Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-10-09

in the next six months, over the
half-year period just past, was the
forecast made after summarizing
of statements made by representa-
tives of Augusta retail, wholesale,
industrial and construction business
es at most interesting program
conducted at the weekly supper
meeting of the Rotary Club, Friday
evening.
The program was conducted by
the business methods committee of
the club, composed of Horace In
graham, Williams B. Getchell and
William ]. Beauchaine. Mr.. Ingra-
ham presided and led the discussion.
He explained that an attempt would
be made to forecast with a reason
able degree of accuracy, the bust
ness and Industrial outlook, after
hearing reports of representative
members. The chairman stated that
the present weekly payroll in Au-
susta is about $4,000. If employ
ment holds constant, business in
general is bound to be satisfactory.
1t was determined that on the
whole there are no considerable
number of credit accounts standing
on the books of local retail mer-
chants, which is considered a very
good barometer of general condi-
tons. Statements by bankers were
to the effect that deposits have in
creased during the past year and a
continued increase is the prospect.
Increased Mill Production
Members of the club, who could
speak authoritatively for Augusta
mills and factories, on the whole
held a most favorable view on in
creased production and employment
in their plants during the next six
months. Speaking of the situation
in the Edwards Manufacturing Com
pany mill. which of course has a
very considerable effect on the gem
eral prosperity of this city, Milton
Q. Deane said that cotton is going
down in price and that customers
are in the market, a condition which
Is unusual with a falling market.
which he considered indicated an in
creased demand and use of cotton
manufactured goods.
believe women are returning
to the use of cotton for dress goods"
said Mr.. Deane. For some time
past they have used silk almost ex-
clusively-and very little of that"
Cotton textile mills have been
selling their product at a loss for
the past two or three years, but
with a constant price level, baying
VIII be better. which of course means
more orders and a nearer capacity
production.
Electric Service Demand
Williams B. Getchell stated that
as representative on a utilities
pnn1n9nI-
he considered the outlook for the
next six months very favorable. +"
and cited several points to support
his contention-the constructive Of
a splendid new office building in this
city; the near completion of the
great Gulf Island hydro-electric de-
velopment on the Androscogein
which will increase the OUTPUT Of
The Central Maine Power Co. bv 20
percent; and the increasing demands
Tor electric service. The Central
Maine Power Co. payroll for last
year was about a million and hair
dollars and will be considerable more
Ior the coming year.
IL developed that with considerable
work now in progress in
TINS city, building mechanics were
all employed, and with the prosnect
OF a continuance of employment on
poftunltles for some time.
Skilled Workmen EMPLOYED
Frank E. Tracy, contractor. intro
duced an interesting thought into the
discussion, when he declared that
though wages were high In the build
ing trades. carpentry, plumbing. ma
sorry, painting, ETC., there were prac-
tlcally no apprentices learning these
trdes and in a comparatively few
years, unless these conditions are
changed, there will be no skilled me-
chanics except the gray haired mas
ter workmen of a passing generation.
In connection with the recent re-
moval from the Augusta Post Office
of many thousand copies, monthly. Of
printed in the big Angus
ia publishing houses, John C. Arnold,
Post Master stated that eventually
this re-entry movement would result
in reduction of employees at the To-
cal post office, but the continuance Of
the present personnel until July 1928
is assured, after which time the re-
ceipts will govern the number Of post
office employees in the Augusta Of
fee.
Amongst those who spoke briefly
on conditions in their particular lines
OF business were D. w. Adams, Hor-
ace Colburn, Milton o. Dean. Roland
Scribner, Frank E. Tracy. John c.
Arnold, Fred w. Burrill. Williams B.
Getchell Walworth Simpson and
Horace Ingraham.
The unique manner OF making the
business and industrial survey at the
club meeting was followed with close
by all present. and it was
with real optimism for the future
prosperity of the community, that the
session was adjourned following the
Of the reports.
In preparation for the proposed
Spring conclave Of Rotary clubs of
the 3Sth district. in Bangor, Presi-
dent Herman R. Mansur appointed an
Onto Bangor" committee with DIR.
Walter c. Nelson as chairman and
Jack Mahan and Nelson Gordan. sup
porting members.
Silent Tribute
The recent sudden passing of J.
Francis MacNichol, for more than ten
years, musical director of the Au-
gusta Rotary Club was the occasion
for moment of silent tribute at the
opening of the meeting. following
which the members Joined in singing
"Auld Lang Syne."