Lcttetrs

H|GH tOG, TABOR COSTS

David Cutler

The Merchant Magazine Dear Dave:

The editorial in the last issue (Do We Face a Per"rnanent Lumber and Plywood Shortage ?, pg. 4, Oct.) is certainly thought provoking to the writer.

I certainly know of no pat answers, but do feel we will see more and more substitutes being used for wood as we steadily price ourselves out of the market due to scarcity and high prices for logs as well as the extremely high labor costs in the constr-uction field.

Very tr-uly yours, Tim Wood AI Thrasher Lumber Co. P. O. Box 97 Calpella, Calif. 95418.

GUAYMAS FISHING TRIP

Dear Dave:

This has to be the best nlace in the world to fish.

Bob Smith

Sterling Lumber Co. (on vacation in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.)

Some pe'ople haue all the luch! -Editor.

TIKES OCTOBER ISSUE

Dear Dave: I want to compliment you on the October issue, the finest you have ever published. There are so many fine articles, too numerous to mention, Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Aram Mardian

Glen-Mar Door Mfg. Co.

P. O. Box 6308

Phoenix, Arizona

BONING UP IN OREGON

Dear Dave: Am on a business trip, Iooking over Ellingson Lumber Company's modern, new plywood plant and trying to learn a little about this business to be ready for the plant in Ecuador.

Paramount Studios is making a picture here, "Paint Your 'Wagon," with Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood and Jean Seberg. They have built a couple of western cities. Believe they will spend around $20 million on the picture. Beautiful country to film.

Best wishes.

Les Passmore Baker, Oregon

IT,MBER SHORTAGE

The Merchant lVlagazine

Dear Dave:

Regarding the October'68 editorial, the public keeps crying about high lumber costs. Little do they realize what's involved. Legislators need facts when passing protectionist legislation, not emotional propaganda from the Sierra Club and fellow travelers.

If we run out of lumber. then where will we be ?

Sincerely, Peter Hess Sparks, Nevada

Good Rating

The Merchant Magazine

Dear Sirs:

May we please have copies of the two new home design books, Selected Small HomesKeyed to the Ti?nes, for our reference library.

We very much appreciate Tlte Merchanf and rate it among the best trade publications.

Very Sincerely,

M. Louise Schmidt Building Center Architects

and Engineers Service

7933 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles, Calif.

Lumbermqn Sees Russ lnvosion

Harold M. Fredsham, owner of South Bay Lumber Co., Los Angeles, and his daughter Joan have returned from a 30 day whirlwind trip of Europe, Africa, England, Ireland and Scotland, where Frodsham was born.

Highlighting this trip was a visit to Prague, Czechoslovakia, arranged by the state tourist agency Sedok, via an observer pass to the Brno International Industrial and Science Fair.

Although only allowed one day, Frodsham was able to see first hand the Russians invading Czechoslovakia and the courageous resistance shown by the Czechs and Slovaks who, among other things, obliterated all road signs and markers.

Following Prague, they visited Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, ''shot" some animals with a camera and visited historic Khartoum in East Africa.

Hqppy Birfhdqy, Volley Frolic

The annual Valley Frolic, long one of Hoo-Hoo's most popular events, came of age Oct. Il, with its 2lst annual, held at the Ft. Washington Golf CIub in Fresno, Calif.

Installed as new club president was Harold Fuerst; sec-treasurer, Bernie Barber; northern vp., Bob Reid; southern vp., Hal Aaron; sgt.-at-arms, Don Hendrickson. Directors are Bob Lewis, Bob Schlotthauer, Jean Hartsook, Ted Mathews and Hugo Rath.

In the golf, (to coin a phrase), Marion Snead was closest to the pin, by 3'2". Garry Johnson earned long drive, while high score was tied between R. Rader and Wayne Allen. Hal Rolfi won the Calloway, with Al Hammerich second and Brad Brown third.

Ralph Lamon won low gross, trailed by G. Johnson and B. Oberholtzer. Grant Potter won low net, followed by D. O'Connor and A. E. Munson.

Bob Lewis, only man in club history to serve two consecutive terms was gifted with a past-president's pin.

More than $300 in door prizes were awarded.

Construclion Costs Climb 3%

Construction costs throughout the nation climbed an average of three percent during the 12 months ending October 31, 1968, according to McGraw-Hill Information Systems Co.

An average 6.7 percent jump in hourly wage rates for building trades craftsmen was the primary reason for the increase in building costs during the past 12 months. During the same period, costs of building materials climbed less than two-tenths of one percent.

According to their survey, basic hourly wage rates are 390 percent higher today than in 194I, and building material costs have risen 230 percent during the same period.

Forest Service Thqnks lndustry

The Forest Service, one of the nation's major wood providers, paid tribute to the forest products industry in recognition of National Forest Products Week, Oct. 20-27.

Ttre week was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson (See p.4, Not.).

'oWe salute the forest products industry for its contribution to the nation's health and wealth," said Edward P. Cliff, chief of USDA's Forest Service. "In addition, we compliment the industry on the responsibility it has shown in protecting and renewing the forest resource to make certain it will continue as a major contributor to the nation's welfare.

"By its actions, it has proved that the needs of future generations for wood and wood products will be assured through renewal and wise use of the forests, which cover one-third of the United States. It is only through the cooperative efforts of the federal and state governments and industry that this goal can be achieved."