Millwork Institute of California

(Continued

Managing Director H. T. Didesch then presented his report which is as follows:

"Since the San Jose meeting the Institute program has made more progress of a kind that secures permanent results than ever before during any period between meetings. On the theory that strong local oiganizations are the cdrnerstone of a strong State body, my own time has been devoted almost exclusively to organization work in the field. I have spent a total of almost seven weeks away from Los Angeles, as a direct result of rvhich, new locals or very much strengthened old organizations are .now. ac:'ally_functioning or on the verge of functioning in the San Francisco, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno. ind San Mateo territories.

"The style of "organization efiected in these markets is such that there is in almost every case a one hundred per cent membership of milhvork operators, or assurance that shortly there wiU be, plus either actual membership of retail lumbermen engaged in the sale of millwork products or a close tie-in with them that will accomplish the same results.

"The most disrupted market in the State is Oakland. It was in that position during the San Jose meeting and continues to remain so. You will recall that I waslnstructed by the Board of Directors to go to that field for reorganiza- tion purposes and to remain there until that aim had been

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piling -an "Empty List" to supplement Standard Sash & Door Schedules No. 128, occuiried my time. Such a list was req_uired by those markets, which make it a practice to sell sash and doors at retail in an unglazed stale, as lvell as by wholesalers, who sell "empties', t-o retailers. In both cases Schedule No. 128 could beLnd was used as published, but the operation was somewhat lengthy, which-objection is overcome in the "Empty List.', This publication consists of a 20 page book in i7rinted form, which schedules a "worked-out" and corresponding unglazed list for each glazed item occurring in No. 128. It hjs been distributed to the "empty" markets and to the wholesale membership. On account of its character it would be utterly w.ons fo broadcast this publication, but I do believe thit it w;uld be advisable to furnish each member with one copy for his own information and. use as a buying list fof empties. There should be a ruling from the Board on this point before adiournment of tomorrow's meeting. journment

"Schedule No. 128 itself, continues to be. an outstanding accomplishmg"! gf the Institute. Its use rs growrng constantly, and it is being found, even by members who were notoriously skeptical as to its value, to be the best pricing medium ever introduced into the millwork trade. - Awai from home, it has contributed a great deal to our prestig6. both from a national and international point of viiw.

Among Those Present

accomplished. After 1l days put in on the job there, following through every possible kind of lead, it became evident that the Board's instruction could not be carried out literally. Oakland, therefore, continues to be a problem, and while indubitably a serious one, it is not hopeless of solution, and nothing will be left undone, to work out the tangle before our November session.

"In my work with the various local groups, I found it absolutely necessary to deal with the lumbermen operating in those fields. Both millmen and lumbermen need to be organized along similar lines, and if membership in a joint organization is not feasible, then as a substitute, ihere should be a joint management. That is a thought that should remain uppermost in our minds as regards local organizations. It is entirely logical and the only practical means of attaining stabilized prices, standard practices and general harmony. Furthermore, if it is necessary and practical of application in local groups, then it is just as necessary and practical of application.in a State way, and ultimately must be put into effect. This is not just the right_time to attempt it, but it should be done just ps soon as all local groups are properly organized. For the present.we should set it up as a future move, doing simply those things that will shape our course to that end.

"Prior to concentrating on field work, the matter of com-

* "The San Jose Conference decided that the Managing L)trector, one representative elected by the Northern membership and one representative elecied by the Southern membership, constitute an official delegati6n from the Institute to the Trade Practice Conference called for Chicagq on May 14th. I decided that afiairs in California, did nit justify my own attendance and with the consent of President Gaetjen, remained away from the session. That aci tion, added at least l0 da1's of my time available for urgent work at home, plus a saving of at least $300.00 speciallra- veling expense to the Treasury.

"The Institute, however, was officially and very ably represented at the Trade Conference. Messrs. J. G: Kennedy and A. E. Nicholsen, were the chosen delegales. They tooi< an active part in the proceedings and .were accorded ipecial honors by the Conference. Mr. Nicholson w.as mide a member of the Committee on Committees and at the close of the Conference when the matter of a National millwork bo{l was presented and carried, was named on the Organi. zation Committee.

"I will not comment on the Trade Conference matter other than- to say that it is the outstanding thing achieved by the industry. It set up 18 resolutionJ defin-ing unfair

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