Industry Executives Learn of Housing Drive Plans

Washington, Sept. 9.-Representatives of many key industries from every section of the country met here today with officials of the Federal Housing Administration to receive definite information as to the manner in which industry could cooperate with the Administration's endeavor to acquaint the public with the advantages of the Housing act and to stimulate interest in home modernization and repair.

Ward M. Canaday, FHA Director of Public Relations, described the various means devised by the Administration to reach the public. He told in detail of the Administration's activities with reference to press releases, preparation of literature of all kinds' arrangements for radio ad' dresses, and assistance in the form of designs for billboard posters, car cards, and other types of advertising approach. It was explained that the administration had enlisted the aid of advertisers who, although not directly concerned with the construction or building material industries, were willing to tie in with their own advertising an appeal for widespread home modernization. The fact was brought out that 16 million dwellings in the United States were in need of repair, and it was asserted that repairs would be undertaken on a nation-wide scale if home owners were properly stimulated by a patriotic and economic appeal.

Roger Stefian, FHA D.irector of Modernization Credits and formerly in charge of the Small L'oan Department of the National City Bank of New York City, stated that modernization loans insured by the FHA are actually being made in 38 states, although reports on the specific volume of loans have not been tabulated and are not ex' pe,cted for a week or ten days. He said that many of the banks were not accustomed to this type of loan, but that usually in a community having two or more banks it would be found possible to interest at least one financial institution. He added that there were a number of national finance companies planning to buy modernization notes on a country-wide scale and that in the event of the financial institutions of any community failing to extend accommodation to prospective home modernizers the Administration would be glad to furnish the names of finance companies willing to buy insured paper.

Facts Abotrt the CamPaign

W, D. Flanders, FHA Director of Field Organization, described the method by which it was planned to organize local housing committees in every community in the country. Although it was not expected that these bodies would be able to begin organization before September lst, it rvas found that such'committees are already functioning in 480 difierent communities and that several thousand of them will be ready to start local campaigns within the next 30 days. The plan provides for a campaign general manager' supported by various committees and by volunteer field workers who will make a house-to-house canvass, explain- ing to home owners the ease with which funds can be obtained to improve their properties.

H. D. Newson of the FHA, described the manner in which a number of newspapers had successfully published special sections on better housing and cited this as one illustration of the manner in which the movement would start a ripple of new business, for the increased volume of advertising had already given additional employment to printers throughout the country.

The "visomatic" method of presentation was explained and demonstrated. This machine gives a talk accompanied by pictures. Records have been prepared containing speeches to practically every class which might be inter' ested, or whose interest in the housing movement may be aroused. Constantly changing stereopticon slides add a graphic illustration to the voice appeal. The Administration has arranged for these machines to be on call at 200 Western Union offices throughout the country, where they may be obtained at a slight rental fee.

Northrup Is Lumber Representative

Jas. A. Moffett, head of the FHA, made a brief talk on "The Better Housing Program-A Challenge to Industry", and Albert L. Deane, Deputy Administrator, spoke on "Financial Aspbcts of the Better Housing Program".

The meeting concluded with conferences between delegates and their various industry advisors. Lumbermen met with H. R. Northrup of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association, who has been designated by the FHA as its lumber advisor.

Interested trade associations were urged to act quickly in order to tie in with the general campaign and also with the multitude of local campaigns which soon will be in progress in communities throughout the country.

In addition to Mr. Northup, the lumber and timber manufacturing industries were represented at the meeting by G. C. Wathen, and L. N. Ericksen, National Lumber Manufacturers Association, Washington, D. C.; George Evans of New York, Douglas Fir Door Manufacturers Association; H. B. Wiscomb of Tacoma, Wash., Douglas Fir Plywood Association; H. C. Berckes and W. H. O'Brien of New Orleans, La., E. L. Kurth, Keltys, Texas, Southern Pine Association; Ed. R. Linn of Memphis, Tenn., Hardwood Manufacturers Institute; W. W. Woodbridge of 'Seattle, 'Wash., and R. T. Titus of New York, Red Cedar Shingle Bureau; J. F. Wigginton of Jacksonville' Fla., Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association; Thomas R. Kerr of Oshkosh, Wis., Northern Hemlock and Hardwood Manufacturers Association; M. W. Stark of Chicago, National Woodwork Association; and Harrison N. Hiles, American Veneer Package Association. The retailers were represented by Frank Carnahan of Washington, D. C,, L. P. Lewin of Cincinnati, O., and G. N. La Pointe, Jr., National Retail Lumber Dealers Association.