest in the history of the industry. Building permits in Tucson and Phoenix for the past six months have shown a considerable decline over last year. Due to the ,construction of several large buildings, the business section of Phoenix would indicate a f.air amount of activity, but the lumber business derives its chief source of revenue from residential and apartment house construction. This type of work, and speculative building as well, is practically at a stand-still. If one is content to take the average over a period of years, Arizona has been good to the lumber industry, and the writer and other dealers, as well, are inclined to be thankful for a fair average for the past five year period.

Stormy days will come, the skipper must keep the ship trim and ride the storm. and at the same time there be provided a good test for pilot, ship, and crew.

There is a large program of highway work contemplated for the coming year, and it is good to ncite that many of the bridges are being constructed of lumber, heart redwood and treated fir being specified.

The City of Phoenix is just winding up a contract involving over a million dollars for a new water system, and work is now being started on sewer lines and sewage disposal plant that will involve ahother million dollars. Considerable lumber and cement have been used in both projects, in addition to the fact that .this work has aided some in taking up the slack of the unemployment situation.

Witl not attempt to prophesy what the future holds in a building way other than to express the positive thought that anyone operating in this western country can well afford to be patient. The coming years can only produce good results, and one factor in producing them is the continued desire of a large part of our population to reside in this land of promise-east of the Colorado-and come to think of it. west of it, as well.

* the occasion of its Ninth Anniversa ry wewish to compliment THE CALIFORNIA LUMBER MERCHANT.

I UfS Journal has established and maintained a definite campaign for the welfare of the retail lumber trade, in which we are all vitally interested.

I HEREFORE,we offer our wishes of continued success to THE CALIFORNIA LUMBER MERCHANT, and dI its readers, our customers and friends.