Milford chronicle., 1953-01-02
By Roger W. Bubson

eracy at its finger tips. In 1853 we
shall see the use Of these bureaus
to AID rather than HANDICAP
business.
HANG ONTO YOUR JOB
Is. Unemployment will be no
problem for the workers of the
nation during the early months of
1853. The demand for and the
supply of labor promise to hold in
good balance. Later, however, ,un-
employment will increase, reaching
its highest point toward the end
of tho year.
16. While employment runs high
during the first part of the year,
strikes will continue to plague
management. Unions, however, will
be cautious so that they will not
bring down on their heads the leg
islative wrath of a conservative
Congress.
17s During the early months of
1858 amendments to the Taft-Hart-
ley Act will be moderate. Great
labor turmoil would surely result
in severe restrictions on labor be-
ing read into the Act All in all, 1
forecast a decline in strike totals
for 1858.
! Is. Looking to the year 1853,
am urging my friends and their
children to work more faithfully at
their jobs. They should not be
fooled by present high demand for
labor. Early 1853 should be used
to dig in" and work harder. Drift
ers will be the first to be let go.
PRICE FORECASTS
19. Barring World War III and
severe droughts, the supply of most
raw materials, farm products, and
manufactured goods promises to be
adequate during 1853. Even the So
called invisible inventories in the
hands of consumers are high as a
result of heavy buying since the
outbreak of the Korean War. I an
ticipate few shortages next year.
20. Do not forget that there is
always a big IF in the supply sit.
I uation with regard to farm pro,
ducts. Severe drought could cause
havoc. One is already long. over
due. Scan closely weather report:
from the nations bread basket"
21. The demand for goods will
be stronger in the first half of the
year than it will be during the las
half. Disposable income will holC
close to current high levels dur
ing the first half of 1853.
%. Total pay rolls will hold well
with prospects favoring a sligh
drop during the late months o
1853.
%. Farm gross income will
strengthen along seasonal line
during the first four or five month
of 1853. If we then avoid drought
1 look for a lower farm incom
during the second half of tn
year.
"a. The trend of wholesale com
modify prices will remain in
basic long-term downswing. Loo
for temporary price recoveries i
many groups during the early par
of 1853, but do not let them foe
you.
; .25. Unless more internationa
, troubles or drought strike hare
living costs should average som
lower in 1853 than in 1852. Her
again, the taperlng-off will occu
late, not early in the year.
RETAIL TRADE
26. Overall trade in 1868 wi
= be close to 1852 levels as far a
physical volume is concerned, wit
1 a moderate decline in dollar total
= The most attractive merchandisin
3 Investments should be: ID Supel
= market groceries,; (2) VaSiet
: chains; 90 Mail order stores; ar
(4) Department stores, excepting
few in the largest and most cor
gested cities.
%. Demand for capital gooC
: will hold strong during most
! 1853 A definite slowing, hoWeve
will take place at some time. 19I
sales OF consumer durables shou
! about equal 1929 total sale
: which were restricted by the ste
! strike.
{ %. Movement of soft goods du
= ing 1853 should be about the san
as during 1852 Some fresheniI
of demand in the early months ms
: be offset later by a renewed lull.
! REAL ESTATE
T 20. Barring World War III, rel
d controls will be a thing Of Il
i past in most areas by the end