THE CALIFOR}.IIA LUMBERMERCHANT

JackDionne,pthlishr-

How Lrumber l-rooks

Lumber shipments of 425 mills reporting to the National Lumber Trade Barometer were 1.4 per cent above production for the week ended March 27, 1948. In the same week new orders of these mills were 8.9 per cent above production. Unfilled order files of the reporting mills amount to 59 per cent of stock. For reporting softwood mills, unfilled orders are equivalent to 27 days' production at the current rate, and gross stocks are equivalent to 45 days' production.

Compared to the average corresponding week of 193539, production of rcporting mills was 70.1 per cent above; shipments were 57.1 per cent above; orders were 69.3 per cent above. Compared to the corresponding week ol 1947, production of reporting mills was 6.0 per cent above; shipments were 9.1 per cent above, and new orders were 12.0 per cent above.

The Western Pine Association for the week ended March 27, ll2 mills reporting, gave orders as 80,573,000 feet, shipments 59,979,000 feet, and production 57,181,000 feet. Orders on hand at the end of the week totaled 2N.764.000 f.eet.

The Southern Pine Association for the u,'eek ended March 27, 80 units (105 mills) reporting, gave orders as 16,917,000 feet, shipments 16,434,000 feet, and production 17.551,000 feet. Orders on hand at the dnd of the 'r,veeli totaled 62,616,000 feet.

The West Coast Lumbermen's Association for the week ended March 20, I59 mills reporting, gave orders as 90,136,000 feet, shipments 107,813,000 feet, and production 107,669,000 feet. Unfilled orders at the end of the week totaled 492,336,0r& teet.

For the week ended March 27, 159 mills reporting, gave orders as 98,922,0O0 feet, shipments 106,356,000 feet, and production 107,776,0m feet. Unfilled orders at the end of the week totaled 486,494,000 feet.

Sawmill cnd Logging Workers Get Wcge Increcse

Douglas fir sawmill and logging workers in western Oregon and Washington have received a 12.5 cent general rvage increase, effective April 1, in negotiations with three employers' associations representing the Douglas fir industry. Negotiations were carried on between the International Woodworkers of America, C.LO., and the Oregon Coast C)perators' Association, the Lumberman's Industrial Relations Committee and the Willamette Valley Lumber Operators' Association. About 45,000 loggers and mill workers are affected.

Negotiations were on an original union demand for a 32.5 cent raise plus about 7.5 cents more in health and welfare benefits. The union also asked six paid holidays. Agreement came after 45 days of discussion.