Building Materials Price News is Good News, in Government Report

Families who have saved money for purchase of a lot to serve as down payment on a new home found good news in the latest Index of Wholesale Prices from the Labor Department's statistical bureau, states Orrie W. Hamilton, Chairman of Southern California Homes Foundation. Mr. Hamilton quotes the Department's index for the week ending Jtne 7 as showing building materials prices holding an exact level for three straight weeks, and with only two-tenths of one point increase for the previous month, contrasting with a 2.3 per cent rise for all commodities.

"Lumber, the basic building material," continued Mr. Hamilton, "dropped 1.1 point in price on a national average for the week ending June 7. Only two other commodity subgroups among thirty had a greater price decrease. Rents are steadily rising, particularly in the defense-industry centers of California. While supply of some equipment essential to the modern new home is subject to delay at present, due to defense priorities in certain metal products, Southern California Homes Foundation can recommend 'Build Now' in the conviction that moderate prices and good service are still generally available to the renting family that wants new home ownership.

"The local retail lumber dealer is the source of the most dependable information on the home-building situation in his community. It has never been more important that the prospective home owner consult with him, and use the services he has to offer.

"All progressive dealers in this area are equipped to provide design service, either in their own offices or through the contractors who cooperate with them. For such service a new series of plans for homes of moderate cost has been developed. The 'Clover,' presented this week by the Foundation, is a feature design of this group. Planned for comfortable living, with floor areas arranged for convenience and utility, this home may be built economically, and yet have an air of spaciousness. Tl-re good lines of the dormers add to the distinction of the exterior."

"Two Answer Books on Home Building" will be sent free upon post-card request to Southern California Homes Foundation, 1348 "E" Street, San Diego.

New Flexible PlasterBoard Knife Western Pine Ass'n lssues New Booklet

Newest product in the Red Devil line of tools and hardware for painters, glaziers, builders and other craftsmen is the Ptz-(' flexible plaster board knife shown in the accompanying cut. Its many features make the new knife especially useful in producing clean joints on plaster board, tile board and similar wallboard installations.

The full 4-inch blade has a sharp, square edge providing a smooth troweled effect and leaving a level plaster surface over the entire joint. The blade is carefully ground from semi-flexible, oil hardened and tempered tool steel, and will bend to a point about ll inct'es above the edge. Its mirror-like polish prevents plaster "drag" and makes it easy to keep the blade clean. Full-bellied side curves increase the blade's plaster-holding surface and eliminate excessive spilling. The blade goes right through to the tip of the handle in one solid piece.

Other construction features of this new tool include an oversize alloy bolster designed to prevent water and plaster from creeping under the handle, a genuine oversize imported cocobolo.handle ground to a shape that provides a real "he-man" grip and hand-polished and waxed, and four brass compression rivets (not pins) holding the handle permanently on the tang of the blade.

Further information about this new Red Devil P12 knife may be obtained from the manufacturer, Landon P. Smith, fnc., Irvington, N. J.

IOO,OOO FHA HOMES IN SIX MONTHS

Washington, D. C., June 28-Private home construction in the United States under the program of the Federal Housing Administration, will approximate 100,00O units in the first half of 194I, a gain of 25 per cent over last year, Administrator Abner H. Ferguson announced.

Portland, Oregon, July 2-As an aid to better retail merchandising, the Western Pine Association, with headquarters in this city, has published a new booklet titled, "A Guide to Store and Shop Uses of Western Pines." Its 16 pages are replete with timely suggestions for using Western Pines to advantage in smart and original displays, fixtures, backgrounds and paneled walls. It is profusely illustrated with over 90 pictures of exteriors and interiors showing distinctive background accessories and striking display arrangements in stores and shops from coast to coast.

This attractive publication was prepared in collaboration with A.E. Ffurst, store display analyst, who is a recognized authority on modern merchandising methods. Mr. Hurst is author of the 433-page Prentice-Hall book "f)isplaying Merchandise for Profit."

In view of the fact that changes are constantly being made in display methods used in retail department stores and specialty shops, this new booklet is most timely as there is a very noticeable trend towards a greater use of rvood for interior store displays and window backgrounds. Examples of outstanding installations of Idaho White Pine, Ponderosa Pine and Sugar Pine can be seen in scores of the nation's leading stores and exclusive shops.

This booklet should prove a valuable guide to store and shop managers, advertising departments, window display men and others responsible for store window displays and interior promotions. Architectural woodworking plants, cabinet shops and retail lumber dealers also will find this publication helpful in stimulating increased business through the sale of Western Pines for retail establishments and other commercial applications. Interested persons desiring a copy of "A Guide to Store and Shop Uses of Western Pines" may secure one free from the Western Pine Association, 510 Yeon Building, Portland, Oregon.

Appointed Yard Manager

Lester L. Stone has been appointed manager of the Hayward Lumber & Investment Company's yard at Yuma, Ariz. He was formerly assistant manager, and sncceeds Roy Culpepper who was recently transferred to Bakersfield to take charge of their yard there.