The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1911-12-29
LUMBERMEN PROSPEROUS

| Referring to the close of the years
business with the lumbermen OF
southern Georgia and Florida, Secre-
tary H. H. Harrell of the Georgia
Florida Sawmill Association, declares
that the past six months have produc-
ed remarkably favorable conditions,
and that never since the year of 1906
in point of orders and prices for their
output, says the Jacksonville Metrop-
oils.
Being closely in touch with all
manufacturers in the states of Geor-
gia and Florida, Mr.. Harrell is per-
haps better fitted to review general
conditions than any other person of
| these states. His discussion of the
lumber business is in line with the
monthly reports rendered at the meet
ings of the Georgia-Fl Florida Associa-
| ton, but represents a condensed and
conclusive knowledge of the trade as
gathered at his office.
Il am afraid that if l say that we
are having good reports, such as were
started last June, it will be thought
that l have only learned the opti-
mist's side of the lumber trade, but
knowing conditions as do, can only
be cheerful, and can give only cheer
full opinions. Since last June prices
and demand for lumber have been
better than in several years, and all
mills have been running with orders
weeks ahead of the saw. Naturally
prices have been advanced with the
increased call for material, and mill
men have taken on renewed life by
reason of the chance to get a profit
from their plans
| Labor is Scarce
| insufficient labor has been the
greatest of the mill mems troubles.
There is harly a plant in the state.
with the possible exception of those
near the larger cities, that has been
able to get sufficient help. The mills
in the country have been forced to
work part time, and often the machin-
cry would stay at many of these
plants, while the mills hands were
employed loading cars. Had it not
been for the steady demand that still
prevails, mill men would have had
good cause to worry much more than
they have done.
| So far there seems to be but little
hopes OF improvements in labor con-
ditlons. No sooner are the laborers
through with the cotton picking than
the fruit and vegetable season of
Florida opens, and this state espe-
clally will perhaps see no increase in
available mill hands for some time
The farmers and fruit growers have
an advantage over the mill men by
reason of their ability to adopt a
plece-work system with their com
mon labor. Naturally this appeals tc
great many who merely want tc
work a few weeks, and are willing tc
drive harder than they would if pai6
by the day.
Car shortages at one time seemed
to be dangers confronting the mil
men, especially when the first ap
pearances of rise in market condi
lions were felt. However, the threat
ened edifficulties We're skilIfully
avoided, and none of the plants have
been hard pushed for cars. Perhaps
with all operating at full time, thi!
would not have been the case
Turning to Florida
An interesting phase of the pas
six months has been the attention
given to Florida and Georgia by west
ern operators. Many Iumbermen
have been looking over lands in thes,
states and close inspection has beer
made of attractive tracts of timber
On the east coast of Florida recen
developments have been started tha
VIII be an important feature of Flor
ida's trade in the next few years
There is bound to be a continuance
of development in the southern par
of the state when proposed railway
lines are completed and unused tim
Der is made accessible. Indications
point to prosperous business amons
lumbermen of Georgia and Florida
for many months, and perhaps these
indications are due to renewed conf
dence, inasmuch as the old feeling
of fear because of trust agitation
and its subsequent depression of bust
ness is gradually wearing off. While
the lumber men have no fears of be
ing called to account their business
responds quickly to any influence
brought against big corporations. We