The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-03-26
MAYSAW NEXT WEEK
The Preparatory Boom Work Being
Done.
LUMBER PRICES VERY STEADY
=.
Furniture Market Active With Good
Business Reported-White
-r-eT.r, ? Cedar Higher

Interest among lumbermen now centers in
the commencement of saving operations as q
source Of possible relief from the present fam
Inc in desirable specifications Of white pine.
The work of laying the Blooms commenced in
thls city yesterday, and with favorable
weather conditions will be completed by the
nrst of next week. AS as the mill
booms are in condition, which will be two
or three days later. 1t is assumed that the
regular saving season will commence. Some
mills may commence operations week from
To-day, but it Is not expected they will be in
condition much before that date. Mills up
river, notably at st. Cloud, Little Falls,
Brainerd and other points, will commence
saving the latter part Of this week or early
next week, while mills at Winona and other
down-river points expected to begin at
any time now.
The placing Of new lumber on the market
will not furnish immediate relief from the
present famine. This will not be available for
consumption until it is thoroughly dried,
which will be the latter part of April at the
earliest, and until that time old stocks of dry
will be drawn upon to meet the demand.
The stage Of the water in the river at pres
ent Is low for this time of the year. and,
while it is too early to predict that this will
interfere with driving operations. it is as
sured that heavy rains will be necessary be-
fore drives at up-river points can be started.
Locally the lumber market continues strong
at the previous range of values. Demand is
increasing rather than diminishing, although
stated, local wholesale stocks at a very
low point, and this continues to seriously in
terfere with filling orders. While total figures
for March are not yet available, it is antic-
pated they will show very close to the record
made a year ago. falling off of several mil
lion feet in shipments would not have been
surprising, but this will not occur, and if
there Is no excess over last year, the total
will approximate about the same. Demand
this week has been very active, with increas-
ing inquiries for future shipments from retail
erS and heavy consumers.
Tie Furniture Trade.
Local manufacturers report very active
demand for furniture in all grades. Retailers
are coming forward and are purchasing more
literally than year ago for spring and
summer. Factories are all working full
time and in some instances with augmented
forces OF employees. Material situation as to
hardwood lumber and steel and iron is I'M
usually firm. which is contributing strength
to the price situation on manufactured furni-
ture. Some delays in deliveries of necessary
steel and iron are reported
White Cedar Advanced.
White cedar products which have been in a
firm position for the past month, were ad-
vanced this week throughout the list and are
on a trong basis at the higher range. Four
and nve-inch rounds in especially light
supply, with demand increasing, and have
advanced 11a43 cents each. Three-nch are
also in smaller supply than is usual at this
time OF the year Extra Star A star shingles
were also advanced noninally. Cut was seri-
ously interfered with by premature spring
and outlook is for steady values at the higher
range.
Sash and Doors Higher.
Nearly all items in the list have been ad-
vanced recently owing to the condition OF
the material market and the very active de-
mand. This advance amounts to about 5 per
cent. White pine doors are reported as IN
very short supply. Screens are moving freely
for future demand.