EDITORIAL

Temporory Setbock to Progress?

T"t TNEVTTABLE HAS HAppENno. The Commerce Department I has rejected the lumber industry's proposed new standards, based on an analysis of the questionnaire returns that would confuse a Philadelphia lawyer.

This decision leaves the mills that voted "FOR", but have not produced any |t/r'r lumber, right where they were. The position of the few mills who had already started procluction of the propos€d new standards are left with a painful decision. One manufacturer we know, and we might as well name names. has made up his mind to continue to make 1L/rt', despite tle Commerce Department ruling.

We quote, in part, a letter from the Weyerhaeuser Company, vice-president operations, John L. Aram, in a letter to his sales force. After pointing out the sound reasoning behind their decision, and pointing out the fact that many factors in the industry (principally the home builder, architect, and carpenter associations) support the new standards as a long overdue forward step by the lumber industry, he goes on to say, o'In view of the above considerations, Weyerhaeuser will continue to distri'bute lumber manufactured to the new size and moisture conlent-Ll/o average with l9/o maximum with the resultant !r/r,, thickness.' By doiig so we will ofier to the American home-buying public, and all the factors which make possible these homes, a choice of buildins materials based on a logical, technical and economically sound premise. Under these standards, it will be possible to reduce building costs, meet the inroads of competition from other, now better engineered material, and prevent the present waste of natural resources.

In view of these considerations, it is our conviction that a standard recognizing these factors will be accepted ultimately and to that end we will do everything possible to gain such recognition. In the meantime we will produce this better quality, better engineered material for the general pu'blic, and sell the product through the distribution and construction factors involved.l,

Dear reader, say what you will about your reasons for opposing any change, you must respect a determined company which has the courage of its convictions and has just begun to fight. We believe that ultimately these changes in standards will be_ adopted because they serve most factors of the public and industry from tree farmer to consumer (including the federal and state governments).

We hope .to see active public support come from those who believe in this cause and those who don't. If there is somethins wrong with it, Iet opponents make a favorable case.

The public will be served in either instance.

Survey Results Are In

Spread across pages six and seven of this issue are the results o{ a survey we made in conjunction with the National-American Wholesale Lumbermen's Association.

We hope you'll find it an interesting look at the mammoth distribution job done by the wholesaler in the California market" the nation's larsest.

In an election year, every INDEPENDENT is a "dark horse"-a possibls $/lnn61-4nd we,re as dark as they come! After 46 years of experience in this field, our goods and services carry a bonus of specialized know-how that's yours for the asking. The market knows this and that's whv we,ve attracted a loyal following. Vhen you p."f", "r, Independent, weore available!

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