The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-03-02

made an increase OF over one-third
in new production, almost sufficient
in quantity to offset Oklahoma 5
loss.
The total monthly production of
Kansas for January exceeds that OF
the same month last year by nearly
so per cent. The steady decline in
Oklahoma's production continues,
and the output during the past
month dropped IA per cent as COM
pared with a year ago.
Lumber and Construction.
Although the demand of the
country yards for lumber is slight
ly under normal and the city yards
far below normal, the general de
mand is reported heavy, stimulated
by large government war orders for
cantonments and other buildings.
The extremely cold weather has
made all building impractical, but
the general impression is that
there will be large volume of buy
mig as soon as the weather opens
up. Home building has been great
ly reduced because of the war.
Building permits in the ten prin-
cipal cities Of this district for Jan
uary decreased in volume nearly AZ
per cent under the same month a
year ago. The estimated value of
these buildings declined IS per cent
under January, 1917, as compared
with a 40 per cent decrease in the
largest cities of the entire United
States. \ loss of about one-tenth
in volume and value was shown un-
der December
Mercantile.
Statistics for the month Of Jan
uary for the states in whole or part
within this district. as compared
with the same month last year,
show a Slight increase in purchases,
a decrease of nearly ; per cent in
Indebtedness, and an increase OF
over per cent in payment activity
Manufacturers, especially OF
shoes, iron and steel products, are
active, but experience some diff
Guilty in securing materials, ade-
quate transportation facilities and
coal. Trade in nearly all wholesale
lines is reported as good. Buyer,
are placing orders early and evi
IDENTIFY anticipate a shortage in sup
plies. The present outlook for i'm
. proved retail trade, which has beer
greatly curtailed by weather condi
tions and the fuel situation, is mucl
brighter Hardware, drugs and gro
ceries are in good demand at ad
yanced prices. Dry goods, notion
and millinery sales are heavy 70
the season.
Labor.
The usual number OF small labo
, disturbances were experienced dur
ling the past month, with nearly al
of them quickly and satisfactorily
r settled. The number of strikers il
, the southern Kansas coal fields ha
. increased to about 1000, due to con
tinued disturbances, which condi
tiOns have caused the loss OF a dali
production much greater than re
y ported last month, and estimated a
y at 5000 tons.
Supplying the farms with labo
!, for next summer by governmen
u plans depends on two factors, great
ly improved methods Of distribu
ton of the available labor and in
tensive cooperation. between tn
! towns and the farms. Even a great
u er problem than securing this ten
porary labor is that of obtainin
all-year-around farm hands, to re
Il place those who have gone into wa
: service, and it is planned to diver
as many Of the unskilled laborer
y as possible to the farms.
+ Financial.
The condition of all business aC
tivities is reflected by the increase
. bank clearings of this distric
Clearings in Y principal cities {
r the district for January increased 4
a per cent over the same month Ia.
= year, and gained 125 per cent ovc
= January two years ago. In con
parison, the cities of the entil
r. United States showed a gain of 8
e and 81 per cent over January, 19l
! and 1916, respectively. Bankers r,
- port strong demand for none
- and rates are firm.
- ABOUT WOMEN ONLY.