PICKERING TUMBER CORPORATION

MANUFAGTUR.ERS OF PONDEROSA PINE SUGAR PINE WHITE FIR INCENSE CEDAR

Phone: (Sonoro) JEfierson 2-7141

(Tuolumne) WAlnut 8-4213

TWX: SONORA I l6.U which is normal. The 1999 million feet now on hand compares with 2023 million a year ago and 2017 million two years ago. This overall volume is fully adequate, though some items, notably White Fir Shop, are not available in sufficient volume. The rising trend of shipments makes the current volume of stocks much less apt to become burdensome than was the volume a year ago when shipments were trending downward.

Although the physical volume of all construction put in place during August was about the same as a year ago, the recent record volume of contract awards ooints to increases in the near future. The dollar volume of contracts for nonresidential buildings in August was up 7/o lrom a year ago. Most of this type of construction does not require as much lumber per dollar expended as does residential construction but the increasing popularity of laminated beams and heavy wood roof decking for churches, schools and supermarkets is providing volume outlets for the lightweight Engelmann Spruce and White Fir from the \Mestern Pine region. The region's huge dry kiln capacity gives it an edge in supplying well-seasoned heavy decking.

Finishing the large number of homes started during the late summer will keep wood-work manufacturers busy during the fall. This promises a good demand for factory grades of all our species. Moulding manufacturers may not be able to provide as ready a market for select grades because of rapidly increasing imports of pine mouldings from Mexico. Based upon such factors and all other available information upon prospective demand it would seem probable that, during the fourth quarter of 1958, shipments (consumption) of lumber from the \Mestern Pine region will approximate 1965 million feet. or about 57o above those in the fourth quarter of 1957.

NHIA Plonning 6l st Annuql

Chicago 5, Ill.-The National Hardwood Lumber Association is lining up another outstanding program of education and entertainment for its 61st annual convention, slated for the Hotel Sherman here, Nov. 11-13. Secretary-Manager M. B. Pendleton and the 1957-58 officers have secured Congressman Ralph W. Gwinn of New York as the keynote speaker, and the longtime solon will warn the hardwood lumbermen of the attempts he has seen by organized labor to gain control of the Congress. Also on the opening day, President Howard A. Hanlon will give the annual address, President R. H. Robinson of the Cana- cliau Lumbermen's Assn. will extend an invitation to conveni in Nlontreal next year, and Mr. Pendleton will give the secretary's annual report. Tribute will also be paid at this meeting to the 40 years' service of Chief Inspector Wm. H. Nelson.

Equally strong speakers are lined up for the succeeding convention days, and an unusual array of entertainment is being planned for the ladies in addition to the social events they will attend with the lumbermen.