August 10, 1915. 



HARDWOOD RECORD 



21 



should say were perhaps a little below the market, wouW be $38 for 4/4 

 FAS, $19 for No. 1 common and $13 for No. L' common. 



No. o common birch lias been its own competitor and price has worked 

 down from $16 delivered Milwaukee to $12.50 and $13, and some sales made 

 as low as $11.50. We have taken the trouble tu follow up a lot of these 

 sales and find out the exact conditions, aud in every instance these prices 

 are being reduced in competition with birch and with nothing else. I do 

 not believe that anyone can figure that they can deliver No. 3 common 

 birch in Milwaukee at less than $1G without losing money. I believe that 

 the utmost concession from that figure required by the present conditions 

 of other woods would be from $1 to $1.,">0. which would make the price 

 $14.50 to $1.'>, and I am sure if the price had not been reduced before this 

 point that as much No. 3 birch would have been used. 



5/4, 8/4 and 8/4 No. 3 birch is selling at about $1 above the price of 

 4/4. This would make the No. 2 and better price f. o. b. mill points in 

 Wisconsin on birch $22 to $24, according to niuility, and No. 3 common 

 about $9. 



E. A. Haniar, reporting for maple, oak ami ash, said there are no 

 great surpluses in these woods. 



Chairman Quinlan summarized the views of the market conditions 

 committee as follows : 



Mr. Quinlan's Report 



The Michigan midsummer meeting, held a few days since at Mackinac 

 Island, develops this condition : that notwithstanding a decided actual 

 reduction in production, stocks on hand have increased, and there is 

 much less lumber under contract than a year ago. This report shows 

 pretty clearly that conditions there are identical with our own. 



I have endeavored to get some information on yellow pine, which 

 summarized shows about as follows : Yellow pine piece stuff is about 

 $2.50 per M higher than January first. All inch common except 6" and 

 8" No. 2 about 50 cents higher — 6" and S" No. 2 is about $1.50 higher. 

 Common and better yellow pine is a trifle lower — say about 50 cents. 



There is one subject that I thiuk calls for pretty strong action by this 

 association. Here it is : Many yards in Wisconsin and northern Illinois 

 have cut cut hemlock and white cedar shingles and substituted for them 

 yellow pine and western shingles, and yet the owners of these yards claim 

 our protection. This is true in cities like Madison, Appleton, Green Bay, 

 and I presume is also true right here in Oshkosh. 



The fault lies partly with the architects and builders, but mainly with 

 the retail yards themselves. Some retail dealers will tell you this is 

 beyond their control, but I dispute this, for I know of at least one city 

 in Wisconsin supporting three yards — one yard handles almost exclu- 

 sively hemlock and white cedar shingles, while the other two yards 

 handle almost exclusively yellow pine and western shingles, and the 

 yard handling the hemlock and white cedar does the largest business, 

 thus proving that hemlock lumber and white cedar shingles can be put 

 into use, if a little effort be made. We have the remedy in our own 

 hands if we only will use it. The remedy is to establish in such towns 

 as have cut out hemlock a hemlock yard, or, if this action be too 

 radical, then to put out salesmen into such territory to sell direct to 

 the builders and consumers, always protecting the dealer who loyally 

 handles our products. I think this remedy should be put into effect 

 without unnecessary delay. 



Concluding, these reports will not make us feel any too good, and were 

 wisely set down for the closing day of our meeting so as not to inter- 

 fere with our enjoyment of the splendid entertainment furnished us yes- 

 terday by the committee in charge. .\s a rule your bureau of grades 

 committee has tried to see and submit as favorable reports on conditions 

 and prospects as possible, and thus encourage us all to return to our 

 several homes at least hopeful. Today's reports, however, outline pres- 

 ent conditions and future prospects exactly as they appear to your 

 committee. 



Perhaps a word about continued curtailment "t production would not 

 he amiss. A careful study of costs and realization ought to be sufficient 

 to control this subject. Let each member take these figures home with 

 him and compare the averages shown with his own costs, being sure to 

 get into his own costs all the items that properly belong there. Then, 

 if satisfied with the showing, go ahead as usual — but if not satisfied 

 with the showing, apply the remedy, which is so apparent. 



E. A. Hamar, who was appointed delegate from the Northern Hem- 

 lock a)id Hardwood Manufacturers' Association to the annual meet- 

 ing of the National Lumber Manufacturers' Association at San 

 Francisco, said that without a doubt this meeting was the most 

 productive of any meeting he had ever attended. 



C. H. Worcester, in reviewing the lumbermen 's plea before the Fed- 

 eral Trade Commission at Washington, said this work must be fol- 

 lowed up to produce results. He expressed iloubt of positive action, 

 but believes lumbermen will be given greater freedom and predicts a 

 federal corporation law under which firms can be incorporated to be 

 given certain privileges with certain penalties for abuse of these 

 privileges. 



The committee on resolutions then reported as follows, the various 

 resolutions being unanimously adopted: 



Resolutions 



WhereaSj At least one-half of the members of this association are not 

 reporting stock on hand and cut and shipments, and a still larger pro- 

 portion are not reporting sales ; 



Resolved, That the statements obtained of cut, shipments, stock on 

 hand and sale reports shall be mailed only to firms reporting. Any 

 firm not making sales in any week reporting that fact to the secretary 

 will be excused, and it is further 



Resolved, That this rule applies only to members shipping five million 

 or more per annum ; be it further 



Resolved, That this would take effect September 1, 1915, and that the 

 secretary be instructed to publish this resolution in the next issue of the 

 bulletin. 



Resolved, That the following amendment be presented at the next 

 quarterly meeting of the association : 



Resolved, That Article 2 of the constitution be amended by changing 

 the fifth line to read at least 25 per cent ; and the second paragraph to 

 read : "The board of directors shall have authority to accept or reject 

 any applications possessing the above qualifications for membership." 



Resolved, That the communication of A. F. Marsh, chairman of trafBc 

 committee of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, relative to the 

 investigation of the lumber industry proposed to be made by the Inter- 

 state Commerce Commission, be referred to the bureau of transportation 

 and legislation with full authority to represent the interests of this asso- 

 ciation, and that Geo. H. Chapman is hei'eby authorized and instructed 

 to act with this bureau in its consideration of this action. 



Resolved, That the bureau of grades and the bureau of promotion be 

 authorized to investigate the market conditions in Wisconsin, upper 

 Michigan and adjacent territory affecting our members manufacturing 

 lumber, lath and shingles to determine the best methods for developing 

 our trade in this territory and to make such recommendations as they 

 may deem advisable to this association as soon as possible. 



Whereas, This midsummer meeting of the Northern Hemlock and 

 Hardwood Manufacturers' Association has been one of the most success- 

 ful and enjoyable in its history, this being due to the active efforts of 

 our associates and friends of Oshkosh. 



Resolved, That the grateful appreciation of our visiting members and 

 guests, and of our entire association be extended to Mr. Osborn, Mr. 

 Hollister and the various business institutions of this city who have 

 contributed so liberally of their time and their money, and especially 

 of their cordial hospitality to make this meeting one of enjoyment long 

 to be remembered and of lasting profit : be it further 



Resolved, That our thanks be extended to Mr. .\thearn and his asso- 

 ciates for their courteous treatment and efiicient service. 



The meeting then adjourned. 



ENTERTAINMENT 



The entertainment program as prepared by the Oshkosk hosts com- 

 prised a four-hour boat ride up through the historical river and lake 

 country lying back from Oshkosh and away from Lake Winnebago. 

 The boat, returning, described a wide circle out in the lake, getting 

 back to the landing at six o'clock Thursday evening. 



All of the visitors sat down to a well-appointed banquet at 8:30, 

 which affair did not break up until nearly midnight. 



On Friday afternoon a number of machines were on hand to give 

 the visitors a view of the country. The trip consisted of a thirty-five 

 to forty mile run up through the farming districts west of Oshkosh, 

 and thence back on the south side of the river and across the bridge 

 into town. 



If the hardwood sawmills would take the time and trouble to 

 reduce more of their product to specific dimensions — to refine it — 

 before shipping, the mill output would be smaller, the lumber 

 market would be better and the return should be more satis- 

 factory. 



From the general use of turned work in furniture designs it 

 would seem that the turning lathe branch of the machinery trade 

 should be doing very well. 



Interference with the imports of rattan and chair cane should 

 help some in developing business in veneered chair seats and 

 veneered back panels. 



No matter how commendable a man 's morals and methods may 

 be, if he makes a failure financially he is seldom applauded, while 

 if he succeeds conspicuously his faults are thereby whitewashed. 



