Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-04
FROM LUMBER REPORTS

outstanding talents commanded WI
der respect in their lifetime than
have those of Herbert Hoover, but
we cannot recall them. His remark
able organizing abilities, the breadth
of his conception Of what is needed
to systematic an undertaking, how
ever wide it's scope or in whatever
field of endeavor it may be. whether
mining in Africa, distributing relief
in Belgium or aid for the business
of this country to coordinate,
standardize and cut out waste, are
everywhere recognized by the dis
corning.
We are reminded of this by the
following statement found in the
report from the directors of public
relations of the National Lumber
Manufacturers Association. under
the leadership of Herbert Hoover,
secretary of commerce, the lumber
manufacturing industry early began
those processes of improvement that
have effected every step in the man
ufacture and distribution of lumber
from the standing tree to the con-
sumner use"
The report goes on to tell us that
only a few years ago "a condition of
almost hopeless confusion existed
among various lumber producing
groups in relation to grading rules,
grade names, sizes, qualities and
patterns Of manufactured products"
Now we are told vast scheme Of
simplifcation has been developed"
that the consumers of lumber in
this country will be saved millions
of dollars annually.
The report goes on to assure the
reader that there is distinct and
hopeful tendency to place the lum-
Der industry upon a permanent
status. A serious study of refor-
estation is being undertaken. On
the other hand the manager Of the
Association tells Of much labor and
little reward the past year. 1.-THE
greatest building year recorded has
drawn freely on the forests but has
gone by with net losses for the
manufacturers of billions Of feet of
lumber" He does, however, add
that the weak spots in the indus
try give promise of being streng-
thened by proprietary consultations
and common selling agencies"
/ Regarding reforestation the report
Of the research director has the fol-
lowing:
ut Is now possible to enumerate
about so important lumber and pa
per companies outside of New Eng
land that have embarked hesitatingly
or boldly on reforestation or forestry
management of their properties. In
New England more than 9,0O0,0 900
acres of timberland are now on a
reproductive basis in Maine alone.
New England leads because the
promise of adequate reward seems
more certain there; forest depletion
has prodeeded further, and the mark
cts are adjacent. 1t is gratifying,
however, to find that in the South,
I whilst extensive stands of virgin
timber still remain; and in the Pa
cific region, where the total forest
wealth is scarcely scratched as yet,
the major holders of timber re-
serves are already taking steps to
insure perpetual supplies of timber"
The statistician of the Asso-
citation estimates that the lumber
production of the United States will
run close to SO billion feet in 1926;
/ that lumber stocks as reported by
5S7 mills on November 1, were 1870
heavier than was shown by 574 mills
a year ago; that lumber exports will
probably equal those of 1924; that
car loadings will be about 90 great
er than a year ago, that water ship
/ ments from the Pacific Northwest,
especially to the Atlantic Coast show
a notable increase over previous
years.