Retailers' Annual Convention

Continued from Page 1l) gram worked out by the Redwood Association, and the organization of the California Wholesale Lumbermen's Association which is functioning with practically 100 per cent of the dealers in the northern part of the state. He discussed lumber conditions, and also talked on the activities of the lumber groups throughout the state. Mr. Lake urged that the local groups be kept functioning, and asked the dealers to cooperate with the state association.

Friday Morning

Kenneth Smith presided at the Friday morning session.

Frank J, O'Connor, San Francisco, secretary-manager of that the chamber of commerce cannot do anything until organization has been completed.

E. F. Watkins, Los Angeles, manager of Purchases and Stores, Southern California Edison Company, Ltd., read an excellent paper on "Buying and Selling for Profit." Mr. Watkins used a reproduction of two posters with his address titled "Where do you fitin-The Paddock or the Corral?" In the paddock were the thoroughbreds representing the capable, well appointed business men, ready and willing to shoulder the load and run a clean race. In the corral are the jackasses representing the mavericks in the California Wholesale Lumbermen's Association, was the first speaker, his subject being "The California Wholesale Lumberriren's Association: Is it a threat or a promise ?" He stated that the aims of the association are to help both the wholesalers and retailers in overcoming many difficulties that have prevailed in the past; eliminate the transit shipment of lumber, and stabilize the lumber market. Several Northern California retailers reported that the Association is doing excellent work and is cooperating very closely with the lumber groups in that section. Mr. O'Connor advised that the Association is cooperating with the mills; also that their organization would be pleased to cooperate with any of the lumber groups in the state.

"Why the Public Wants Price Stabilization" was discussed by M. C. C. Hine, chairman of the Price Stabilization Committee of the Los Angeles chamber of commerce. Mr. Hine told of the activities of the Los Angeles chamber of commerce to bring about price stabili zation in Southern California, what they accomplished and what the chamber can do. When the chamber took up the work, he stated, price competition had become so acute that it was utterly impossible to continue this price cutting without hurting the community. Two important things to bring about price stabilization, he stated, are organization and cooperation; this will solve a lot of your problems and things will work out satisfactorily. He impressed on the dealers business who bray, kick or balk and generally mess up things and are allowed to run loose. The moral is that the thoroughbreds must form a rodeo committee and see that all mavericks are hog-tied, branded and kept in the corral with their kind where they may kick and bray at each other but not spoil the race for thti thoroughbreds.

Excerpts of Mr. Watkins' address follow:

"The buyer who in a time like this, scuttles the seller's ship for an immediate price advantage, may by that very act contribute toward destroying his own best source for future supply.

"The seller who, in a time of flush business activity, overreaches the bounds of legitimate price demand, is by that very act destroying the faith and confidence which may hold him the support of valuable customers during lean times.

"The principle involved here has nothing to do with cant or sentimentality. It is not a preachment nor a vague theory for moralists. There is nothing about the subject that suggests any 'holier than thou' atmosphere. We need not raise the eyebrow, nudge our neighbor, or wink across the table at a suggestion which imposes upon each of us-you and me-the obligation to deal in business fairly, justly, and with understanding consideration. It is just plain, good, sound business.

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