The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1945-01-04
Little Chdn(eo Of
More Lumber
For Civilians
Industry Met War
Needs in 1914
But Public Suffered.
MORE BOARDS BEING
USED AT PRESENT

A poll of informed sources re-
veals little optimism that larger ra-
tons OF lumber for civilians can b
expected In the near future. says
the National Lumber Manufacturers
Association.
Opinion is unanimous that the
lumber industry met all its mill
tary obligations on the nail during
1914, despite production decline
OF possibly 10 or IL per cent from
the previous year. The civilian took
the rap to make up that deficit.
All are confident that military re-
qulrements will be met during 1045.
unless depletion of manpower and
progressive deterioration of equip
ment results in more serious loss
OF production than now appears
likely.
More Boards Used
No decrease in the volume re-
Questioned by the government is
anticipated while the war continues
in both theatres, and the various
items will be ordered in approxi-
mately the same proportions as dur
ing the last half of A. The empta-
Sis during 1914 was on boards, due
to the shift from construction to
packaging. More boards are being
produced than ever before in tho
history Of the industry and still
more are being demanded.
In total, approximately 70 to 80
per cent of all lumber production
during 1914 went directly or indi-
rectly into the war, and that pro-
portion is seen continuing through
45 unless there is a sharp letup in
the actual fighting. The biggest sir
gle item in the estimated figures
OF lumber consumption in 1914 is
paekaging (boxing, Grating, and
dunnage) approximately As per
cent. Civilian construction (which
may or may not be an indirect war
use) accounts for about 80 per cent:
military uses and factory products
(probably mostly military make up
the rs per cent balance.
The military services have stock
piles of lumber at various poir1s.
but no excess Both Army and Navy
have been working to reduce sur
pulses and it is considered unlikely
that any Of these stocks are large
enough to cause termination of gov
eminent orders.
No Let-up In Control
No relaxation of lumber control
regulations is anticipated If the
war continues through l945, al
though they might be eased grad
ually, if the European phase should
end during the year.
The market situation which
brought about War Production
Board Order Lr-335 in August con-
tinues, and it is generally felt that
L-335 is being intelligently admin
lstered and is accomplishing its
purpose. The individuals polied
could suggest no alterations or ad-
lustments in the current regulations
that might result in greater supplies
reatMng the domestic market.
NO large shipments of lumber to
Europe for rehabilitation following
the defeat of Germany are expect
ed. This is largely problem Of
shipping space which will be
needed in the Pacific. Also.
Europe will be able to re-establish
its old lumber sources-Sweden.
Finland, and Kussia-quickly, and
Britain will draw on Canada.
Prepared for Postwar Boom
No reconversion difficulties are
at wars end, and it il
expected that the industry will be
for the boom home build
ing market with adequate supplies
Of dry lumber of good quality be-
fore the builders are ready to abb
sorb it. 1t i pointed out that an
estimated five-billion- dollar home
repair job is ready to fill the time
lapse between the end of the war
and the return to the market OF
other home building essentials sucE
as plumbing. Dairy farmers alone
can use large volume of lumber
lr,1caiasel. t.. i. is available to
than.
Che only doubt about the lumber
lndustry's ability to return to the
ways of peace promptly is a posi-
ole congestion Of the freight lines.
Retailers will, for a time, probably
nave to operate on much smaller
Inventories than they. once main
aimed.