Cement Situation in Southern California Unrelieved

The acute shortage that has existed inr the cement supply in Southern California for several weeks past, remains, according to reports, unchanged up to the present writing.

The Building Material Dealers' A,ssociation, a body of twenty firms in Southern California hardling cement and other building malterial, on June 72nd, filed a resolution with the Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles, as follows: "'WHEREAS, there is an acute shortage of cement in Southern California at the present time, and-WHEREAS, building activities in this section of the country are in jeopardy because of the shortage, and-WHEREAS, manufacturers in adjacent section,s have a surplus of cement,-NOW BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that an emergency freight rate on cement be granted by tho Interstate Com,rnerce Commission from said adjacent territory, to relieve the distressing situation here." A meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce ,headquarters on June 22nd, attended by a committee appointed by the Chamber, representatives of the cement manufacturers and representatives from the Building Material Dealers' Association. There was considerable evidence 'offered that a shortage did exist, and a strong plea was made for this emergency rate on cement from Utah. It is understood that the emergency rate would equalize the Los Angeles cost on lJtah cement, to the present prices on the local product. A representative of the Associated Jobbers 'of Los Angeles filed a protest'against the granting of this rate, and claims were made that there was no sho/ltage, that the supply was normal. One Los Angeles dealer created a little excitement by offering an oflicial of one of the manufacturing companies a large cjrder for immediate delivery, cash to be paid at that time. It is said that this order was not accepted, and that the other dealers have not been able to olace orders with assurar,c€ of imrnediate delivery. Claims have been,made that this situation has undoubtedly affected building, especially in Los Angeles, and stress is laid upon the fact that every buildinrg means the need of some quantity of cement, at least for the foundation. One Los Angeles dealer made the remark that the permits in Los Angeles for July would have been much higher if the cement shortage had not existed'

A delay of 'two weeks was g'ranted by the Chamber of Comimerie, this decision being hotly protested by the dealers. Another meeting was called for July 13th, at which time it was hoped that a decision would be made.

A considerable quantity of cement has been delivered at San Pedro from Sweden, this relieving the si'tuation to some extent, and it is understood that various dealers have placed orders for other large quantities to come from there.