Vagabond Editorials

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The new lumber tariff has brought no serious inconvenience to the lumber industry of California. Everything is going on as of yore. Most of the lumber that comes to California from Canada is dressed no more than one side or one edge, and since this comes in fcee no great furore has been the result. And port officials have proven very courteous and willing to cooperate with the shippers in handling the tariff collections on the tariff-paying lumber that comes in. The Atlantic coast, which has been in the habit of buying its lumber from Canada dressed, is feeling the change more keenly.

The large import ., "rrrr*e lumber undergoes no change as the charge is on softwoods only. Canadian softwoods are the only woods entering California affected by the tariff, and then only when manufactured further than one side or one edge. The tariff on dressed softwoods is $1 per thousand, regardless of grade cir size.

The forest conservationists will have plenty of opportunity to grin the rest of this year. Bmause the forests are goingto be considerably curtailed. Production ali along the Pacific Coast'today has reached a very low ebb, and is likely to stay that way for months to come. For instance, one big Redwood concern that ordinarily operates qeven headrigs is now operating only three, and expects to keep on that way until there is a great change in the mdrket. rF*

Price cutting on lumber and millwork continues throughout California-regrettable, ferocious, throat-slashing competition that won't live itself or let the other fellow live. Yet lumber isn't all. In Los Angeles today gasoline is do.rryn to 9 cents a gallon. And at that ridiculously low price, lt is just about the same price as lumber. For lumber is cheaper than it has ever been-cheaper than it can possibly be made and distributed.