NEWS BRIEFS

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Wickes Companies, Inc., has reached an agreement with Sequoia Forest Industria, Boise, Id., for the purchase of the Wickes Forest Industries' sawmill operations in Dinuba and Auberry, C?., Townsend, Mt., and Grangeville, Id. no price revealed.

Firestone has reorganized its roofing products div. as Firestone Building Products Co. Gardco Lighting, San Leandro, Ca., has been bought out by Thomas Industries, Louisville, Ky

Housing starls fell 10. 5 9o in May from April to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 1,782,000 , off 0.Ztlo from the year earlier mark . experts said rising interest rates were responsible for the decline single family starts dropped 890, multis l4u/o starts fell 139o inthe West . construction contracting for bldgs., hyws. and bridges soared l4Vo to a record high.

RETAIL seminar held in San Dieoo. Ca., was co-sponsored by the Western Wood Products Association and the San Dieoo Lumber and Wood Products Association. Attendance over three eveninos exceeded 200. 0bjective was to provide- information for dealers to aid specifiers, contractors and consumers while increasing lumber sales. Seminar emphasized grades and grading, seasoning, specialty products, understanding lumber specs, handling and storage, manufacture and products. Top left: Frank Stewart, VVWPA district mgr., and John D. Sullivan, executive director of the San Diego association. Top right: Stewart and Doug Ketchum of the WWPA field services staff Lower photos: part 0t the large and enthusiastic ctasses. o Posts & Poles

Ihere ore specf,olly pomponies, lften lhere is