THE CALIFORI\IA The Case for Uniformity . . . But !

The versatile old 2x4, backbone of America's building industry, is on the verge of shrinking again-this time to a r,r'idth of Lf", in the case of dry lumber. Along with the proposed changes in lumber sizes, the Special Committee on Grade Simplification and Standardization of NLMA proposes a uniform grade for all species.

The case for uniform grades and sizes-regardless of specie- is strong. But a serious question is involved in the further reduction of alreadv scant thicknesses. In establishing a iode of uniform manufacture, should dry /q" boards be further reduce<l to S/sn'thickness? Should dry V'be reduced to 7f" thickness ?

And the big question: What will happen when certain manufacturers continue to produce "old" sizes of lumber? Will the retail lumber dealer be forced to stock both "New" and "Old" sizes ?

\Are are vitally interested in seeing uniform grades and sizes applied to all lumber. The only question is what size should a 2x4 really measttre?

We would like to hear from you, Mr. Dealer-the man who buys and stocks lumber for resale-on this important subject. The time of decision is close. The American Lumber Standards Committee is expected to accept or reject the new recommended sizes, on the basis of comments reecived. at a meeting in Washington, D. C., next month.

It has become apparent in the last two weeks that a great deal of controversy has arisen over the proposed changes in lumber size standards, to be considered by the American Lumber Standards Committee. Read, in this issue, the stands taken by WCLA and WCLIB on the West Coast, by the Greater New York Lumber Industries, In,c., on the East.

Within the Southern California ar,ea, it is reported that a surprisingly large majority of retail dealers are in opposition to the changes. The National Retail Association, we understand, has stated that only when the lumber manufacturers are in agreement on the program as a whole should it be submitted to the industry for consideration and approval.-Editor.

"A Real Smasher" is the way the upcoming 71st Annual Hoo-Hoo convention in Chicago is described by Convention Chairman Har.old M. Elliot. He is a member of Chicago Hoo- Hoo 29, the host club. for tfre Sept. 16-19 get-together.

The conventionthapers have molded a meet tha.t will probably be a classic, as serious Hoo-Ho,o business and social-entertainment are blended skillfullv.

.$o-nday is the formal opening and will be the pace setting -day. -That morning will be devoted io routine re- ports, all fitted to established time limits and will be no longer than the business calls for it to be.

Monday's luncheon will be a general meeting for members and their-ladies. I(eynote speaker is Laurence J. Taylor, who rvill speak on salesmanshipand principles of selling as applied to HooHoo activity in \liood Piomotion. Dr. Taylor is director of leadership train1ng at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan, and is also under contract to the Super Market Institute, running a sales seminar. After the convention he will conduct a participation conference demonstrating these principles.

Rockford Hoo-Hoo To Present Ritual

The All-Convention concat will round out the business session. The trained Degree Team of Rockford HooHoo club 39 will present the ritual. An imDressive concat is assured.

Ttte joint dinner Monday night will feature a man who has been called "America's Number-One Speaker." A member of the General Motors Speak- ing Bureau, Dr. Kenneth McFarland has been heard at many of the biggest conventions around the countrv. His talk will be inspiring as well ". .o.rstructive. He is an indusrtrial advisor,