FHA Scandal Makes Us Sad

For years we have been of the opinion that opposed to all the unintelligent, unwise, and impractical legislative things created by the emergency route in the last twenty years, there was one that was sound, practical, useful, intelligent, and honorable: FHA. So, when the scandals broke around that government building bureau recently, it fairly made us sick. We were wondering just what to say about it in these columns, when we picked up a late copy of Crow's Digest, out of Portland, Oregon, and there we found an editorial on the subject, signed by Bob Smith, one of the Digest staff, that seemed to say it all, and in no uncertain terms. So we are simply borrowing it, and giving Crow's Digest full credit. It is worth reading, and is as follows:

"Incubated in the darkened depths of the Truman administration and concealed under the umbrella of placid bureaucracy, the FHA scandal has finally had its protection and camoufage rudely ripped away, leaving the size and ugly shape exposed for all to view.

"The ordinary fellow, who digs pretty deep for that nickel, may well be bewildered, wonder how such things could happen, and ask who is stuck for the $500 million tab. The answer is plainly evident. So long as the housing problem exists and people are forced to live in rent-inflated

An Editorial

quarters, the tenants of tJre involved apartments will momentarily pack the load; just plain people like you and like us.

"What a flagrant bilking it was ! Practically anyone able to walk could go to the Federal Housing Administration and get a guarantee of public credit for a new apartment house, without risking a penny personally.

"As the Internal Revenue Service has discovered, at least 1149 corporations obtained guaranteed loans larger than the actual cost of construction. What a deal !

"The cutest twist to the whole gimmick is that because of the loose-knit law, most of it was perfectly legal. Of course the gong will be beaten steadily in an effort to show chicanery, skulduggery, collusion, and what-not, but it's going to be a lot of line to unsnarl. This by the F.B.I. and the Department of Justice

"What it all amounts to is that the United States Government is holding a nice, big bag of worthless mortgages.

"It took people who knew perfectly well what they were doing to pull the caper. It took lax supervision at the top, middle, and lower echelons. It took a lot of money out of the government's hands.

"Now that the thing has been blown across the nation's headlines, we naturally wonder what effect the exposure will have on this year's housing program, and, more important to us, the lumber demand.

"It's too early to tell much. The Senate is thumping for rigorous investigation, the Department of Justice is digging hard for criminality. Investigations are not hurryup affairs; they take a lot of time, but the heat is really on.

"It could hurt critically. Housing is a major support of our industry, and the FHA is an important pillar in the foundation of the housing business. Right now that pillar is badly shaken."

Associcrted' Plywood Mills Boost Seo Swirl

CAI.AVERAS

SPIIT. SECOND SCHEDUTIiIG BRINGS YOU THE CEMENT YOU WANT WHEN YOU WANT IT

Sea Swirl, new decorative plywood, is being widely used for many built-ins and "working" pieces of furniture, such as this aquarium cabinet. Because of its sculptured, threedimensional effect, Sea Swirl doesn't show bumps or scratches and retains its rugged good looks even with the hardest wear. This quality makes it especially practical for walls, built-ins and furniture in party rooms, family rooms and children's rooms.

The ease of handling and simplicity of finishing are other factors which especially recommend it for the do-it-yourself market. It may be painted, stained or left in its rich, natural Douglas fir tones.

Sea Swirl comes in 4' x 8' panels, 5/16" thick, with other sizes available on special order. A booklet featuring the many uses of Sea Swirl is available without charge from the manufacturer, Associated Plywood Mills, Inc., Eugene, Ore.

George Sauers, Sauers Forest Products, Healdsburg, Calif., returned to his base the last week in April following an extensive trip throughout the east and middle west. He spent five weeks in New York, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, St. Louis and southern cities. While in Detroit he picked up a new Ford station wagon at the factory and made the return trip to Healdsburg by auto. He flew east via commercial airlines.

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Delayed deliveries can mean the difference between profit and lose in many a lumber or building materials yard. Calaveras keeps faith with its dealers by operating the largest company-owned transport fleet in northern California on split-second schedules to fill its delivery commitments.

Take advantage of this unusual service. It will save customers and make money for you!

Son Froncisco Hoo-Hoo-Eftes to Hold Concql

The San Francisco Hoo-Hoo Ettes Club No. 3 will hold a Concat Friday evening. May 21, 1951, at the Bellevue Hotel, 505 Geary St., San Francisco. Following the Concat, the Hoo-Hoo-Ettes will elect permanent officers, however in the meantime Miss Bessie Pappas has been serving as temporary president, N[rs. Tilo Trethewey as treasurer and Mrs. Claire Zimmerman as secretary. San Francisco Hoo-Hoo members are invited to the Hoo-Hoo-Ettes Concat.

The first organizational meeting of the San Francisco Hoo-Hoo-Ettes rvas held April 21 at St. Julien's Restaurant in San Francisco, and Herb Schaur, South City Lumber & Supply Co., rvas on hand to explain the International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo to the new Hoo-HooE,ttes Club.

George A. Brqtsberg Joins the Pocific Goost Compony

The Pacific Coast Company takes pleasure in annouucing the appointment of George A. Bratsberg as sales manager for the Company's Redwood Division located at Willits, California. Mr. Bratsberg was formerly the sales manager ior the Coastal Plywood and Timber Company oi Cloverdale, California.

The appointment of Mr. Bratsberg is in line with the Company's expansion program, which will increase its production of redwood lumber by an extensive plant expansion program.

George Clough, Los Angeles wholesale lumber distributor, entertained Stuart Butt and a group of friends aboard his yacht "The Seven Seas" cruising off the coast of Catalina and Southern California, May 5 and 6.

ItNew Honsen Mill Operqles Double Shifr

The Hansen Pacific Corporation's new sawmill at Fortuna, California, is now in full doubleshift operation. It had its formal opening on April 1 and two weeks later put on a second shift. The plant now employs about 90 people. It is a single-band mill of heavy-duty type, is equipped to cut long timbers, and has a rated capacity of 100,000 feet of lumber for an eighthour shift. The machinery was made by Filer & Stou'ell, of Milwaukee, famous mill equipment builders.

H. R. Hansen Jr. is general manager of the company, which is owned by himself and his father, r'r,ho lives in Dearborn, Michigan. The elder Hansen visited Fortuna to witness the starting of the new $350.000 mill. The plant has a planing mill and 1og pond, and dry kilns are contemplated, according to report.

Wirh rhe completion of the newesl ond most modern wollboord plont in the West, Blue Diqmond is in q position lo rnoke prompt shipments of gypsum wollboqrd of the uniform high quolity which hos chorqclerized Blue Diqmond producls for 39 yeors.

Bill Comegys With Acorn Adhesives

C. W. "Bi11" Comegys Jr., for tett years a technical engineer for the National Broadcasting Company, has given up his TV connections, which rvere important, to join his father in the management of Acorn Adhesives Company. The elder man is president, and the son will progressively take over the management ancl expansion of the business in Los Angeles. The Acorn concern is the manufacturer of Wilhold Glue, as well as a long line of industrial adhesives and compounds. Flash Glue is one of their specialties.