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FIR-REDtVOOID

FIR-REDtVOOID

t'We have used Schumite Laminated plank on some of our recenr projects and have found it to be quality merchandise in every respecr, really a step in the right direcrion.

"Used as roof phnk it has certain definite advantages. For one rl-ring, it is 6re-resisrant, and ir has also becn our experience that it I'ras sone insr-riating properties. What is quite imporranr, its use as roof plank will prevent a lot of the cracks in roofing material which are bound to develop when lumber is used, for there is no shrinkage or curling as there is with lumber, *'hich cracks bulge up and throw off the gravel coar and expose the roof to possible leaks.

The use of Schun-rire Laminatetl Plank by the contracting industry is bound ro increase every day."

Their gallant deeds shine bright as flags, sky blown, And bring to us who knew them, quick, proud tears and wonder, too. They have so swiftly grown Who yesterday drove cars like shining spears, Along the highways, laughing, shouting, free. Today they are not boys, but men who fight To hold our battle lines on land and sea, Thru din of shell-torn day and bomb-filled night; We thought them heedless. Did we then forget Their fathers fought that they might have a space Of carefree play? They but repay their debt. They, too, would pass to youth the right to race Thru clover fields, explore a winding stream, Or climb a star-capped hill to pray or dream.

("The Boys of Yesterday," by Mary V. Farnum.)

As this is written, .n.: ';;s of Yesterday" that the lovely verse above so poetically praises, are writing new records on human history for heroism and unbeatable valour in battle. They have swept France, driven like the wind across Belgium, roared into Holland, and are driving the Boche backward on the very soil of Germany. My memory is faulty. I am trying to recall when was the last time an invading army struck into Germany. It was long ago. Who knows? By the time these words reach our readers, they may have won complete and final victory over the Hun. The time is short.

A friend mailed *" ""JnJ rJ""ry little verse about the soldier boys that will find an echo in every American heart, that goes like this: Guard him, oh God, no love of mine, Can shelter him from ill. Encircle with Thy grace divine, And guide him by Thy will. Protect him, guard him every hour ! f leave him in Thy care, Thine is the will, Thine is the Power, Mine-is just the prayer.

And so, while the European War swings at breakneck speed toward its climax, here at home the words and prayers of thanks and rejoicing are mingled with discussion of the postwar period "When the boys come home." It is proper that this should be. For those boys must come back to something worth while after risking their lives in the cause of war. And so there must be wise and intelligent planning and ACTING in that direction.

The papers are filled with stuff about demobilization, most of it contradictory. I expect the bulk of it is written by the Washington space writers, and is without any ofEcial foundation. One day we are told that one million men will be demobilized as soon as Germany falls. Another writer says it is two million; still another says three' I am sure their guesses are as good as yours or mine, and no better. This morning a big headline quotes some unnamed authority who says there will be no immediate demobilization. Of course there will be some very shortly after fighting ceases. That is, in the army. The Navy will no doubt continue building strength until the fall of Japan. But the army boys fighting in the European war zone will be coming home in clusters. Pray let it be soon'

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They will want jobs. They shall have them. There will be jobs and to spare for them as fast as they are demobilized if practical and able men are given the jobs of reconversion and job handling. If we get some more of the Henry Wallace and Harry Hopkins type of thinking there will be Hades to pay and no hot pitch. But I don't think we will. Many newspapers say Harry is going to be the power behind the War Production Board from now on, but I don't think our people will stand for any more stupid amateur bungling. Certain it is for the moment that the big business men who made WPB the greatest success in history, are gone, and none like them have taken their places. But with such great and good things happening abroad, we are safe in believing in great and good things here at home.

* x x

The lumber and building men, anxious to play a leading part in the postwar employment picture, are on their toes for news of the relaxation of lumber and building restrictions. As far as "reconversion" from war to peace is concerned, the lumber industry is particularly fortunate. It never changed its plants or equipment-never had toand therefore no reconversion of equipment, machinery, and mechanics is necessary for lumber. The same industry from woods to consumer is ready to take up the burden.

We were told offrcialrr* j.rl, Jn" ott ", day by the War Production Board that many industries will be allowed to change at least 40 per cent from war to peace production as soon as Germany falls, but listed several that they said would NOT be given such immediate permission, and one of them is lumber. Of course, no man knows, either ofEcials or civilians, just what the lumber needs of the

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