NN@NTANA NtrWS

By R. V. PETERSEN executive secretary

fN retrospect, our recent convention - in Billings must be classed as one of the more successful meetings in recent years. An unusually large attendance was noticeable from lineyard members. Good representation was on hand from United Building Centers, Aldrich & Co. and affiliated yards, Grogan-Robinson Lumber Co. and Midland, Inc. We were pleased to welcome managers from the western division Fullerton Lumber Co. yards, and a number of non-member Montana and Wyoming dealers.

We were complimented in having rvith us Terry Mullin, president of the National Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Assn. In brief comments, he addressed himself to the current problems of lumber price and and supply and cunent activity by National attempting to alleviate the situation. He also commented on general activity and promotion by National.

On the basis of dealer-orientation, a slide presentation dOSHA in Color" and a piquant running commentary by Philip Mork, vp. of Wisconsin Retail Lumbermen's Assn., received high marks. A graphic illustration of common and typical lumberyard safety hazards, the presentation registered with forceful impact the significance and importance of employer compliance with the Act's requirements.

In line with matters of daily concerrr to the dealer, Carl Haywood, Western Wood Products Assn., a.nd Kenneth Howell, Montana Wood Products Assn., collaborated to present a current picture of the production segment of the industry in light of the current price and supply dilemma and a supplementary picture of industry's environmental awareness.

Dick Smiley, Montana director, Farmers Home Administration. outlined current programs and activities under the present "impoundment,' policy of the administration. Robert

Helding, Missoula attorney, g'ave a factual report of the present legisla- tive session in Helena including information on certain specific pieces of legislation of immediate concern to lumber dealers. And John Schreiber, Economic Stabilization Division at Helena, and Edwin Hultin, Galushe, Higgins and Galusha, collaborated to present a current view of the price control program from the eyes of an administrator and an accountant respectively.

New officers are: president, Robert F. Payne, Anaconda Building Materials Co., Missoula; vp., Wilbur S. Weston, firree Forks Lumber Co., Three Forks; treasurer, A. A. Kind, Linder-Kind Lumber Co., Helena; asst. treasurer, H. G. White, Neifert White Co., Townsend; exec. secretary, R. V. Petersen, Helena; natl. dealer director, A. A. Kind, Helena, alt. natl. dealer director, L. Dexter Shaurette, St. Regis Paper Co., Libby. New directors: R. H. Harms, Great Falls; Troy-French, Hardin; A. Alan Kind, Helena; James J. Sullivan, Billings.

Recognition accorded during the convention included the naming of Harold E. Lotenz, Montana zupervisor for United Building Centers, as Lumber Dealer of the Year by the Salesmen's Association. MBMDA members balloted to name Don Austin, Builders Supply Co. (Great Falls) representative to the Silver Log Award as outstanding salesman.

By ROSS KINCAID executive vice president

fHE Cost of Living Council held a - Conference on Economic Stabilization in Seattle on March 2.

Although our wage-price bulletins W-P 22 and W-P 23 wiU answer most questions about Phase III and should be carefully reviewed, the conference did emphasize the following important points:

Firms not under mandatory controls are under voluntary and self-administered controls. Deeisions must be made by the business itself. This voluntary status may be compared to a ffrm's posi- tion with regard to its income tax Teturn,

The government may move in and establish mandatory controls for a business firm or industry if conditions warrant. Price increases must be justified by cost increases. Firms under voluntary controls should observe the profit margin rule and the 5tz6/o wage guideline.

A basic difference between Phase II and Phase III is that Phase III is less punitive. Base price information poster is no longer required under Phase III.

The main store building of Lakewood Lumber Co. in Tbcoma ha,s been destroyed by fire. An adjacent warehouse building, trucks and other equip ment and lumber in the open yard were not damaged. Most of their important records were saved. Cause of the Feb. 6, fire has not definitely been determined.

Another fire destroyed the store and warehouse buildings of Campbell Building Supply, West Seattle, in a Feb. 26, blaze. Green lumber and sheathing in the yard were not damaged. Records in the safe were saved.

The fire department is quite certain it was arson and a 13 year old boy is in custody. No decision has been made as to the firm's plans at this location.

Paul ltrollenbeck, exec. vp. of the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau suffered a heart attack recently and our last word. was that he is doing well. We join Paul's many industry friends in wishing him a full and speedy recovery.