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Products for Industry a Calif.

Insular Lumber Company

1EADING ECONOT,I|STS ATMOST UNANII,IOUSLY OPIIMISTIC ABOUT 1959

The nation's leading economists are far more optimistic about the business outlook than thev were this time last year, according to the 12th annual economists' opinion survey conducted by F. W. Dodge Corporation.

They are also much more nearly unanimous in their opinions on major economic indicators than they have been in the past, Dodge vice-president and Economist George Cline Smith reported in an analysis released Nov. 2.

Of the 212 participants, all but two economists expect Gross National Product to rise next vear above its mid1958 level, and all but four think induslrial production will show a similar trend. On the average, they expect G.N.P. to reach an annual rate of $460 billion by the fourth quarter of 1959, a rise of about 4l/o during the year. Similarly, they expect the Federal Reserve index of industrial production to reach 147 by December 1959, going up about 5/o during the year, Dr. Smith reported.

t/ Besl Wishes To All For fl ffierW @ttristmug flnu I Srosperoud fren Dear HARVEY KOLt INDUSTRIAT PROPERTY DEVEIOPER K ond B Inveslment Co., Inc. AXminsler 4-9442 Ii'. H. Ii'INFREE w H w H w H w H w H w H NEW ADDRESS: 2717 Norlh Msin St. P.O. Box 331 WALNUT CREEK Phone: YEllowstone 5-140O SUGCESSOR TO WINFR,EE & TYNAN ?llnokadh Zat clt€n Northern Calitornia Represenlofives for Donf & Rusself, Inc.

fn general, the economists feel that inflationary tendencies will continue, with some speed-up in price rises toward the end of 1959. The median (average) forecast is that the government's consumer price index will reach 125.5 by the end of 1959, as compared with the most recently reported figure of. 123.7.

While the economists clearly think 1959 will be a good year, Dr. Smith said, they recognize that "there are soft spots to be bolstered and pitfalls to be avoided." Among those most frequently mentioned are:

Inflation and runaway boom. with a counter-action sometime after 1959; Possible cutting off of the recovery by excessive credit restrictions; Prospects for a relatively slow decline in the number of unemployed; A continuing profit squeeze facing many businesses; Constantly rising wage rates, and Rising government deficits, high taxes and restrictive tax structure.

In his analysis, Dr. Smith concluded: "The economists are saying, quite clearly, that they think 1959 will be a good year, substantially better than 1958, although it will not be without its problems."

New Guide fo Power Tools

R.evision of Commerciql Stqndqrds For PonderosqPine Windows

The woodwork industry is consiclering the adoption of a revision of Commercial Standard CS163-52, Ponderosa Pine Windows, Sash, and Screens, according to the Commodity Standards Division of the U. S. Department of Commerce.

The revised requirements for screening, and glazitrg, and the dropping of certain sizes as standard stock sizes are described in a recommended revision of the standard which has been released for industry consideration and acceptance.

The chief purpose of this industry standard is to establish uniform specifications or quality criteria for ponderosa pine windows, sash, and screens produced for stock. Inclucled

1958

are standard sizes, designs, and layouts, essential material and construction requirements, as well as a method of labeling and grade-marking items that comply.

This revision, the third edition, was proposed by the National Woodwork Manufacturers Association, Inc., and was previously approved by the Standing Committee for CS163-52 as well as other interested industry groups. It is being circulated for written acceptance so that it may be established with the voluntary endorsement of the trade, and become rviclely effective through general recognition arrd use.

Limited copies of the Recommended Revision, TS-5418, are available without charge upon request to the Commodity Stanclards Division, U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington 25, D.C.