Retailers' Annual Convention

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"It must be apparent to every man here, especially if his books are closed for 1931 operations, that to continue to sell on a basis which fails to cover a proper overhead burden plus a reasonable profit, can lead only to disaster. This is all elementary true-you know it, you agree it is so. You listen to speakers, even orate yourselves, write articles and adopt resolutions against profitless sellers and chiseling buyers, and then go right ahead yourselves goug- level we ever dreamed were possible. This can be done, has been done, and is being done, and the men who are doing it have sense enough to refuse to join the lunatics. They keep clear of sales which do not carry a profit in addition to burden. The management of such concerns will not tolerate any salesmen with the price complex.

"What we need is courage to face facts, character to stand by sound principles, a militant personal honor in ing and chiseling with such vigor that there is hardly a man or an industry left untainted with some phase of this mania for self-destruction.

"We are in hot water most of the time trying to keep out of hot water. If we intimate to a supplier that his price is too low and suggest that we are not yet looking for charity nor to be haled into court for contributing to the delinquency of a bidder, he will come running in next time with his cost sheets and want us to tell him the price he should quote. So we get nowhere along those lines.

"The prqsent chaos in commodity prices, the wholesale scrapping of preconceived notions as to manufacturing and distribution methods and practices, is, of course, painful and upsetting to all of us. But our job as American men of energy and courage is not concerned with letting our emotions govern our outlook or submerge our judgment under any set of conditions. The wailing wall may serve its purpose in Jerusalem, but can serve no good purpose here.

"Our job is to clean house, reduce costs down below any

Convention

our dealings, a keener sense of individual responsibility in our human relationships."

Friday Noon

The Frolic luncheon for men only was held at the Alexandria Hotel on Friday noon with a large attendance. Kenneth Smith acted as master of ceremonies. Paul Hallingby extended greetings to the visiting lumbermen attending the convention. Kenneth Smith read a telegram of greetings from the Sawtelle chamber of commerce, and in appreciation of the civic activities in that community by A. J. Stoner of the Sawtelle Lumber Co., the chamber presented him with a beautiful present. Mr. Stoner responded very fittingly in appreciation of the gift.

In introducing Jack Dionne, publisher of "The California Lumber Merchant," Mr. Smith said that he has branched out from his editorial writings and is now a full-fledged author, having recently published "Cullud Fun," a compilation of some of his famous negro stories. Jack, who always has a fund of stories on hand, told several of his favorites that were greatly enjoyed by the gathering.

Friday Afternoon

C. W. Pinkerton, Whittier Lumber Company, Whittier, presided at the afternoon session.

' A d.b"t" of the Trust Deed Law, which was State Proposition No. 3 on the November 8 ballot, opened the afternoon business session. Leslie H. Kranz spoke in favor of the amendment, while former Senator Harry Chamberlin spoke against it. Both sides presented their arguments in a very convincing manner, and the speakers were given a fine round of applause at the conclusion of the debate.

C. H. Wade, president of the Twelfth District Federal Home Loan Bank at Los Angeles, presented the workings of the Federal Home Loan Banks. The dealers were interested in knowing how long before the construction in-

John C. Cremer, Manager of Lumber Research, Inc., of Seattle, Wash., was the last speaker of the afternoon session. He stated that after makinq a trip over the country he found that new'innbvations in merchandising were not' proving profitable, and that lumbermen were finding that the road to profit in many cases lies in going back to the old principles on which the lumber industry was builded.

Friday Evening

The annual banquet and dance was held in the ball room of the Hotel Alexandria on Friday evening. During the dinner hour, F. Dean Prescott took the stage and paid Harry A. Lake, president of the Association, a splendid compliment in behalf of the association for their appreciation of his fine work and efiorts during the past year. Mrs.

dustry would feel beneficial results from this agency, and Mr. Wade answered many questions regarding the operations of the Home Loan Banks.

Dudley Chandler, Credit Material Dealers' Credit Association, and C. W. Pinkerton addressed the meeting on legislative matters of importance to the building industry.

A motion presented by Jerry Sullivan, and seconded by E. T. Robie, opposing State Proposition No. 3 for abolishing trust deeds was unanimously passed. The convention also went on record as opposed to the Uniform Mechanics Lien Law as the present Mechanics Lien Law is better adapted to the dealers' needs than the new law; the motion was presented by E. T. Robie and seconded by Henry M. Adams.

Fine Cabinet \7oods -

Floorins

Lake was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Following the dinner, dancing continued until midnight.

Saturday Morning

Harry A. Lake was re-elected president of the Association at the Directors' meeting on Saturday morning. E. T. Robie, vice president of the Northern District; Earl Johnson, vice president of the Southern District, and Ross Blanchard, treasurer, were also re-elected to serve for the ensuing year. Balancing the Association budget was also given consideration at the meeting.

Saturday Afternoon

On Saturday afternoon, many of the lumbermen attended (Continued on Page 22)