Purposes

1898 when 59 members of the trade determined to bring order out of the chaotic condition then existing.

A structure of such enduring character must be based on the solid foundation of integrity and due regard for the rights and interests both of buyers and sellers. The building of this structure has been achieved only by a vast expenditure of those intangible treasures of perseverence, energy, zeal, intelligence and straight thinking which were given so freely and unstintingly by large numbers of lumbermen who endeavored faithfully to accomplish the objectives of the Association.

When the National Hardwood Lumber Association was organized in 1898, business was done in most instances by mutual inspection, lvherein the buyer and seller each had a representative on the lumber pile to argue the merits of the boards. Without established standards. contracts were vague, descriptions of specifications were inadequate, with few, if any, definitions for determining grades. The result was endless contentions, bickerings and disputes.

Each of the large distributing and consuming markets had its own system of inspection, designed by local dealers in their own intereSt with little regard for the interests of the sarvmill man. So many complexities, uncertainties and irregularities grew out of this condition that by 1898 it had become well nigh intolerable.

Today, after over a half century of progress, the National Hardwood Lumber Association, through ttre efforts of its members and officers, has placed the industry upon a firm basis of operation. The universally accepted NHLA grading rules and code of business ethics are the m€ans by which lumber can be produced, distributed and used with full confidence and efficiency.

The NHLA also maintains a staff of 100 national inspectors who can be called upon at any time by a member of the Association to inspect and certify the grades of lumber purchased or sold. The Association's inspection is backed by a financial guarantee. Manufacturers, wholesalers and consumers of hardwood lumber are eligible for membership in the National Hardwood Lumber Association.

Builders, Producers Work fo Stqndordize Window Dimensions

Washington, D. C.-Dimensional standardization-an elusive but very practical method of lowering homebuilding costs-came one step closer to being a reality here recently during a joint meeting of members of the National Association of Home Builders and the Producers' Council, fnc., the organization of building products manufacturers and associations.

The purpose of the meeting was to determine practical standards for dimensioning windows and window openings. The builders and manufacturers chose this area for their initial discussion, because of the multiplicity of sizes in which windows are manufactured.

Participating were representatives of the Aluminum Window Manufacturers Association. the National Woodwork Manufacturers Association, and the Steel Window Institute. Thcir plan of action is for the NAHB's Research

Institute to determine which window sizes are generally preferred by builders.

The'lost-cutting advantages of standardization of sizes will result from the elimination of much extra cutting, fitting and fabricating at the site of construction. At the same time, it will enable many manufacturers to mass produce a limited number of window sizes. Some firms now produce windows in as many as 350 different sizes.

The conferees agreed that their efforts to simplify the window-selecting process would not in any way standardize home design. Nor will they be eliminating the market for special window sizes.

All proposed standards will utilize the 4't module as a basic unit of dimensioning, in accordance with the concept of Modular Measure as practiced in the building industry. Modular Measure is a system of coordinating sizes so that different materials such as windows and brick will fit together properly with a minimum of cutting or fitting.