The Forests of Central British Columbia 503 



very large, was neglected and decreased year by year, while that 

 of the lumber merchants of the United States correspondingly 

 increased. The end of the period, therefore, found this situation: 

 a great mill capacity, and a much curtailed trade both in domestic 

 and foreign markets. The inevitable result was over-production. 

 Prices fell to cost and below it. Mill outputs had to be reduced. 

 Profits vanished. Many operators ceased business until condi- 

 tions should improve. 



The great war, while it has temporarily stimulated some indus- 

 tries, aggravated the situation in regard to lumber because the 

 great demand for war supplies, coupled with the scarcity of ship- 

 ping, has made it almost impossible for British Columbia lumber 

 exporters to secure ships except at a prohibitive rate. The Ameri- 

 can exporters, who have always done the bulk of the lumber 

 export business from the Pacific Coast, are also affected by this, 

 but have a certain advantage in that they already had a number 

 of ships chartered when war broke out. 



A Turning Point in Lumber History 



The whole lumber industry is in a process of readjustment to 

 meet the changed conditions. Greater care than ever before is 

 being taken to practise economy in operation, to avoid waste in 

 utilization and to secure the utmost perfection in mill product. 

 Improved and more aggressive methods of advertising are being 

 adopted and more careful study and attention being given to 

 the needs of the different markets. It is probable that in a few 

 years from now the present period, viewed from its proper per- 

 spective, will be recognized as a crisis and a turning point in 

 the history of the lumber industry and the province. Past expe- 

 rience shows that a period of abnormal depression can only be 

 temporary. It is certain that, sooner or later, the business pendu- 

 lum will swing forward again. There are good grounds for 

 believing that the final result of the whole experience will be 

 beneficial ; that the endeavors to increase the demand for British 

 Columbia's forest products will be successful and that they will 

 be sold in wider markets and more intelligently than ever before ; 

 that the lumber industry will achieve the prosperity which it 

 deserves and which means so much to the province ; and to return 

 again to the original theme, that the forests of Central British 

 Columbia will eventually play their proper part in the economy 

 of the province. 



