The Watertown news. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1917-1919, 1918-01-11

The sixth annual convention of the
Master Builders Association of Wis
consin was formally opened in st.
Henry's hall Thursday afternoon. The
Master Builders, $50 in number, all
joined in America" the first number
on the program.
E. A Mendenhall, president of the
Master Builders association of this
city, addressed the convention briefly.
1T seems scare a year since we met in
Oshkosh. Many wonderful things have
happened since then. Few of us had
expected to see a large army of
American soldiers in Europe. 1t would
not have been had there not been
large organizations equipping the
men for service abroad said the
speaker 1.-The bankers have placed
the Liberty loan, the Y NJ G. A is
) taking care of the soldiers. The Red
Cross is doing great share and all
down the line organizations affected
in times of peace have helped to fur
Their war plans more quickly" stated
the speaker. THE time is coming
when the Builders association will
have to come forward The change
from peace to war has kept men busy
but the time is coming when we will
have peace again, and it is then that
we will have to keep things going and
tide over the business organization.
We as builders have worked hard to
make the program pleasing and hope
you all will enjoy it," concluded the
speaker.
Mayor Charles Mulberger then de-
livered the address of welcome. by
decoration l am a member Of your
honorable body for this afternoon.
We appreciate the honor conferred
upon us when you chose our city as
the convention city of the Master
Builders" said the mayor. He then
spoke of WatertOwn as being one of
the best cities of it's size in the state.
He stated that he could tell them of
many things which go to make the
city an educational center. THE local
high school is being copied as model
by other cities of this state. 1t is one
of the best and compares favorably
with those of cities twice its size,'
said the speaker. In concluding the
mayor said, Besides transacting your
business gentlemen, have good
time"
E. L. Mundin, Oshkosh, responding
to the address of welcome, quoted the
story of the school teacher whose
boys are always whispering in his
room. Whenever l speak some fool
opens his mouth" Thus did the speak
er attempt to belittle his own admir-
able reply. 1--WE have nearly all passed
the high school age and will be able
to see the outside if not the inside, y
or's invitation. The speaker then told
how the convention had come to Osh-
kosh in 1917 and at Watertown in
1918. I've thank you for the kind re
ception rendered us today and the
many to come" he concluded.
1.-THE city is ours" thus did Richard
c. Ferge, Milwaukee, president of the
Master Builders Association of Wis
consin, introduce himself He then
outlined in a clear concise manner
the aims and objects of the associa-
ton. To define and lay out general
principles for business action; to
make for uniform practises; to act as
central bureau of information in
matters Of general and individual in
terest, was the gist of the speakers
outline. Some hard problems will
confront us on account of the war
and it seems necessary that we must
have a closer cooperation in order to
surmount the difficulties that will
arise" said the speaker.
The speaker then urged the associa-
ton to consider in their business dis
cussions the general contract, drawn
by the American Institute of Archi-
tees and Exchanges and approved for
adoption by all building associations.
He also urged that a code of ethics be
adopted.
Cost systems were also thoroughly
explained. He spoke of the contractor
who places his bid on job, is award
ed it, collects money and pays bills
and keeps no record whereby he can
find out if he made or lost money on
the job. He urged the adoption of a
uniform system by each local organi-
cation.
THE proposition or carrying our
own automobile insurance should ap-
peal to all contractors" said the
speaker. 1.-The Master Builders asso-
citation offers a way for unity of action
and Irresistible force if done rightly
concluded the speaker.
He also named the following COM
mittees:
Resolutions-W William C. Klinger
Milwaukee, E. H. Mundin, Oshkosh
Martin Boldt, Appleton.
Auditing Buick, Madison
Emil Pautz, GAINESVILLE, William Tube
sing, Milwaukee.
After the report of the secretary
o. H. Ulbricht, was read, the conven-
ton resolved itself into a meeting OF
the Builders Limited Mutual Liability
Insurance COMPANY of Wisconsin