Does a {.Jn:itedl lLumher Indlus'cry N/nean Any'ah,i^g to You?

OU KNOW THE present situation in our industry-a decreasing per capita consumption of lumber in the United States; a steady encroachment by substitutes; the 'oNew Competition"industry against industry--even more keen than the old struggle between individual firms. In short, a somewhat discouraged lumber industry with only a few concerns, perhaps more favorably situated, who are making a fair profit, and the others struggling to make both ends meet and in the meantime, like Micawber, waiting for something to turn up.

Part of our troubles are economic; the rest are due to human causes. Over-production and under-consumption share some of the blame, yet we have seen times and places when with plenty of business all chance for just profits was ruined by senseless competition. Stubborn selfishness beat down the claims of a wise policy of enlightened self-interest. Too often there is a deplorable lack of team-work within and between the different branches of our industry.

What are we lumbermen doing to help ourselves? What are you doing?

Some of us believe strongly in trade associations. We know their sreat value.

Thnugh this editorial ums written 37 years ago, its uord,s a.nd, sentiments are as m,eaninglul nday as the d,ay it was uritten. Authored, by C. D. LeMaster, it appeared in the Dec. 1927 issue ol THE AXIOM. It utould, do us uell today to effect his suggestions so that in another 37 years, in 2002, the ind,ustry is still not showing the same syrnptoms.-Ed,itor.

But too many of us think of ourselves as only individualists; that it is a case of the "survival of the fittesto' anyway; that we can fight as long as the next one, 6tc. Some of these men pride themselves on being "hard-boiled guys"; but they really don't dare follow out their own logic. It would mean wiping out every trade association, closing every hospital and schoolo a reversion to the jungle law of tooth and claw.

Now, let's get down to brass tacks!

There is only one organization that includes in its scope of activities the entire lumber industry. That is Hoo-Hoo, with its district, state and international officers; its clubs which play host to visiting lumbermen which sponsor the lumbermen's annual picnics and other events, which provide a forum for the discussion of lumber's problems and a meeting point of contact with leaders in other civic and commercial lines. Not only do these clubs help to keep us in touch with molders of public opinion, but they enable men in any one branch of our widespread industry to fraternize with those in all the other divisions of lumber. If you have a4ything better for promoting these worthy objectives than this Hoo-Hoo organization, what have you?

What wouldn't some of the other great basic industries of the country give for a spokesman like Hoo-Hoo, with its 10,000 members and thirty-five years of experience I its unique name, which has untold advertising value for lumber, and its black cat emblem that is recognized everywhere as belonging to lumbermen alone? Here is a-great machine, fully organized, tested by time, and ready for service to lumber. In its earlier years it was devoted largely to. fun and fellowship; now in ite maturer wisdom it has added through its clubs a program of usefulness which opens up a vast field of prornise for the betterment of our sick and perplexed industry.

The man who boasts of being "practical" often overlooks the intangible values that lie all about him unused. Hoo-Hoo does not intend to displace the work of our trade associations, but it does provide a lubricant of cordial impulses which smooths the path of other lumber trade organizations. Of course, the technical, practical problerns of lumber must be settled on a sound, economic basis; but the approach through friendly understanding is of tremendous value. Therein lies the real function of Hoo-Hoo!

The men who are actively supporting Hoo-Hoo are getting a lot of pleasure and benefit from it. They will welcome new ideas and new helpers in their multiform endeavors for the interest of lumber. The leaders of the industry throughout the country are recognizing the great potential resource in Hoo-Hoo for the betterment of trade conditions. The fine work done by some clubs in protecting us from unfair building codes shows what can be done by united effort. And Hoo-Hoo's gains on the positive side are equally meritorous. This all-embracing lumber fraternity has not only taught the public that lumbermen are real friends of the forest, but it has demonstrated to the lumbermen themselves that friendship and cooperation are assets of vital value to the industry. If we sometimes fail in our great objectives, it is due to the human element involved and not to any lack of worthiness in our aims.