NORTHWtrST NtrWS

By ROSS KINCAID executive vice president

N-ATIONAL has joined WBMA and " other federateds in a plea for pricing relief; our petitions for exemption,

Present regulations allow only a customary percentage markup on landed invoice cost for selling price determination. We have requested that dealers be allowed to follow "historical" practice using market as cost, allowing them to rcprice using the latest quoted replacement cost.

You know how the purchase price varies in a fluctuating market as different shipments are received. With no provision for ttaveraging," overhead burdens are increased in attempt- ing to determine what price certain material should be sold for. Keeping

Don Philips, lr,

up price books becomes almost impossible.

The legislative and government agency affairs supervisory committee of the national (of which yours truly is a member) has prepared and presented to the Price Commission a comprehensive report of the problems in a request for continuance of historical pricing practices, basing cost on:

(1) Market or replacement cost.

(2) Invoice cost.

(3) Average actual cost.

The report filed with the Price Commission also states: "In our opin- ion, however, it is not possible to solve all industry problems with one regulation, particulally as it affects products (lumber, plywood) which are in reality items which have a price history of great fluctuations. This, coupled with the fact that cost of standing timber or stumpage is not panel discussion and roundtable conferences on similar problems, particularly that of customer service, occupied the dealers through personal participation.

Members were also provided an op portunity to get the answers to specific questions having to do with federal agencies and legislation. Roundtable conferences coverd matters related to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, programs available through Federal Housing Administration, and rural and small-town loans through Farmers Home Administration.

For the lighter moments, entertainment was sponsored by the Montana Building Material Salesmen's Association and by MBMDA associate members. Diversions included tours to the Montana Historical Museum, Russell Art Gallery, Towe Antique Car Collection, and to the Kaiser Cement Plant.

Subject To The Price Controls

Economic Stabilization Act, in an untenable position."

It is unfortunate that the Price Commission has ruled as late as February 25, on an individual lumber dealer application against such a request. We can only hope that our united ap- proach will produce an acceptable ruling.

It is apparent that the Price Commission shares our common concern . the escalation and fluctuation of forest products (lumber and plywood) plrces,

The 200 persons, primarily manufacturers, attending the March 3, Internal Revenue Service Stabilization Section's workshop in Portland, learned 'firsthand that prices could be raised but only to the extent that the increased costs could be documented.

The IRS men indicated that, though they have no authority to regulate stumpage prices (timber is a raw agricultural product) a close scrutiny is being given to rising stumpage costs.

Retailers who face the brunt of the criticism of rising prices at the counter level can only feel satisfaction that the IRS is taking a good look into this matter.

Ed Scihlofihquer Night!!

It was a grand night for San Joaquin Hoo-Hoo Club No. 3I.

Honored was Ed Schlotthauer with a surprise party at Pardini's Restaurant, Fresno, Calif., celebrating his 50th year as a retail lumberman with Willard Lumber Co.

Showered with nostalgia and praise by Al Bell, choirman of Hobbs Wall Lumber Co., and Dick Wilson, for many years an associate, Ed smilingly accepted two plaques presented by Bernie Barber and Jean Hartsock, club president. He also listened attentively to chairman Bob Wright who made some pretty long introductions. His friends were delighted to help Ed celebrate and finally went home in a state of euphoria. We suspicion Ed had a good time, too.

ll0SIAtGlt time (l) with Bob Wright, Ed Schlotthauer, Dick Wilson. €) Speechifying is Al Bell, The Merchant's publisher. 13) Harry Mendenhall, e,(ec. v.p., Lumber Merchants Association of No. Calif.; Jean Hartsock, president of Club No. 3l; Dick Kennedy of George W. Kennedy & Sons. (o J. C. "Doc" Snead, formerly of Pierce Lumber Co,; Elmer Rau, Madera Lumber; Ham Knott, Yosemite Lumber; Dick Kennedy; Herb lhompson, Reid and Wright Co., aM Lee Terziaq Inland Showcase ard Fixture Company. 6) R. E. "Bob" Schlotthauer, Willard Lumber Co.; Gene Bell, Clovis Lumber Co.; Bob Mullin, Georgia Pacific; Leroy Caperton, Diamond-National. 16l J. C. "Graig" Gaffney (with glasses), Bonnington

Lumber Co.; Bob Radar, llhther Lode Lumber C0, Mariposa; Craig and Wally Kennedy, George W. Kennedy & Sons; Jerry Bonnington, Bonnington Lumber Co.; Walter Franck, Mother Lode Lumber Co. 0) George Coe, Sequoia Forest Industries, Dinuba; Hugo Rath, American Forest Products; Bill 0berholser, Pacific Home lmprovement Center; Ralph Lamon, Lamon Lumber Co. (8) Ted Mathews (back to camera), Prific Forest Products; Harry Shipman, Willard Lumber; Harry Mendenhalh Louis Frame, retired from rDiamond National; Don Walker, Pacific Forest Products; Bud 0lsen, 0lsen Lumber Co. €) fut Smith; ex-Willard Lumber; Ed Schlotthauer, Bob Schlotthauer.