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SB HH55 British Columbia lumberman PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH D. TODD LEES, - - - - Hit.tintss Manager Office, Room 2, Pender Block, Granville Street, Vancouver, B. C. Telephone 11% P. O. Drawer 928 Tf.rms of Subscription (Payable in Advance) One year, Canada or the United States $1 00 One year, Foreign Countries 1 50 Advertising Rates on Application Correspondence bearing upon any phase of the lumber industry will he gratefully acknowledged, and discussion upon trade subjects is invited. To our Advertisers.- The British Columbia Lumberman has a guaranteed circulation of 2,(MI0 copies. It will he found in every mill, lumber manufactory, logging camp, etc., in the Province and Puget Sound, besides all dealers in lumber in the Northwest and Canada generally. To lumber manufacturers, lumber dealers and machinery makers no better medium has ever been offered in the West. gtt" 1'ersons corresponding with, advertisers in the lirilish Columbia Lumberman will confet a favoi by giving the journal ctedit lot such cotiespondence. VANCOUVER, B. C, MAY, 1904. PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. The lumber situation throughout the Province apparently seems to be in a satisfactory condition, inasmuch as all the mills throughout the country arc working to full capacity. Reports generally arc said to he "fair," but there is a "but" behind it all. Early last year the question was asked by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, "could the lumbermen of the Province handle the business which was sure to come from Manitoba and the Territories in consequence of the rapid increase of settlers who were expected to arrive there?'' The lumbermen expressed themselves fully able to handle all business which might come. In consequence of the possible demand, last spring was one of the most active in the history of the lumber industry. Later, however, a car famine occurred, and lumber accumulated in the mill yards, because the C. 1'. R. could not handle it, and to make matters worse the mills of Washington and Oregon entered the field with their surplus production selling their stock at a figure actually below the cost df production, the railroads assisting them to unload their product, with the result that order after order, unfulfilled for the reason above stated, was cancelled. Conditions to-day suggested the possibility of even greater demand than last spring. The influx of new settlers into the Northwest exceeds that of last year. Everything would point to a year of exceptional prosperity to British Columbia lumbermen, and in antcipation of a good business all the mills of the Province are working full blast. "Hut," authentic reports state that during the month of March 10,000,000 feet of American coast lumber was sold in Manitoba, while for last month there is reason to believe that amount was greatly exceeded. Our Winnipeg correspondent points out the effect this "slaughter sale" business is having on our legitimate market, and that if it is allowed to continue many of the Canadian dealers will have to go out of business. Our revered parental Government at Ottawa seems to have overlooked the recent effect of the Dingley Act when the order was passed in Washington that British Columbia logs and lumber would be subject to a tax of from $5 to $7.50 per 1,000 feet if exported to the States. Surely, if the previous tax of $2 per 1,000 was not sufficient excuse for the passage of a similar retali- ative tax, $7.50 per 1,000 was just cause for immediate action. Memorial after memorial has been sent to Ottawa without result, and our mill- men arc to-day in a most unenviable predicament, with really only one course open to them —a general shut down. Our neighbors in the Northwest have received concession after concession from Ottawa, and by the protective tariff accorded them they are making money fast, yet they are the chief opponents to the demands of British Columbia lumbermen for a retaliative duty upon American lumber. We feel that the consumer of lumber in the Northwest and Manitoba and the Eastern Provinces has no reason to complain if the lumbermen of British Columbia ask that they be given a tariff on lumber. We believe in a policy which will build up Canada as a whole. Our destiny as a country must be one in which self- reliance will be one of the principal factors. If the farming or any other industry is to be built up at the expense of some other, to such an extent that the latter is unduly retarded in its growth, Canada cannot become a self-reliant nation to the extent that the patriotic Canadian could hope for. There was a period during which the farmer of the Northwest and Manitoba could hardly be asked in fairness to carry his just burden of the revenue of this country. The older Provinces had to carry him. Crops failed, times were hard and consequently money was scarce. To-day he is on his feet and stronger individually, financially speaking, than many of those who helped to carry him over the hard times. The time is now arrived when it is felt tliat he should make repayment. The lumbermen of British Columbia have carried the Northwest consumer to a large extent for some years and were taxed to provide a market for many of its products. The British Columbia mills at the present time are carrying the Manitoba and Northwest consumer for over $1,000,000. Tf the milimen of British Columbia are given fair play and an equal measure of support which has been accorded industries far less important than their own, they have no fear for the future. The lumber resources of the Province are unrivalled on the continent, and of this fact both the Dominion and Provincial Governments are fully cognisant. Surely, then, every encouragement should be given to those who are developing these resources. We sincerely trust that ere another issue of the "Lumberman" makes its appearance the Dominion Government will have done its duty towards the lumbermen of Canada and particularly of this Province. COMBINATION OF FORCES. Local milimen have taken the initiative in importuning the Dominion Government in the matter of tariff in connection with the lumber industry, and during the early days of this month the wires between Vancouver and Ottawa have been kept hot in the discussion. They have also interested the various Provincial Boards of Trade, who have been asked to aid the good work with their influence. What the outcome will be it is difficult to foresee, but if the Government does not do its duty towards the industry and to the Province, dire results must follow. It is interesting to note the extreme selfishness shown by some of the Northwest members in the discussions which have taken place in the House. These, from the shortsighted arguments offered against the imposition of a retaliative duty on American rough lumber, give us the impression that they are more fit for a nursery than a House of Representatives. It is needless for us to go into details regarding the discussion, but there is one argument in particular which we cannot allow to pass unchallenged. Reference has been made repeatedly that the "combine" in Rritish Columbia is to a very large extent responsible for the presence of American duty-free lumber in Manitoba and the Northwest. Such a lamentable display of ignorance BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN flllis ■ Chalmers Company SUCCESSOR TO — The Edward P. Allis Co., Fraser & Chalmers Co., Gates Iron Works, Dickson Mfg. Co., MILWAUKEE, WIS. CHICAGO, ILL. CHICAGO, ILL. SCRANTON, PA. WE ARE THE LARGEST BUILDERS OF MODERN HEAVY PACIFIC COAST SAW MILL MACHINERY. PLANS AND ESTIMATES MADE FOR UP-TO-DATE PLANTS. We give you the benefit of forty years of our experience. T3 0) L. OT 0) Q x l_ +* G> "O .*-> § S c CO c Q 0> ■o cd C 2 1 •*-* is,00 m <x> Is 11 co Igo if CO [ G> • «^H u u CO o Q. ▼■■H 0) 0) • Q O Z g ■«-• 3 o i SOLE AGENTS HEALD'S CHAINS .>sn. . «*>.i' •"\»>rftf ' ALLIS Pacific Coast EDGER Saw Shifter. Patented. WE CAN APPLY THEM TO YOUR OLD EDGER O c rf 00 ^ : O o * <x> o -i »—»• CO 0Q 03 S CO to 3 Q. CO pa 3 cl CD 3 CD <t> CD Q. Seattle Office, 505 Lumber Exchange. H. S. MITCHELL, Manager SOLE AGENTS MERSH0N RE-SAWS BRANCH OFFICES NEW YORK, Empire Building BOSTON, Board of Trade Building PITTSBURG, Frick Building MINNEAPOLIS, Corn Exchange Bldg. DENVER, 1649 Tremont St. SALT LAKE CITY, 209 S.W. Temple SPOKANE, Washington GENERAL OFFICE CHICAGO, ILL, U. S. A. LONDON, ENG., 533 Salisbury House. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa. BRANCH OFFICES SAN FRANCISCO, Hayward Bldg. SEATTLE, Lumber Exchange Bldg. CHARLOTTE, N. C, Trust Bldg. NEW ORLEANS, Hennen Bldg. ATLANTA, GA., Equitable Bldg. BUTTE, MONT., 51 E. Broadway BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN of conditions from members of the Dominion House is deplorable. First, it has been clearly shown that there is no more a "combine" among British Columbia lumbermen than is among wheat growers in the Northwest, and secondly, the American lumdermen on the Pacific coast, owing to the demoralized condition of their own markets last year, with heavy stocks on hand, were forced to sell wherever they could find a market. It is only too well known among these same lumbermen that the Canadian Northwest market is not one of pleasant memory to them, but necessity forced them to sell their overproduction at prices we could not meet, moreover, the conditions of their own market today show a like condition to those of last year. If the dumping of this overproduction of the Pacific coast states into our legitimate markets is to be allowed to continue from any sentimental policy of the Dominion Government, our milimen must of necessity force the issue by shutting down their mills. It has been said by those opposed to tariff changes in the lumber industry that if a tariff is imposed British Columbia lumbermen will raise the price of their product to the consumer. The fallacy of this argument is easily proved when it is known that the competition in the luniuer trade in this Province is as keen, if not keener, than in any other manufacturing industry in the Dominion, and this same competition is ample safeguard that no increase will follow the imposition of the small tariff now sought. '1 he tone of the Provincial press during the controversy which has taken place since the Vancouver Board of Trade joined hands with those in the lumuer industry here is gratifying in the extreme. The matter is receiving impartial treatment at the hands of the press, and the requirements of the industry are being urged irrespective of party. Commenting upon statements by the Toronto "Globe, after the discussion in the House on the 4th inst., the Victoria "Colonist" says: "The discussion of the position of the lumber industry of British Columbia that took place in the House 0. Commons on Wednesday last, appears to have been successful to some extent in arousing attention in Eastern Canada to the serious difficulties with which the industry has to contend. The Toronto "Globe" of Thursday, commenting on the matter, admits that some of the 'demands of the lumber interests are reasonable and should receive consideration.' It intimates that while Parliament has no power to control or regulate the freight rates, the railway company is lacKtng in business acumen by discriminating against the mills in the territory tra- ersed by its line. The "Globe" also admits hat the disadvantage under which the British Columbia lumbermen labor by having to pay a duty ranging from 20 to 30 per cent on the mill machinery and equipment required for the manufacture of lumber which they have to sell in open competition with their American rivals who are free of such duties, should be removed by the remission of the duty on such articles. But the "Globe" thinks that 'there will be strong opposition to the levying of duty' on importations of American lumber as long as 'we have a great area of farming lands, in which the lumber supply is a serious problem.' "While it is a matter of some satisfaction that we are able to secure an admission from people in Eastern Canada that our important lumbering industry labors under great and serious disadvantages as the result of the present arrangements, it is clear that the "Globe" has not yet grasped the whole problem, or, indeed, the most important detail of it. British Columbia lumbermen are not asking for protection per se. All they suggest is that if the American market can only be reached by them on payment of a duty on their product, that a similar condition shall confront the American lumbermen seeking a market for their lumber in Canada. The lumbermen of this Province are quite willing that there shall be free trade in lumber in both sides of the boundary instead of the present jug- handled fiscal arrangement that now exists. The suggestion of the "Globe" that as long as there are large areas of farming lands in Canada on which the lumber supply i.s a serious problem, the lumber industry of British Columbia must be sacrificed, will not bear examination. It would be more reasonable to propose that until the lumber industry here i.s placed on equal terms with that across the line by the repeal of the duty on Canadian lumber going into the United States, the farmers of Manitoba and the Northwest should consent to the abolition of the duty on their grain and beef products, which are consumed in our lumber camps, since the duty adds to the cost of production of the lumber and gives our leading Provincial industry the problem as serious as that which the "Globe" thinks would confront the farmers if the unfair advantage now enjoyed by American lumbermen were withdrawn. "What our lumbermen desire is as free access to the United States' market as the American lumnermen have to that in Canada. That will not increase the price of lumber to the farmers of Central Canada, but be likely to decrease it, since the Canadian lumbermen will not only have a larger market, but one that will afford them an outlet for certain grades of lumber for which under~present conditions it is difficult to find a market. But in any case, it is an injustice to British Columbia that her leading industry should De sacrificed for the supposed interests of another section of the Dominion. We say "supposed," because, as a matter of fact, no injury would be caused the people of Manitoba and the Northwest by the lumbermen's request being conceded." A CORRECTION AND APOLOGY THE TRADE JOURNAL AND ITS PATRONS "The ideal trade journal fulfills three distinct missions. Tt gathers all the technical knowledge relating to its special field and places it in an easily assimilable form before the people of its chosen industry. It acts as a medium between the various advertisers and that industry. And finally it connects the industry and the advertisers with the rest of the business world. Aside from these three main duties, the trade journal generally becomes an open forum for all those who are interested in the progress of the industry which it strives to represent," says Frank Rodcrus, editor "Beet Sugar Gazette," Chicago. "But in order to be able to fulfill its missions the trade journal needs above all the staunch support of those whose special interests it defends and promotes. Tn other words, no trade journal can long exist without the active co-operation of its legitimate patrons. When this co-operation is missing, or grudgingly or scantily given, then the trade journal is forced to struggle for its existence to such an extent that its facilities are partly paralyzed. In consequence, the people engaged in any particular industry are getting a poor service, and in the long run they are themselves the losers by their lack of appreciation of their trade journal. "Of course, under the present day methods of business, no trade journal can long afford to invest large sums in publication work without proportionate returns. It must be run as a money- making proposition or go out of business. But the more money it makes the better it can serve its patrons. And as this money can only come, to a large degree, from the circle of its legitimate patrons, it devolves on the latter first of all to realize that a few dollars invested in an unstinting support of their trade journal is bread cast upon the waters which will return a hundredfold. .As no modern industry is complete without its trade journal, the closest of relations between the trade and its special publication should be regarded as a matter of self-interest and self-development." Tn our March issue our Winnipeg correspondent made the statement that the Imperial Elevator Company was suing one of its foremen on a charge of "failing to account for certain sums of money." Our attention has been called to the fact that the statement was untrue, and upon investigation we have ascertained that an action was entered in the Winnipeg police court records by Mr. Alex. Reid, manager for the Western Elevator Company, against one of its employees, but that the case was dismissed. We take the present opportunity of expressing our regret for the publication of the statement referred to, and have cautioned our various correspondents throughout the country upon the extreme necessity of carefully verifying their reports when matters of a personal nature should appear therein. Reserved for Pulp Purposes. The British Columbia Gazette of the 12th inst. contains a notice of a reserve placed upon certain lands for and on behalf of the Island Power Co. Ltd., to select therefrom timber limits for wood pulp and paper making purposes, according to an agreement entered into between that company and the Government and dated 10th inst. The lands involved are for the most part near the northern end of Vancouver Island and the reserve is for two years. A Promotion. Mr. H. V. Croll, who has been in charge of the Salt Lake City, Utah, office of the Atlis-Chal- mers Company, for several years, and who was before that the representative of the E. P. Al- lis Company, at Spokane, Washington, has been appointed to the charge of the Allis-Chalmers office in San Francisco, as the successor to Mr. Geo. Ames, who has resigned. Mr. Croll's San Francisco office is 623 Hayward Building. A New Canadian Company. The Canadian business of the Allis-Chalmers Company, which recently acquired the Bullock Electric Manufacturing Company, of Cincinnati, will hereafter be conducted by a new organization bearing the name Allis—Chalmers-Bullock, Ltd. The works and principal offices of this important new Canadian company are in Montreal. A CONTEMPLATED RAILROAD. The Fort Steele "Prospector," with an eye to business, and in contemplation of the possible construction of the Kootenay Central Railroad, which it is supposed will follow the eastern bank of the Kootenay river, says, regarding that wished for event: "The construction of the Kootenay Central Railway and the building of a smelter at Elko are matters which the people of the Kootenay valley are especially interested. They feel confident that they cannot be delayed but a short time. It is felt that the opening of the Flathead reserve will be quickly followed by the construction of the Kootenay Central. This will give a great stimulus to mining in the vicinity of Fort Steele, also in the Windermere district, where it is proven that very large and valuable ore deposits exist. "Much activity is manifested in the direction of the immense timber areas of the Kootenay val- ley. "We have been informed that an Eastern syndicate has secured an option on C. P. R. timber in the vicinity of Canal Flat, and there is a strong probability that within 60 days arrangements will be perfected whereby a mill of large capacity will be installed on the Kootenay river near Canal Flat. This is based to a considerable extent on the promise that the Kootenay Central Railway Company will commence immediate construction. A telegram received at Steele during the past week from the East indicates that this promise will be kept, and it is quite probable that the long looked for railway will be under construction inside of 90 days." ■ 1;. ■ 1 1 1 1 , ;{ I tt'l I k BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN [llXXXXXXIXXXIXXXXIXXXIXXXXIXXXIXXXXXXIXIXXXIIIIXXXXXXIIXIXIIIXXXXXX; v^orrespoi\aet\ce I txxxxxj:xxixixxxiixiixxxxxnxixxxxixixixixixiiixiisxxnxxxixixi.ixxxxfl From our Special Correspondents, HEAVY LOCAL DEMAND. Building Operations in Victoria Very Active- Home Mills Taxed to Their Limit—Territorial Demand Fair. Victoria, May 14.—The activity in the local lumber market, which started with the coming of fine weather in April, continues unabated. The number of dwelling houses now in course of erection or under contract is almost unprecedented-. Unfortunately, the city Building Inspector only takes cognizance of buildings within the tire limits, as no permit is required by the city by-law for buildings erected outside that somewhat restricted area. It is therefore difficult to arrive at an exact estimate of the number of buildings under construction but, from conversations had with leading architects and contractors, it may be conservatively stated at 150. This state of affairs naturally makes busy times for the mills and lumber dealers. The mills are all working to their full capacity and are even thus unable to keep up with their orders. Contractors complain that they have much difficulty in having their orders for specification stuff filled in reasonable time and in consequence in several instances orders have gone to outside mills as local establishments were quite unable to e delivery in time, addition to the lively local demand the mills liberal orders from Territorial and Manitoba for all kinds of lumber. The price of has been cut very fine at Winnipeg, but thstanding large orders are being tilled, emand for rough lumber as well as the class material at Winnipeg is greater p/er and Victoria and Vancouver Island re supplying their fair share. Building issued to April 30 in Winnipeg represent of close on $2,750,000, exclusive of the |*. R. hotel, station and offices, which will to something like $3,500,000, so that this (building operations in the Prairie Metro- ill eclipse those of last year, which aggre- $6,000,000, and the same fact applies, pro- nately, to many towns in Manitoba and the tories. If the Dominion Government would :de to the very reasonable request of the bermen of Canada to impose an import duty United States lumber equal to that charged Canadian lumber entering the States the mills British Columbia would supply a large propor- of the 10,000,000 feet per month which it is estimated is being dumped into the West from the neighboring republic. Facts Overlooked by the Ottawa Government. Lumbermen here express surprise that the British Columbia members made no mention of the extraordinary retaliatory duty imposed upon British Columbia lumber by the United States Government during the recent debate in the House of Commons on the lumber tariff. It is also a matter of astonishment that up to date, none of the daily papers of this province have commented upon the imposition of this prohibitory duty of $7.50 per thousand, although the matter was pretty fully explained in the B, C. Lumberman of March. Trade *<otes. Local contractors are figuring on the contract for the new C. P. R. docks here which will require an immense quantity of piling, square timber and heavy boards. The tenders are open up to the [6th inst. McLeod Bros, have purchased two of the largest logging engines ever used in British Columbia for their camps at Kitimat. The engines were built by the Marine Tron Works, Victoria, and are a credit to the skill of Mr. Andrew Grey, the enterprising manager. Lemon & Gonasson's new mills, wharf and other buildings are about completed and the firm is now impatiently awaiting the arrival ol some heavy machinery from the East. When that comes to hand and is installed Messrs. Lemon & GonasSOtl will have one of the most com plete ami modern plants in British Columbia, IN OKANAGAN VALLEY. The Lumber Business in a Prosperous Condition —Capacity of Plants Increased. Vernon, May 4,—The sawmills of the valley during the last month have been kept constantly going to fill their local orders, and with the immense amount of country to draw from in the valley, it is safe to say that at the end of the season's cut there will be very few mills in the valley that will have any stock to dispose of. The Okanagan Lumber Company, of Enderby, have their new machinery installed, and expect to be in operation in about two weeks' time. This will be the finest mill in the valley, and their surroundings are such that they can manufacture to an advantage. The logs from their drive are now- arriving in their boom, and judging from the appearance of the logs, which are chiefly pine, they should have no difficulty in disposing of this stock. The Vernon Saw, Planing & Moulding Mills contemplate extending their plant in Vernon, providing they are successful in procuring the asked for concessions from the city council, which are free water, light and taxes for ten years, which would mean in the aggregate $150 a year, but it seems to be the policy of some of the ratepayers to drive industry from the city, judging from the aggressive attitude of a few, for they maintain what is the reason of giving concessions to an established plant, but they overlook the fact that machinery is now on the road fur this establishment to the amount of $X,ooo, and with the addition of building would amount to $10,000, and heretofore instead of having a pay roll monthly of $1,000, it would net almost double, for it goes without saying that more machinery and enlargement of plant to this extent requires more hands to operate same. The Summerland Supply Company, of Summer- land, whose sawmill was destroyed by tire last month, are installing a large sawmill and woodworking machinery. The power is to be generated from the water of Trout creek, a distance of five miles from the lake. This water is being carried in flumes through a tunnel in the mountain to supply the turbine wheel at the mill. The power at present to be generated will be 120-h.p., and the daily capacity of the mill will be 20,000. E. G. Prior & Co., of Victoria, secured the contract for supplying the power wheel and putting the machinery in motion, through their agent. II. Schultz, of Vernon. Messrs. Johnston & Carswell have been retarded in commencing operations on Long lake on account of the non-arrival of the boiler inspector. Two portable mills, to supply the local demand, have been established in the t.umby valley during the past month, one by 1'. Bassette and the other by G. Riesweig. On account of the impassable state of (Inroads and the scarcity of teams, Messrs. Young & Martin, of Armstrong, have been unable during the past month to do any shipping. A NOTE OF WARNING. Second Vice-President Whyte Fears an Overproduction in the Interior—G. O. Buchanan's Views. Nelson, May 9.— During his recent visit here uf inspection on railway matters, Mr. William Whyte, Second Vice-President of the ('. P. R., sounded a general note of alarm in lumber matters by declaring that from what he could sec of the outlook there was a good deal of danger in possible over-production, and he particularly cautioned the smaller concerns in this regard, saving that the large mills could be left to take can- of themselves. At one time Mr. Whyte's words did not strike home to our local lumbermen, who rather seemed to think he had ulterior reasons for say 11114 what he did. Since then, however, others in authority have at least agreed that the warning was not without reason, and so high an autli ority a- G. 0. Buchanan, ex-mill man, president of the associated Boards of Trade of Southeast em British Columbia, has expressed the opinii that in view of the general situation, and thi probable .supply ami demand, he looks for rather (piiet times in the lumber trade this coming sun. mer. The local denial, .ias received a marked impetus by the practical rebuilding of Fernie as .1 result of the recent conflagration in that town, but there i-- plenty of stock on hand to supplj all that may be required at Fernie, and it i^ to the Northwest Territories that the big mills must look to clear out their output. The Opinion Not Generally Shared. It is only fair to say that the average millnian of Southeastern British Columbia does not to any extent share in the expressed views referred to, provided always that the Dominion Govern ment would do it> clear duty and properly pro tect the industry against United States importa tions of green lumber, as it has already protect ed every other industry. If the Government declines to do justice to our lumbermen, it is no) improbable that the output will be very much restricted this season from what it otherwise would have been, and some of our smaller plants will likely close down, temporarily at least. The Government Not in Favor. All through the Kootenays, and particularly in East Kootenay, where the lumber trade has al ready reached large dimensions and is steadily growing, the feeling against the Government for what is looked upon as a straight discrimination against a valuable and growing industry, has become very pronounced, and many supporters ol the administration who have been appealed t" have sent urgent letters to Ottawa representing the present situation in lumber circles in this dis trict as extremely critical, and urging instant action, with what result remains to be seen. Items of Local Import. Locally in Nelson, there are at least three matters of immediate interest. The Nelson sawmill, situated just alongside the city wharf, has started up full blast, running day shift only. Day after day booms of lo^'s have been brought in and enclosed in one big boom, until the concern now has an immense quantity ready for turning into luiniier, and each day sees the lumber piles in the yards rise and spread. From 40 to 45 nun are now kept busy. Looking for a Bonus. J- P. McGoldrick, the Minnesota lumberman, uas practically completed his plans for the crec tion here of a plant that will entirely eclipse tin- present Nelson null. Mr. McGoldrick h.i acquired all the land he requires on the lake front, about a mile to the east of the city limit'-, and here will shortly be erected a plant capable of cutting 100,000 feet in twelve hours. Th1' total investment will be about $250,000, and the company is capitalized at $300,000. J. P. Rear don and ('. Rockstrom, of Minneapolis, will be here shortly to assist Mr. McGoldrick in carrying out the undertaking, which will probably be the largest of its kind in the interior of the Pro vinee. The company has completed the put chase of timber limits necessary to feed the new plant. The city has been asked to bonus th'' new concern to the extent of $5,000 to assist i" the initial outlay, and the people will be asked t<> vote on the question within the next fortnight, but public opinion is so favorable to sc- wm «jSBmMHt.»'»f-» '■—v- ■r^wwyypi^awr.ajw' ^^sa ■L" _* BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN ALEXANDER MACLAREN, President BUCKINGHAM, QUE. niTHEii H. DePENCIER, Manager BARNET B. C. North Pacific Lumber Go., Ltd BARNET, B. C. MANUFACTURERS OF KILN-DRIED * <*V so\u«*ia Fir' Spruce ai,d ^ LUMBER etf */• MOULDINGS, LATH, SHINGLES, ETC Mills on Burrard Inlet and Canadian Pacific Railway L. A. LEWIS, General Manager +L HUGH MCDONALD, President Brunette Saw Mill Co., Ltd NEW WESTMINSTER, B. C. (P. O. Address, SAPPERTON, B. C.) * *• * * * * * * * «' if * You need not go elsewhere; we supply all kinds of British Columbia Lumber 4 i* 4 if It pays to order Lumber, Shingles, Mouldings, Laths, Doors, Etc., in 4 if mixed carloads, as you can then keep less on hand, and ordering 4 i* in this way you get quicker shipment * J, ======================== * I Saw Mill, Planing Mill, Shingle Mill and Box Factory on CP.R. and Fraser River, at Sapperton * X4*4*4*4*4*4*4*4.4*4*4*4*4*4^4»4*^ Lumber, Shingles, Boxes, Mouldings SPECIAL ATTENTION TO CAR TRADE * * * * * * * * * * * * * 11 :;:l 1 r i T .1 1 H '1 H j tfi i 1 ii 1 LA 1 ■ 0 BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN curing the industry for the city that there will be no opposition to the bonus by-law when it comes up. Mining Activity Good for Trade. A third item of local import is the rather slow but gradual resumption of mining amongst the silver-lead properties, owing to the bounty given by the Dominion Government on lead. Several properties have been paid on account for one, two and in some cases three months' lead ore Shipments, and this has encouraged other properties either to start up or to make preparations for so doing. In many cases new mine buildings are being put up, and in other ways there is a renewed demand for lumber and timber from a source that has been practically closed down for many months. , Here and There in Kootenay. There is still a complaint through the section of a shortage of cars for the lumber service, but the situation in this respect has decidedly improved over that of a month ago. All the machinery, so long delayed en route, for the Canadian Timber & Sawmills, Limited, at Trout Lake, is now on the ground and the plant will start up this month. The Moyie Lumber Company has started up and has made every preparation for a good oil's cut. The mill has a capacity of 40,- eet per day, and will shortly be running it as well as day. drive at Doyle's logging camp, on the St. s river, in East Kootenay, will take place June 1st. About 5,000,000 feet of logs are row's Nest Pass Lumber Company, of , East Kootenay, has acquired over 8,- logs at various points, and driving ence as soon as the Kootenay and St. ivers rise a little higher, probably in ree weeks' time. Utheast Kootenay at the present time Ire 30 mills in active operation—big and new machinery recently added to the 's Nest Pass Lumber Company's plant has d the capacity from 75,000 feet daily to twice that. The platform at the mill is now farranged that 20 car.-, can be loaded at one e. It is anticipated by the company that it I'Will be able to cut about 20,000,000 feet this sea- lion, but to do this the mill will have to run dou- • ble shifts. Three big logging camps have been established within three miles of Camborne, in the upper Lardeau, These camps are distributed up the Fish river from this point, two on the west and one on the east side. The Harbor Lumber Company has plenty of men and provisions on hand, and the section is a busy one, as both sides of the river are heavily lined with timber. WINNIPEG MARKET AFFECTED American Lumber Seriously Interfering With Trade of Western Dealers—Manitoba Lumber Cut Will Be Large. Winnipeg, May 14.—The local lumber trade is quite satisfactory though there is some complaint from the fact that the American agents are cutting some of the ground from under the feet of the local merchants , this state of affairs being made possible by the immense surplus of American lumber which seems available for the western Canadian trade, and which can be placed on the market in Winnipeg at a price which makes it unprofitable for the local dealers to undersell. William Whyte of the C. P. R., on returning from a recent tour to the Pacific Coast, stated to the representative of the Lumberman that business of every kind in the western province was flourishing with the exception ol the lumber interests in the mountains, where the many new mills had increased the output to a very large extent and of course had an effect on making the trade in general in the mountain districts somewhat dull, but he considered that the competition from the American sine a great feature in curtailing the trade winch previously had gone to the output of the Canadian mills. There had of course been a falling off in the foreign demand and thus lert ...lie chance of the mills in the district indicated sending any of their output for export. Railway Construction. The commencement of so much railway construction in Manitoba and the Territories this season will increase the sales of lumber from this quarter considerably. Though there is not likely to be a great deal of station building this year the work will be commenced and the orders for the material will no doubt be let so that the trade will experience considerable revival on that account. High Water a Boon to Loggers. The high water has been a boon to the lumbermen of the West in that it has enabled them to get tlieir winter's cut out without difficulty. Last season many of the firms had thousands of feet of lumber tied up on the headwaters of the streams on account of the sudden fall of the spring Hoods. This year, however, though some of the companies suffered through their booms being broken and some of the timber getting away, the high water had the effect of bringing down the logs that had been stranded the previous seasons, so that the drives will be unusually satisfactory. In Winnipegosis District. A well-known merchant, who is in the city now from Winnipegosis, which is situated on the lake of that name in the Province of Manitoba, reports that the lumbering interests in that section of the Province are assuming large proportions, and that the season just closed has been one of the best in the history of the north. During the last two years a large number of -.cttlers have come into the district to farm, and these have all been able to get work in the woods during the winter, so that they have been making money all the year round and are among the most prosperous of the recent settlements in the country. The output of lumber by the linns in the district will be very large, and many of the mills are already sawing on the winter's cut. Local Building Industry. The building boom in the city of Winnipeg shows no abatement, ami the value of permits already issued by the building inspector's department has already exceeded three million. The number ot warehouses under construction is not so marked as yet, but the rush for residences is phenomenal, and it seems as if the contractors Could not possibly rush up enough to nearly meet the demand. House rents on this account have jumped to an exceedingly high rate, in fact out of all reason as compared with the assessment values of the property as shown by the statement of the commissioner just issued. This condition i.s hurting the growth of the city in many ways, as mechanics, who would otherwise take up their residences in tin city, are moving to the country towns where the expenses of living are considered more reasonable. The Sprague Lumber Company of this city has completely overhauled its mill 01 the banks of the Red River, and it will open in a few flays with one of the most complete Limber factories in Canada. One of the new horizontal band saws has been installed which will greatly increase the capacity of the mill, and the cut of this season will be one of the largest ever turned out in the city of Winnipeg. A Large Producer. The country around Fort Frances, Out., which is within easy reach of Winnipeg by the Can adian Northern Railway, has within the past year developed into one of the largest producer^ of logs and timber for the Western market Prior to the advent of the railway into the dis trict, the logging and lumber industries were cai ried oil by a few id' the large companies which controlled extensive interests in other parts c the country, and employment was given only to the nun who were brought in from the older parts of Ontario and Manitoba. With the com ing of the railway, however, the demand for tie-. telegraph post>. poles, culvert timber, piling and building lumber for stations in the Northwest and along the branch lines has given the Settlers a golden opportunity to convert the products of the forest into cash required to carry on their farming operations. There are now about 20 sawmills along the river, which will have an average cut of 100,000 feet, and the figures sup plied by C. W. Sloan, timber inspector for the C. V R . indicate that the cut of logs during the pa-.t winter reached the quantity of 36,652,000 feet. The other products taken out were: 1. 41x1,000 ties, 210,000 piles, 8,000 poles, 100,000 posts, the latter named products aggregating m value about $350,000. Added to this will be the value of the lumber cut during the coming summer. The dues going to the Government on ties cut during the winter will aggregate about $8o,000. Besides this there is the dues on pine. New Rates in Effect. The Canadian Pacific Railway Company has taken another step towards interference in the lumber affairs of the West and has published a circular which is intended tn set forth what the railway considers a fair price list for British Columbia lumber delivered in Manitoba and the Territories. The alleged intention of this circular is to prevent the overcharging for lumber by the dealers, and the list takes in all the grades of lumber. The circular is signed by 1'. W. Peters, assistant general freight agent, and Harry O'Connor is appointed travelling agent to visit the stations along the lines to see that the lumber yards are well stocked and that the dealers do not ell .'ge in excess of the prices indicated in the circular. The notice reads in part: "Lumber dealers are under agreement with the manufacturers not to charge above what is considered a fair profit on the sale of their lum ber. Purchasers are requested to report to the agent of the Canadian Pacific Railway here par ticulars of any complaint they may have as t'1 excessive prices charged by the dealers, also as to any difficulty they may have in procuring a full supply of lumber required by them. Any such complaints will be promptly forwarded by them to the proper quarter." Following is an extract from the circular fixing the wholesale prices at Ilartney, Man.: BRITISH COLUMBIA MOUNTAIN Mil.I.S Ship-lap and common boards: Ship-lap, $21: common boards, s. 1 s., mixed, lengths 10 tn 18 feet, mixed, widths 4 to 12 in., $20; common boards resawn to '/>\n., $13.50. Flooring and ceiling: No. I $28; No. 2, $24; ship-lap grade, %22. Dimensions: 2x4 to 2x10, 10 to 16 feet, $20; 5oc )>er M extra for each 2 feet over i(>; $1 per M. extra for each 2 in. over 10 in. in width; 6x6 to I2xt2 squares, $21. Shingles: No. 1, $2.55. Lath: Cedar, $4.25; other, $3.75. BRITISH COLUMBIA COAST MILLS Fir: Shiplap and common boards—Ship-lap, 0 8, 10 and 12 inches, finished ->4 in., $22; common boards, s. 1 s., 6 to 12 in., 8 to 10 ft., finished >i in., $21; common boards, resawn, about H '" thick (surface measure), $12. m BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN Flooring and ceiling: No. I and 2 edge grain, 1x4 in., $35; No. 1 and 2 edge grain. 1x6 in., $33; No. 1 and 8 flat grain, 1x4 or 6, $31; No. 3, 1x4 or 6 in., $30; No. 4 ship-lap grade, 1x4 or 6111, $23. Dimension s. 1 s. and E: 2x4 to 2x12 in., up to )2 ft., $2i; 3x3 to 6x6 in., up to 32 ft., $21; 2x4 to 2x12, up to 32 ft., $22; 3x3 to 6x6 in., up up to 32 ft., $22; 2x14 to 6x14 in., hi) to 32 ft., $23; 2x16 to 6x16 in., up to 32 ft., $25; 2x18 to 6xl8 in., up to 2,2 ft., $27; 2x20 to 6x20 in., Up to 32 ft., $28. Timber in the rough: 7*7 to 12x12 in., up to 32 ft., $23.80; 7x14 to 14x14 in., UP to 32 ft., $24.80; 7x16 to 16x16 in., up to 32 ft., $26.80; 7x18 to 18x18 in, up to 3-2 ft., $28.80; 7x20 to 20x20 in, tip to 32 ft. $29.80. Common cedar ship-lap and common boards: Ship-lap, 6, 8, 10 and 12 in, $21; 8 to 16 ft, finished ->4 in, $21; common boards, 6 to 12 in, s. 1 s, to }.1 in. 8 to 16 ft, $20; dimension, 2x4 to 12x12 up to 24 ft, $22.50; 2x4 to 12x12, 25 to 30 ft, $23.50; 2x4 to 12x12, 31 to 35 ft, $24.50. Shingles: No. i, $2.55. Lath: fir, Hxi^j in. x 4 ft, $4; red cedar, >ix 1.V4 in, x 4 ft, $4.50. LOG-DRIVING DELAYED In the Ottav a Valley—High Water Assures Successful Movement—A Shortage of 25 per cent. Compared With That of 1903. Ottawa, May 4.—The spring has been a very backward one all through Eastern Canada, and the log drives have been delayed as a consequence, 'l'lie river drivers have been on the limits for the past two weeks, waiting for the ice to clear out of the creeks and lakes, so as to permit the movement by water of the logs and square timber. Word was received in the city to-day that the ice had at last got under way, and that log-driving had commenced on a gen- eral scale. There is no fear, fortunately, of any of the logs being '•hung up," as the water is high even in the smaller creeks, and will permit of the satisfactory movement of logs and square timber. 11ns announcement will have an important bearing on the future of the lumber market, as it means that all the logs cut during the past winter will be available for manufacture into lumber during the coming summer. At most of the mills there is a good supply of logs left over from last season that will keep the saws busy until the drives arrive. All the mills in the Ottawa and Georgian Bay districts have started ■ ii the summer's sawing, and ill have a busy Mason ahead of them . The demand for lumber particularly of the middle and lower grades, in Eastern Canada is an unprecedentedly heavy -ne, and the market will hold linn at the present high prices. Prices Will Be Maintained. A conservative operator running mills in the Georgian bay district said recently that on account of the severity and depth of the snow last winter, and the scarcity of help early in the -eason, the log cut showed a shortage of 2^ per out and the cost of log production an advance of 30 per cent. As a consequence of this shortage of prospective supply in the Georgian Bay district, the American trade is asking tor more low and middle grade lumber from the Ottawa district mills. It is hard to see where the local mills can fill the increased wants, for the reason 1h.1t nearly all the cut is already spoken for. Practically all the present and future cut of lumber from the Ottawa district mills is in second and third hands. Eastern Supply Diminishing. Leaving aside all considerations of trade depression, etc, it is safe to say that Canada s exports of lumber, as far as the East is concerned .,,,,.. ,.,;n cfnoailu fW-rrease. An observant lumber operator said that the time was not far distant when Canada would need all her lumber for home use. The opening up and settlement of the Northwest, and the mighty impetus this has given manufacturing in the Eastern cities, is his twofold argument. Toronto, Montreal and such cities are taking a surprisingly big amount of all grades of lumber for manufacturing purposes this season. Last month reference was made to the kind reception British Columbia lumber was receiving in Great Britain. From the way things are shaping themselves hereabouts, the Pacific Province article should, within the next decade, be a big factor in the mother land. For over half a century the Ottawa district limits, exteading along the upper reaches of the river hundreds of miles, have supplied the British market with square and waney timber and deals. Naturally the demand has been a big one, and there are evidences of exhaustion of supply in sight. J. R. Booth's mammoth mill at the Chaudiere, be- teen Hull and Ottawa, is the sole survivor of half a dozen similar concerns. Mills were dismantled because the limits became exhausted. On top of this comes the fact that the British buyers are now looking for supplies in the Georgian Bay district. The mills there will have to change their methods of sawing. Heretofore they have manufactured exclusively for the American and Canadian markets, but as the English demand is for a different and heavier class of lumber, the mills will have to be regulated accordingly. However, this is aside. The point is this: The Georgian Bay district will never be able to begin to supply the English market as the Ottawa district has and is still doing, and the Britishers, looking for a new field of supply, will turn their attention to British Columbia stock. The change may be slow in coming, but it will come just the same. lyway, will steadily decrease. British Representatives Here. All the representatives of British lumber firms have arrived in Ottawa to superintend the sorting, loading and shipping of lumber cut for their market. They state that there is no prospect of a brightening of the home market, which has been dull since before Easter. As a consequence of this dullness, considerable stock, mostly spruce, that was originally intended for the British market, will be shipped to the States. This stuff was not contracted for and is still in the log, so that the change in cutting made necessary by the change in market can readily be accomplished. The spruce will probably replace in the American market the pine which is scarce. The Export Duty in New Brunswick. A proposition to impose an export duty on logs cut in New Brunswick has been thrown out To understand the situation in the Maritime Province, it may be stated that the St. John river, which takes its rise in Maine and flows down through New Brunswick, is the main artery of the business. Many mills built by American capital, but situated in New Brunswick, manufacture logs cut in Maine. The lumber is allowed back into the States free of duty. Recently a mill was built on the American side of the St. John river to cut logs from New Brunswick, thus reversing the condition of affairs. Some of the Canadian lumbermen, becoming alarmed at this, clamored for the imposition of an export duty on logs. However, as Canadians are given employment in American nulls on both the Maine and New Brunswick sides of the boundary, it was decided to let well enough alone, and no export law was passed. Tariff Question in the House. British Columbia lumber interests had the call in the House of Commons yesterday. The issue was British Columbia versus Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. Mr Aulay Morrison of New Westminster, pleaded the case of the British Columbia lumber manufacturers, who he said, were being driven to the wall by unfair competition from United States lumber men. He attributed the whole trouble to the insufficiency of the tariff on lumber. Then followed a brisk debate between the Liberal members from British Columbia and their colleagues from Manitoba and the Territories. The British Columbians accused Manitoba and the Territories of selfishness in demanding protection for what they produce while denying to British Columbia lumber the measure of protection which would ensure for it a Canadian ma'ket. To this the members from Manitoba and die Territories replied that the British Columbian lumbermen had organized a combine which had put the price of lumber away up and made United States competition possible. In introducing the subpect Mr. Morrison said the prosperity of British Columbia depended largely on the lumber trade. At present the lumber trade was in a state of stagnation but these lamentable conditions could be remedied without any violation of the Government's fiscal policy. Rough lumber was admitted from the United States free of duty. This meant, said Mr. Morrison, that 75 per cent, of the American log could be exported to Canada free of tariff charges. Mr. George Fowler of Kings, N.B, took the- side of the British Columbia lumber manufacturers. Considering the cost of labor in the Pacific province, he said,, the price fixed by the combine was not excessive. Mr. W. H. Bennett of East Simcoe gave the discussion wider scope by adding Ontario lumbermen to the list of victims of the present tariff. He mentioned as an instance of the way the Canadian tariff works to the advantage of the United States that sidewalk lumber in Toronto is supplied by an American firm on Lake Superior. In one year there was imported into Canada lumber to the value of $1,608,342. PRICES STATIONARY. Anticipated Raise in the East Does Not Materialize—Toronto's Fire Does Not Yet Materially Affect the Lumber Trade. Toronto, May 9, 1004- Opinion is a good deal divided as to whether the price of lumber is likely to increase or not this season. At the outset it looked almost certain that as the summer progressed the undoubtedly heavy demand for building and manufacturing purposes coupled with the shortage in the supply would greatly stiffen prices and render an increase inevitable. This view was strengthened by the Toronto fire of the 19th greatly increasing the immediate prospective demand, and causing a run on the limited stocks in hand, and also by the effect of spring freshets which have increased the difficulties of driving timber in some localities. But the probability of any marked general increase in rates now appears by no means so great as it did a short time since, by reason mainly of the notable decrease in the American demand, which is always a prominent factor in the situation. The presidential election, which takes place in November, has had the customary depressing effect on business and investments on the other side of the line. Many important enterprises are postponed until the issue is decided, with the result that the demand for lumber and other raw material has considerably fallen off. This of itself is likely to offset the shortage in the supply and while it may not be felt to a sufficient extent to cause a drop in prices, is regarded as a check to the upward movement. Local and temporary increases may obtain until this season's cut comes to market and in certain lines much in demand, but a general increase is hardly anticipated. The effect of the Toronto fire upon the local market has been moreover somewhat offset by the lateness of the building season in opening. Now that the protracted winter and rough, cold weather of the early spring which were responsible for the delay are fairly over, another cause of delay presents itself in the shortage of brick. But little is left of last season's output and the Ii ii 8 BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN lit British mm Is, lit & Win$ (o'y VANCOUVER, B. C. CARS Promptly Code Used : AMERICAN LUMBERMAN TELECODE _ _% A ^ , _ , , _ _ BRANCHES: astings Saw Mill, Vancouver Royal City Saw and Planing: Mills, Vancouver Moodyville Saw Mill, Burrard Inlet Royal City Saw and Planing: Mills, New Westminster THE HAY" Locomotive Manufactured by LIMA LOCOMOTIVE & MACHINE CO. Specially designed for HEAVY GRADES and SHARP CURVES, in railroad, logging and mining operations. This Company also manufacture -Connected Locomotives, Steel Dump Cars, Gray Iron Castings, Etc. Locomotives, Second-Hand all kinds Logging Truck3, Rails, Track Material Iron and Steel all shapes and kinds Machinery. Pig Iron. Cast Iron Pipe. Eye Beams, Channels, Structural Steel, all shapes, Plates, Etc. = RAILS = NEW AND RELAYING W. D. HOFIUS & CO. ARTHUR P. MAY & CO. IMPORTERS AND DEALERS IN AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN HARDWOOD LUMBER Embossed Mouldings, Carvings, etc., Plate, Sheet and Fancy Glass, Burlaps and Wall Papers. Correspondence Solicited. Orders Promptly Attended to. P. O. Box 194. VANCOUVER, B. C. 544 SEYMOUR ST., TIMBER LIMITS... OFFICES 72-74 Dexter Horton Building:, 612 Chamber of Commerce, SEATTLE, WASH. - PORTLAND, ORE. If you want io buy British Columbia timber limits it will pay you to sec me and get quotations. I can give you a figure on 75 per cent, of all B. C. limits that are in the market. I have an excellent milling proposition which will require about #75,000 cash to make it a financial success. Competent parties claim it will pay a profit of $25,000 per annum. No use to write about this. Come and inspect it. I have another proposition where 85,000 to $10,000 cash can be used to advantage in a going concern. C, D. RAND, Broker 450 GRANVILLE ST., j VANCOUVER, B. C, BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN 9 ♦♦♦^^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦^♦♦♦^♦^♦^♦♦♦^^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦^♦♦♦♦44^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ E. H. HEAPS & CO., MANUFACTURERS OF- LUMBER Lath, Shingles, Doors, Mouldings, Etc SPECIA AAI HIGH GRADE CEDAR SHINGLES Cedar Bevelled Siding, Cedar Deer and Sash Stock, cut to size, Cedar Finish, Base, Casing, Newels, Balusters Etc. Douglas Fir Timber up to 85 feet In length. Cedar Gove Mill, Vancouver, B. 6. Ruskin Mill, Ruskin, B. 6. ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦» new brick, it is stated, will not be ready for some weeks, so that the scarcity of building lumber is not so much felt as would otherwise be the case. Supplies are still coming forward but slowly from the Northwest mills as the railways are yet congested by the amount of freight awaiting transportation. The damage occasioned to culverts and embankments by heavy freshets has further retarded the movement of timber by rail. The starting of the mills in the Ottawa valley was unusually late this season, and the driving of lumber was also greatly delayed by the slow melting of the ice in the streams. A good sea- son is anticipated when the mills get fairly to work on the new supply of logs. Booth's mills will employ some t,5oo men during the summer. Unsuccessful Auction Sale. A number of timber berths in the Algoma Dis- n ict belonging to private individuals were offered for sale by auction in Toronto on the 20th of \pril. The experience of the Government timber sale last November induced the expectation that bidding would be keen and high prices realized, As it turned out, however, there was the utmost apathy among those in attendance and no bids could be had except in one instance, when a limit bought in November was put up and the only offer for it was one-fifth of the price then paid. It was withdrawn. Of course the fact that the sale was held the day after the big fire may partly account for this, but there must also be something like a reaction against the high values lately put on timber property. Lumber Freight Rates and the Railway Commission. The lumbermen have had cause from time to time to complain of the discrimination exercised by some of the railroads in the matter of freights, and the hope is entertained that some practical remedy will be forthcoming at the hands of the Railway Commission. A complaint has been entered by F. A. Scobell against the Kingston & Pembroke, charging the road with demanding io 1-2 cents per ioo pounds for telegraph and telephone poles, and 7 1-2 per 100 pounds for cedar posts, for the same distance as that over which they carry other timber and logs for 5 cents per 100. This discrimination while it hits the lumbermen hard, is much harder upon the settlers along the line who are deprived of their market for timber. The country will soon be able to realize whether the Commission has any practical value or wdiether it is—like most commissions—merely an ornamental body and an exemplification of "how not to do it." The commissioners have postponed the settlement of the question of freight classifications—which was to have been made by May 1st to the 1st of November, though reserving the right to deal with special grievances in the meantime. Passing of Pioneers. The pioneers of the timber trade of the Ottawa valley are rapidly disappearing. One of the few remaining identified with the early days of the industry, Robert Hurdman, died at Ottawa on the 4th, aged 75. His connection with the trade dates back to the early fifties, when he became associated with his brothers, William H. and Charles, under the name of Hurdman Bros. Numerous changes in his partnership associations took place at later intervals, and he continued either in connection with others or on his own account to operate extensive limits until the time of his death. Another death of a prominent man in lumber and business circles was that of Claude McLachlin of the firm of McLachlin Bros., Arnprior, which occurred suddenly in New York on April 19th. He leaves a widow and family and his untimely and unexpected taking off excited much sympathy. The Rainy River Country. There has been great activity in lumbering operations in the Rainy River district and the mill operators will have a busy season. Some 1,400,000 ties were taken out for the Canadian Northern Railway, while the cut of sawlogs is estimated at about 36,652,000 feet B. M. The amount of money spent in the district in lumbering operations and in the purchase of timber cut by the settlers was over $350,000, which has greatly conduced to the comfort and prosperity of the farmers . Fort Francis, owing to the development of the water power, is evidently destined to be an important industrial centre. One of the most expensive enterprises undertaken there is the Preston-Bell sawmill and furniture factory The mill will be ready to begin cutting about June 1st and will prepare supplies for the furniture industry, which will start before next winter. U. S. Market and Canadian Timber. The falling off in the United States demand for Canadian lumber, to which allusion has been made, is shown by the returns of February last. The total shipments of unmanufactured wood of all kinds to the United States for that month were valued at $328,090, as against $526,846 for February, 1903, or a drop of nearly $200,000. Comparing the perod of the eight months ending February 29th, the shipments for 1903 were $11,- 631,151, as compared with $10,132,395 for the present year. All items of wood in a manufactured form also show a decrease. The demand for the leading hardwoods for furniture and implement manufacturing continues urgent, well seasoned stock being difficult to obtain. Shipments are light for reasons already stated and prices, especially for birch and elm, continue firm with little probability of a break. 10 BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN ! I I' " ' i ii I Jr WASHINGTON'S CONDITION. No Appreciable Improvement—A Shut-Down Recommended—Local Prospects Favorable. Seattle, May 9.—The continued decrease in business operations in the Last is seriously affecting the mills of this State, and local operators have ceased to hope for any improvement in the market this year. To add to the troubles the war in the Far East appears to bring new complications, and there is now little hope that any business can be worked up in the Orient for some time to come. Lumber and shingle exports from this State for the first two months of the year show a falling off of 14 per cent over the same period last year, and this in spite of a general renewal of building operations throughout the middle and extreme west. Still there is much to be hoped for in the future. Should the 40 per cent rate to Missouri river points be granted— and there is some reason to believe that this will be done—then a large and profitable market awaits the Washington and Oregon millman. There is approximately 800 mills in this State, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Out of this number about 160 mills have closed, while others operate under difficulties, and are stacking up lumber all the time, waiting for a favorable turn of the market. Shut-Down Not Unanimous. lorder to improve the market, the shingle in this State, at a meeting held on the 23rd Vril, agreed to close down their plants for a of 14 days, beginning on April 25. About cent agreed to close, but after an idleness days orders were issued from the Associa- idquartcrs to re-open at once. The reason unexpected order was that it had been |ed that a number of mills, after agreeing kquietly re-opened, thus taking advantage Iproved market conditions. It is unlike- |lls will be closed for some time to come breach of faith on the part of some of shingle mill operators. Local Demand Active. the condition throughout the State is far ■Satisfactory, local operators have cause to over the heavy local demand. The build- Berations for the summer have commenced, though work is now in sight to keep nearly ie mills operating in this city fairly busy for fbalance of the season. More than $800,000 th of building permits were issued by the Iding inspector during the month of April, and Idications point to a much heavier record for lie next two months. The city itself is planning and taking bids for work that will absorb several million feet of lumber during the coming season. The railroads and the government are also making strong demands upon the mills of this and neighboring cities. On April 23 the local quartermaster department opened bids for furnishing 4,000,000 feet of lumber to be used in constructing new buildings at Manila, Philippine Islands. The West Side Mill Company, of Olympia, was found to be the lowest bidder, agreeing to furnish rough lumber at $8 a thousand. No Seattle mill bid for the order. Logging Business Stagnant. The principal business affected by the demoralized condition of the lumber manufacturing industry is, of course, logging. Some large mills have ceased cutting their own timber, as logs can be had in the market cheaper than they can be turned out for at the present time. Logs are plentiful and can be had at prices ranging as low as $4.50. For that reason there are but few logging camps in operation, and those now idle have announced that operations will not be resumed this year. This condition has forced many machine shops and manufacturers of logging machinery in this city to lay off men, as no new orders are coming in. The price of timber claims have taken a corresponding drop. One of Seattle's most prominent timber buyers said to your correspondent that he could buy claims tor $1,200 for which the owner a year ago refused to take $1,500. lie further stated that no large timber deals had been initiated this year, but that all buying was limited to filling-in of sections. Southern Pacific Gives In. Quite a victory was scored by Portland mills over the Oregon lines of the Southern Pacific a week or two ago, when they compelled that road to restore the $3.10 rate on lumber to the interior points in California . Last fall the road suddenly raised the rate from $3.10 per ton, or $5,17 per thousand, to $5 per ton, or $8.33 per thousand, to all interior points in California. The water rate of $4 per thousand to San Francisco remained unchanged. The effect of the higher rate was to exclude Portland from shipping to the interior and a vigorous protest was made. The change just made restores the condition of affairs existing when the $5 rate was made uniform. The rate will probably be effective May 10. Quinault Indian Reserve. It has been definitely decided that the Quinault Indian reservation on the west coast will not be opened for settlement this year. The re servation was surveyed over a year ago, but errors have since Been discovered which makes a re- survey of certain portions necessary, and the surveyor-general's office is now engaged in this work. It will probably be two years now before that famous reservation which contains a wealth of timber, may cease to become part of the public domain. There is a faint possibility that after the allotment of land has been made to the Indians, the balance of the lanu may be thrown into ;i forest reserve and thus definitely closed tn public occupancy. New Exporting Mill. Peter Larson, of Butte, Mont., has recently been on Bellingham Bay. lie has heavy logging interests in that section and is anxious to find an outlet for his logs and lumber. It is understood that he, alter a consultation with the manager of his companies on the bay, decided to go ahead and organize an exporting company which includes the erection of a large exporting saw mill on the bay. Still More New Companies. In spite of the dull lumber market and unfavorable conditions existing at present a great many new companies proposing to deal in or manufacture lumber are constantly springing up. The (jrays Harbor and Bellingham Bay section are showing the greatest development along that line. A number of new concerns have also been formed in and around Spokane, having for their purpose the development of the wealth of timber in Idaho. The next few years will on doubt witness a great increase in the cutting capacity of that section. The state of Oregon also contains a wealth of timber, equal to that of this state, but for some reasons it has been allowed to remain undeveloped. During the past year thousands of acres of timber in southern Oregon have been taken up by settlers, but it has nearly all fallen into the hands of wealthy syndicates, whose ambition is to control the logging industry of that part of the country. Japanese Hardwood. The initial shipment of Japanese oak was received in Seattle on the blue funnel liner Agamemnon last month. The consignment was for M. J. Connel, and embraces 100,000 feet, valued at $67,000. Tt came in the form of hewn logs, and is rated as No. r quality. The Japanese oak is a white variety of unusual tensile strength, and is admirably adapted for a number of commercial purposes. Mr. Connel, who is interested in the development of the importing and exporting business of Seattle, contemplates continuing these imports of Oriental woods. He will later try to bring in a shipment of Philippine hardwood. CHICAGO'S LABOR TROUBLES. An Important Bill Passes Through Congress Affecting Freights on Lumber—A Building Boom. Chicago, May 8. The U. S. Congress has passed a bill ordering the lowering of the three tunnels under the Chicago river that are now used exclusively by the street railway companies. This is to be done so that the largest vessels on the lakes can navigate the river. Six teen feet is the present depth of the river over the Washington street tunnel. The three tunnels are to be lowered a sufficient depth to permit the passage of vessels of 21 feet draft. The Chicago lumber merchants will be greatly benefited by this work, as it will increase the quantity of lumber shipped by boat from the north em forests and cheapen freight rates. It is estimated that this wrk will cost $750,000. Chicago is getting to the front as a city of high real estate values. A building and hit at 120-22 Randolph street was sold recently for $3,500 a front foot, or $50 a square foot. This property yields an income of 0 per cent on the purchase price. Here, as elsewhere, location governs price. Eleven buildings tn be erected in the elevated railway "loop" district this summer, ranging in height from five tn twenty Stories, arc to cost $8,725,000. Other portions of the city are being improved on a more extensive scale than ever. In a few years Chicago will be the greatest city in America. White cedar i- in good demand for pn-ts anil the supply is limited. Maple is selling at %22. $15 and $0, with freight added. Northern pine i> in steady demand, and it is said that more lumber under this name i.s sold here than any other. Oak and COttonwood meet with ready sale. In fact, inquiry among lumbermen develops the fact that all kinds of lumber, if it is sound and comparatively free from tlaws, meets with ready sale, now that building work is under way and larger quantities of lumber are required. Four lumber vessels that were brought in with cargoes since the opening of navigation are "tied up" in this port with a number of other boats awaiting the settlement of a new wage scale between the owners and the lake seamen's union. The delay in the settlement of this que- tion has caused great loss to both vessel owners and shippers. The teamsters' union is now on strike for an increase of pay and a "closed shop"—that is, the employment of union teamsters only. Another cause of trouble for the builder and lumber dealer. Southern or yellow pine is selling in this market in carload lots at $15 to $20. This lumber is growing in favor with northern dealers and users. It is a handy substitute for Norway pine as regards price as well as supply. Receipts of lumber and shingles for week ending April 30: Lumber, 27,145,000; shingles, 12,- 565,000. Building operations are being greatly interfered with by the scarcity and high price ol brick. During April 645 building permits were issued for structures to cost $4,340,900. The first boat load of lumber for 1904 caitte into Chicago river April 21. Mr. Wm. Crowston, who has been acquiring several valuable ranch properties on the Kootenay river, near Fort Steele, has also secured timber bands from the C.P.R. and has made application for 100 inches of water from Fish Lake creek, Southeast Kootenay, for power purposes. It is said Mr. Crowston has a mill in transit f-om the East. MimmumuiBab!*m^ ^tmaMMUHlia BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN 11 The Rat Portage Lumber Co'y, Limited TELEPHONE NO. 354 VANCOUVER BRANCH MANUFACTURERS OF P. O. BOX 778 FIR, CEDAR AND SPRUCE Building Material of all Kinds Delivered Promptly. Hardwood in Car Lots. MILL AND OFFICES: SOUTH GRANVILLE STREET BRIDGE VANCOUVER, B. C. CLIMAX MANUFACTURING CO., CORRY, PA. BUILDERS OF Geared Locomotives and Logging Cars. Built on Modern Locomotive Principles For Wood and Steel Track Where Great Tractive Power and Flexibility are Required, Especially on Steep Grades and Sharp Curves. Write for Catalogue and Prices. F. M. RAYMOND, Agent, 64 Starr-Boyd Building, Seattle, Wash. THE WHEELER, 0SC00D COMPNAY 3 TACOMA, WASHINGTON ..MOULDINGS.. DOORS COLUMNS,SASH We are equipped to make 1200 doors per day With a proportionate amount of other mill work We are prepared to make prompt shipments A. SINCLAIR MANUFACTURER OF RED CEDAR LUMBER CUT EDGE GRAIN Mills at False Greek, Vancouver, B, C, SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO FACTORY ORDERS RED CEDAR LUMBER CO. LIMITED MANUFACTURERS OF Fine Cedar Lumber and Shingles .... TELEPHONE B334 P. O. BOX 322 Orders Solicited and Correspondence Promptly Attended to POWELL STREET ...VANCOUVER, B. C. 12 BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN RECOGNITION. ~ VANCOUVER'S BOARD Of TRADE JOINS ISSUE i :: Lumber Manufacturers of B. C. Secure Its Aid in Importuning Ottawa on the Lumber Tariff. An unusually large attendance was present at a meeting of the Vancouver Board of Trade early this month, when the lumber situation was reviewed. The President, Mr. H. McDowell, occupied the chair, and in introducing the matter to the attention of the Board, the President said that according to the newspapers it was in a bad way. He had lived in the Province for 18 years and remembered when the Hastings mill was the principal industry and the injurious effect its closing down, even for repairs, had on local trade. Even now, if it were to close down, the effect would be far-reaching. He considered the matter one of great importance to local business men, and he had thus put it on the notice paper. The next speaker, Mr. E. H. Heaps, of E. H. Heaps & Co., sawmill operators, stated that up the present time the lumbermen had been able fight their own battles, but now they feel the d of the aid of every business man of the com- nity. He did not wish to say that the lumber is bad or even sick; there are seem- bright prospects ahead, but the British Co- ia lumbermen are threatened by American etition in the Northwest and in Manitoba. been asked why Canadian mills cannot te with the American mills. The Can- are discriminated against in many ways. council had raised the water rates be- e mills employed Chinese; the insurance es had raised their rates, and the Pro- overnment assessment had seriously Lthe industry. The only manner of re- put a duty on lumber entering Canada, s had reason to believe that between gtnd 10,000,000 feet of lumber per month ing the Northwest and Manitoba from ican side. If that trade was preserved ills of Vancouver it would keep all the e running night and day. The Dominion ent had refused to alter the tariff. He lion to believe that a duty on lumber could red if the matter were pushed. The Columbia Lumber & Shingle Manufac- Association is doing all that it can to about that end. The Americans have a r market and cheaper supplies than Can- s, whose only large market is in the North- and Manitoba. There are now many immigrants coming into the Northwest, and the prospects for a large trade this year are very good. The trade this year will be as large as last, but the great point is to hold it. The people of Manitoba cannot say that there is not sufficient lumber turned out in Canada to satisfy the demand, nor can they say that there is not enough competition in the country to keep prices down to a reasonable figure. A larger market is required by the British Columbia lumbermen, and if it cannot be secured, the lumber industry will be checked. A great many people do not realize that in Vancouver alone some $500,000 is placed in circulation monthly through the medium of the mills. Protection Needed. Mr. J. G. Scott, manager of the Pacific Coast Lumber Company, said that he was glad to see the Board of Trade taking an interest in the industry, and the conditions surrounding it. The Government preceding the present one had placed lumber and shingles on the free list as a reciprocal action when the Americans had taken the same action in connection with Canadian lumber and shingles. Later the Dingley tariff hariff had come into force in the United States, and imposed a duty of thirty cents on shingles and $3 on lumber, but Canada had taken no action against American lumber interests, despite the representations of Canadian lumbermen that a protective tariff should be established in retaliation. American competition has bothered Canadian lumbermen more this esason than ever before. There has been an overprouuction across the line, and foreign markets are slack. The Americans, therefore, use the Northwest and Manitoba as a dumping ground for their poorer material, while they preserve their own country as a market tor their best. It is true that Canadian lumbermen are invading American markets, but they are doing so in face of the tariff. Mr. J. G. Scott said that the lumbermen have nothing to conceal in connection with the industry. Any motion which the Board might make to aid the lumbermen in their fight he would prefer to come from some person not connected with the industry. If no relief is afforded, the milimen will go and make their fight the best they can, but so far as he was concerned he would not lose so much money with his mill closed as with it running. He thought the Canadian Government should take care of the industry. Wanted Only Fair Play. Mr. C. M. Beecher, vice-president of the British Columbia Mills Timber & Trading Company, said that all the lumbermen wished was fair play. He had no desire to mix politics in the discussion, but it was a fact that the lumber industry in Canada had suffered from the actions of the Conservative party. When the American free trade movement had come into effect the Ottawa Government had promptly met it and reciprocated, and that was fair play, but in 1896 representations had been made to Ottawa that on the American side the Dingley tariff was to go into effect, and the Government had been asked to advise Washington that if the said tariff was placed against Canadian lumber and shingles his country would be forced to retaliate, but no action was taken. Had there been the American duty would never have been put on. The lumberman in this country have repeatedly asked Ottawa to equalize tariff conditions, by placing against the entry of American lumber such duty as the United States places against the entry of Canadian lumber to that country. over Canadians, should be allowed to ship into the only market the British Columbia mills have, a somewhat restricted area in the Northwest. Value of Industry. Mr. Beecher said that few people realized the value of the lumbering industry to this Province, but they would if they stopped to consider what it meant with its ramifications. If it is killed the people will be paralyzed at the effect upon the general prosperity of the community. Mr. Beecher said that he was not drawing upon his imagination in the relation of what the present condition of affairs is, but he was placing the facts before the meeting and prophesying just what would happen in spite of all the lumbermen could do unless some measure of relief was afforded the industry. He said that the lumbermen in Canada face competition in the East from darkies and ticket- of-leave men, who work at very low wages, and in Manitoba they are face to face with the very strong competition of the manufacturers of Wisconsin and Michigan, where the lumber is manufactured much cheaper than it can be on this Coast. The worst competition of all, however, is right here at home from the lumber mills in the State of Washington. The lumbermen in that state can operate their camps much cheaper than the lumbermen on this side can operate theirs, as supplies and everything else for mill equipment is cheaper by 25 to 30 per cent, than in this Province. The Puget Sound mills have their own immense market of 80,000,000 people, and have Alaska, Hawaii, and now the Philippines. From 1894 to 1806 the Canadian lumbermen had a chance to do business in the United States, but as the Americans patronized home industries Canadian competition there was unable to secure a footing. The Puget Sound mills have the advantage in the cost of supplies and in their enormous home market, and they have the best of the foreign trade in Australia, China and Japan. It is utterly unreasonable that the Americans, having these enormous advantages Under Heavier Expense. Mr. J. W. Hackett, of the firm of Robertson & Hackett sawmill operators on False Creek, vouched for the accuracy of the remarks of the previous speakers. He said that the lumbermen in this country had come to be looked upon as a set of thieves. Everywhere he went he was asked when the price of lumber was to be reduced. Public opinion had formed the impression that the price of lumber was higher than it should be. Mr. Hackett said that saws fit to cut British Columbia lumber were not manufactured in Canada. They had to be imported from the United States, where they cost from $150 to $160, and added to that was the duty of thirty per cent., which had to be paid for the entrance of the goods into Canada. Belts were in the same category. Ik- said that with the cost of supplies so much higher than they were on the other side there was no room for unfair competition. He said that the insurance rates charged mills were exorbitant. The general rate was 9 1-4 per cent, and the rate of 13 1-2 per cent, on the mills proper was so high that the insurance companies were ashamed to publish it. In regard to mill supplies the speaker stated that if Canadian goods are bought they are not as good quality as the American article, and then they cost more. No good lumber manufacturing machines are made in this country; if the mill men want a good article they have to buy in the United States. Resolution Proposed. There was some discussion over a resolution which was proposed by Mr. Harvey and seconded by Mr. McLennan. The petition was endorsed, but the seconder, in pointing out that this was not a matter of politics, but of bread and butter, said it should be so expressed as not to appear mere formal endorsation, but an express opinion of the board. He suggested that other Boards of Trade in the Province be interested. Mr. Letson was strong in declaring that the feelings of the board should be adequately expressed in tlie matter and that citizens generally should take a firm stand. Mr. Lockyer and Mr. Beecher coincided, and Mr. Tytler said that as there were other matters in connection, a good committee might consider them. Mr. Flumerfelt, who had lived in the Territories when the duty on lumber was removed, told how the conditions were at that time. Things had changed now. After some discussion Mr. Cotton suggested that the telegram, so read as to set forth that the commercial interests of the province would be seriously imperilled, and that if other boards were aroused, it could be shown that British Columbia was in earnest in the matter. Resolution Adopted. The resolution moved by Mr. Harvey and seconded by Mr. McLennan, was carried unanimously as follows: "That the Vancouver Board of Trade realizes that the general commercial interests of British Columbia require that an equalization in the duty on lumber be established immediately between the tariffs of Canada and the United States, otherwise serious commercial depression will prevail throughout this Province." It was arranged that copies of the resolution and information on the question be set before the various Boards of Trade of the Province and their backing solicited, it being realized that the interests of the whole Province are at stake in this matter. • Address to the People of B. C. Subsequent to the Board of Trade meeting representatives of the lumber industry throughout the Province decided to arouse public interest in the matter by sending broadcast throughout tin' country a brief synopsis of the existing condt- ^kaaato'M^JMSift^ tl on of affairs, with the hope that concerted action BRITISH COLUMBIA LUMBERMAN 13 win be taken, as it will only be by such that the immediate relief sought for can be obtained. Following is the letter referred to:: • Vancouver, B. C, 8th May, 1904. The policy of both political parties in Canada is t" protect home industries. This policy has been adopted by all the principal countries of the world, Great Britain, the only free trade country, i> now considering a change of policy. All the interests of Canada are protected except the shingle and lumber industries, which are the leading industries of British Columbia. The Pacific Coast Mills of the United States have been developed beyond the requirements of their own market, and they are now dumping their surplus upon our small Canadian market. They have a large and profitable market for their upper urades, and can afford to sell part of their ,;le and rough lumber below cost. Lumber, r igh or planed on one side, and shingles, are . Imitted into Canada free of duty. Hie Lnited States now collect a duty of 30 cents per M. on Canadian shingles and $2.00 per M. "ii rough lumber, but the Washington lumbermen have convinced the local customs collectors that under the provisions of the Dingley tariff they must impose an additional duty of $5.50 per M Mil British Columbia lumber, which they are collecting. They have also made strong repre- sentations to their own Government, asking for an increase on the duty of shingles to $1.00 per M. This affects every individual in British Columbia—the wage-earners, merchants, and the manufacturers directly, and indirectly the people throughout Canada, British Columbia being a large purchaser of supplies and the necessaries of life from the other Provinces. bile lumbermen of British Columbia have appealed to the Dominion Government year after year without effect, as they have foreseen the inevitable flooding of our markets whenever an industrial depression prevailed in the United States. Will you assist us in keeping this trade in Brit- ish Columbia by wiring and writing to your representatives and friends in the Dominion House and by concerted effort throughout British Columbia. The Lumber and Shingle Manufacturers ov British Columbia. SECURE PULP CONCESSION. The Victoria correspondent of "The Province" reports under date of May 12th that Seattle capitalists have taken up a pulp concession at Bella Coola Inlet. It includes three hundred acres of timber land, which is reported to possess a large amount of excellent spruce. The manager of the company, Mr. A. E. Williams of Seattle, is here, and he has purchased from ('apt. J. W. Troup, superintendent of the C. P. R, coasting service, the steam launch Kootenay, which was the private property of the vendor. This launch will be sent north to Bella Coola at once, where she will be used for cruising purposes. Those interested in the pulp company are Charles 11. Baker, president; R. M. Thompson, ecretary; J. B. Hart, A. H. Anderson, A. E. Williams and W. S. Tanner. The company will be known as the Bella Coola Development Co. A party of timber cruisers and surveyors left to-day for the north, and development work is to pushed vigorously. BRANCHING OUT. The Robb Engineering Company, Amherst, has received an order from England for a 300 horse power Robb-Armstrong tandem compound en- sine. The same firm has also received an order from the Crow's Nest Pass Coal Company, Fer- !li('. B. C, for two 175 horse-power Robb-Mum- ford boilers. The Crow's Nest Company installed '•I'ree boilers of the same style last year. ^"
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