Fifty-tirst Year 5 Goel] F=Aiy® fo USPUBLISHED WEEKLY POSS ae ei GRAND RAPIDS aA \\( xf ‘As AEN R95) ED Ye Zo TRADESMAN COMPANY, PUBLISHERS: , WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 1934 Number 2634 ene eee COPD OOD OWN EDD WWD OWT DEWNUTD OND OUD EDNUD OWUD WMO DEWTD OUD OND or CO O59 CO. 925 CO 02S GE VSD GOS GC VSD GOS CO O_ESO O_O? CE CO O_O O_O EE Y_S : e WHY IS IT SO? Some find work where some find rest. And so the weary world moves on; I sometimes wonder what is best, ‘The answer comes when life is gone. Some eyes sleep when some eyes wake. And so the dreary night-hours go: Some hearts beat where some hearts break: I often wonder why ’tis so. Some wills faint where some wills fight— Some love the tent —and some the field. I often wonder who are right— The ones who strive or those who yield. Some feet halt where some feet tread, In tireless march, a thorny way, Some struggle on where some have fled; Some seek, while others shun the fray Some swords rust where others clash. Some fall back while some move on, Some flags furl where others flash Until the battle has been won. Some sleep on, while others keep The vigils of the true and brave; They will not rest till roses creep Around their name, above a grave. Faruer Ryan. e@ NT IE IT IE GE I IE IIE OIE GT IT GT GT IE I GT GET III GT IIT IT IT IE IT IE LE LT LT IT OT IT IT ET TT TE a an WZ SWOT OS WHI OT WN OT WUH © CWT O CO OO EE) * ¢) ..—rlrmcer—ssditi‘i(‘(‘y.C;z##((C#CO ~ ie 2 > £ PUTNAM'S a t PUTNAM FACTORY — crano sarios ee ‘ 20 Ibs, Ass’t. Size Eggs, 12 Colored Baskets and Colored Paper Excelsior ASK YOUR JOBBER FOR FULL DETAILS Now is the time to push j | | | | BEET SUGAR Made in Michigan The largest Beet Sugar advertising program in the history of the industry is now under | way in Michigan. ! Every housewife is being told about the high quality of Beet Sugar. Every housewife is being told that Beet Sugar is the best sugar in the world—the best for every household purpose. | Every houzewife is being told to buy Michigan Made Beet Sugar and thus support Mich- igan wage earners. This is a big co-opera- tive movement of importance to tens of thousands of Michigan farmers and wage earners. You can cash in on this big drive if you stock Beet Sugar Made in Michigan. Order your supply from your jobber now. Farmers and Manufacturers Beet Sugar Association m—anAw lst MICHIGAN Or 0 ar) a 0 a 0 ee 0) 2 GRAND RAPIDS PAPER Box Co. Manufacturers of SET UP and FOLDING PAPER BOXES SPECIAL DIE CUTTING AND MOUNTING G R AN D RAPIDS, MICHIGAN NOW at Lowest Price IN 17 YEARS An attractive Buy FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS RDEkK . e FROM YOUR JOBBER A fine Profit Maker FOR YOU BISCUITS OM Hekman MAY BE BOUGHT WITH CONFIDENCE AND SOLD WITH PRIDE . @2n.. eR RC Ri poet eH Me OTR ane ee i i IER sans cee tsa meses snag ~ sea clea nell cal “ 7 i i winistiag ee anillede ft laaRecTeERR x: statins ee tm iS SN A 5 be) Zs EY oz x; Fifty-first Year MICHIGAN TRADESMAN E. A. Stowe, Editor PUBLISHED WEEKLY by Tradesman Company, from its office the Barnhart Building, Grand Rapids. UNLIKE ANY OTHER PAPER. Frank, free and fearless for the good that we can do. Each issue com- plete in itself, DEVOTED TO the best interests of business men. SUBSCRIPTION RATES are as follows: $3. per year, if paid strictly in advance. $4 per year if not paid in advance. Canadian subscription, $4.56 per year, payable invariably in advance. Sample copies 10 cent_ each. Extra copies of current issues, 10 cents; issues a month or more old 15 cents; issues a year or more old, 25 cents; issues five years or more old 50 cents. Entered September 23, 1883, at he Pogoie of Grand Rapids as second class matter under Act of March 3, 1879. JAMES M. GOLDING Detroit Representative 507 Kerr Bldg. Printed by the Tradesman Company, Under NRA Conditions Criminal Action of A. & P. Co. Consideration is being given by the Michigan Compensation Com- mission to a proposal that all em- ployers operating under the com- pensation act be required to in- sure with authorized carriers rather than operate, if financially able, on a self-insurance basis. The Commission revealed in recent findings that self-insurers have been giving so much difh- culty in attempting to evade the plain intent of the act and in mis- handling of relations with their employes that it would appear to be preferable to standardize prac- tices by refusing to permit self- insurance plans in the future. The particular findings in which this disclosure was made were returned in a recent case in- volving the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., one of the larg- est self-insurers operating in the state. C. S. Carney, chairman of the Commission, accused the company of “‘the most deliberate plan to defeat the purposes of this act that has been devised in re- cent years.’’ The plan referred to was the company’s policy of re- fusing to employ part time help until the applicant signed an op- tion not to come under the com- pensation law, although the A. & P. has elected to operate under the act. The situation was revealed in an appeal of Warren Pierce, who was accidentally injured while employed as a meat cutter in one of the company’s Lansing stores. The company contended he had elected not to come under the act in contesting his claim for compensation, filing an option or waiver signed by Pierce and said to be representative of option forms supplied all of the stores throughout the state for use when taking on part time help. Scru- tiny of this particular option, however, brought out the fact that it had not been signed when Pierce was employed as a meat cutter, but when he was hired at an earlier date to clean up around one of the stores. Further inves- tigation revealed that one of the purported witnesses to Pierce's signature had not been present when the option was signed, was not acquainted with Pierce, and had attached his name after occur- rence of the accident at the com- mand of a company executive. Chairman Carney contends that the company’s entire policy of requiring election not to come under the act as a prerequisite to employment is a violation of the Michigan law. The provision that an employe may elect not to come under the act is purely for the employe’s protection and may not be used in such a coercive manner by the employer, it is maintained. Relative to the Commission’s consideration of a general order banning self-insurance under the act, the chairman comments: “I do not know why it is that large companies carrying their own risks seem to be unusually active in devising plans to defeat the purposes of the act, more so than the companies that are carry- ing insurance policies. This is just a general observation. Every com- mission, I think, has met with that, and I am not sure that perhaps the better policy would be—and the Michigan Commission is con- sidering it carefully—whether or not, in order to standardize this practice and prevent what we have seen admitted in this case all companies, great and small, should not be required to carry insurance. | have no brief for the insurance companies or the em- ployes. I am simply interested in the orderly procedure; and by orderly procedure, to see that the Practice is uniform and that all concerns are compelled to live up to the statutes, what we think is the proper construction of this act, and | am sure if they all car- ried insurance the insurance com- panies would be just as interested in keeping the practice standard- ized along proper channels for the protection of each other, as the Commission or the employes themselves.”’ Truck Production Mounting Trucks and other commercial cars currently account for a larger percentage of total automobile production than at any other time in recent years. The January record, when pro- duction of 46,687 trucks came close to one-third of all motor vehicles produced, was larger than in any month last year. While it probably was not duplicated in February, indications are that at least every fourth car currently produced comes under the com- mercial classification. Motor manufacturers find that truck operators no longer hesi- tate to replace vehicles requiring excessive upkeep charges. Com- mercial car sales are being stressed in consequence, with the result that truck sales this year have made an even better showing than passenger cars. In addition, the export demand for trucks is at present approximately 2.5 than last times larger year's monthly average. —_~2+-.___ Price Differential for Wholesalers In line with the current strong opposition to all but the mildest forms of price maintenance pro- visions in NRA codes, withdrawal of approval of the price differen- tial for wholesalers established in the latter’s master code is feared. Although those in charge of the code have proceeded slowly in this controversial matter and no price differentials have been proclaimed as yet, various whole- sale trades have been waiting in vain to have their supplementary codes approved. Without such approval, the master code provi- sions are likely to remain prac- tically ineffective. Similar provisions in the whole- sale grocers’ code remain sus- pended, pending proof by the trade of their practical feasibility. Many NRA officials are said to acknowledge the justification of the wholesalers’ claim. The oppo- sition is strong, however, and the solution may be a compromise unfavorable to the wholesale trade, it is feared. —~+—~2-.____ Sell Less at Higher Prices Many executives in concerns producing or trading in articles for the lowest income classes of the population are greatly con- cerned at the further loss in the physical volume of business cur- rently shown in reports of large grocery concerns. They have learned to look upon the volume of food sales as one of the best available indica- tors of what to expect in their own business. Consequently, plans as they affect quantity sales are cur- rently being revised downward in many instances, and preparations are made for handling fewer types of goods at higher prices. Number 2634 This drop in grocery sales dem- onstrates, in the opinion of many executives, that there has been only a small increase in the pur- chasing power of the masses in densely populated regions, the Government relief program not- withstanding. The active demand for automobiles and household appliances comes from a financi- ally stronger class of customers, it is argued, and cannot well be cited to refute this concluusion. —_~+-.___ Price Upturn to Be Slower Growing consumer resistance to higher prices, together with official warnings that “‘uncon- scionable”’ price increases will be investigated, will doubtless ex- ert a restraining influence on price increases in the near future. Furthermore, the shorter work week, with its price raising impli- cations, has been delayed, and will probably affect only a por- tion of the industry. Prices last week varied little, the major exception being a de- cline of fresh foods brought about by larger supplies coming to mar- ket. The Journal of Commerce weekly index of commodity prices, reflecting this situation, dropped 0.4 to 74.5 per cent. The top for the year was 75.1 on February 17. —_—_~-~~-___. The March of Banks Back into Busi- ness Of the 7,000 national banks closed when the banking holiday was clamped down a year ago, 280 never have re- opened. Comptroller of the Currency J. F. T. O’Connor reported that on March 1 almost a year after the banking holi- day, 280 banks with frozen deposits of approximately $232,000,000 never had reopened their doors. On the other hand, the Comptroller said, he had approved reorganization plans for four-fifths of these national banks still closed, 228 such plans hav- ing been approved and 52 rejected. Reopening of banks is continuing. During February 63 banks were re- opened. In January 69 were reopened, and in December 77. —_+-.__ Spring Pottery Buying Opens Marking the opening of the Spring buying season for decorative home and garden pottery, buyers visited the New York market last week and placed or- ders for March and April delivery. Popular price merchandise again formed the bulk of the purchasing, but for the first time in four years goods to retail above $20 were ordered in volume. The call for garden pottery, manufacturers said, will equal the 1928 volume if buying continues at the pres- ent rate. 2 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN March 14, 1934 IN THE REALM OF RASCALITY Questionable Schemes Which Are Under Suspicion Merchandising of medical treatments for diseases, of cures by hypnotism, and rejuvenation by means of pills, are taken up in a series of stipulation pro- ceedings between the Federal Trade Commission and twenty-five firms or individuals. each proceeding are now available. Correspondence courses in physical Mimeographed copies of culture and the science of operating ships, are among other varied commod- ities and services offered by the firms which agreed in these stipulation pro- ceedings to discontinue false and mis- leading advertising. Two cases are for the public record. They involve a Marshall, Michigan, ad- vertiser of a “home treatment,” and a Chicago woman offering treatments for diseases of women, cases the respondents are not named. although the facts in each case are dis- In the remaining closed. The stipulations are listed as follows: F. L. McWethy, Marshall, Mich.. vendor-advertiser, agrees to cease mis- representing the powers of his “home treatment” for weak or irritated blad- ders, the been palliative or preparation having found to be merely a symptomatic treatment to relieve irri- tation of the bladder, A treatment for diseases of women advertised by Myrtle Caldwell, Chi- cago, will no longer be represented, amogn other things, as “almost a spe- cific” in any form of this type of ail- ment. Vendor-advertiser of a mechanical device alleged to be for the relief of constipation and cleansing of the colon and lower inetstines, agrees to cease false advertising. Newspaper publishing advertisement of a hair dye, agrees to abide by Com- niission action in case agains vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of a correspondence course in hypno- therapy for instruction in hypnotism, will abide by Commission action in case against vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of a book on hynotism will abide by Commission action in case against ven- dor of the book. Nine magazines publishing advertise- ments of a book of instructions in the duties of various positions on ships at sea, agree to abide by Commission action against vendors of the books. A tenth publisher merely waives the right to be made a respondent without agreeing to abide by the Commission's action. Magazine publishing advertisements of a hair dye and medicinal herbs waives the right to be joined as a re- spondent in Commission proceedings against the advertiser. Magazine publishing advertisements of kitchen utensils and seeking agents to sell from house to house, waives right to be joined as a respondent in Commission proceedings against the advertiser, Magazine publishing advertisements of a device alleged to be an “everlast- ing match,” agrees to abide by Com- mission action against vendor. Five magazines publishing adver- tisements of a correspondence course in physical culture, agree to abide by Commission action against vendor. Newspaper publishing advertisement of tablets sold in department. stores and alleged to reduce fat, agrees to reduce fat, agrees to abide by Com- mission action against vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of perfumed beads and costume jewel- ry, agrees to abide by Commission ac- tion against vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of a dye alleged to be capable of end- ing gray hair and restoring former youthful abide by Commission action against vendor. color, agrees to a Advertisement and sale of an elec- trical device called ‘‘Mears Airosage” as a cure or relief for deafness, is pro- hibited by the Federal Trade Commis- sion in an order to the Mears Radio Hearing Device Corporation, New York City. “Hearing has been restored by the use of Airosage after twenty years of extreme deafness,” the com- pany had said in its advertising de- scribing the device. Findings of the Commission after taking testimony in the case are that treatment by use of the device is not scientific but is dangerous. The company was ordered to stop representing that “Airosage” and “Mears Ear Oil” will cure or relieve deafness or head noises, or that use of the former with or without the ear oil is scientific or proper treatment for deafness or head noises, or that the oil has therapeutic value. The company is said to have spent between $1,500 and its advertising, $2,000 a vear on much of which ap- peared in the form of testimonials and endorsements carried in magazines and newspapers. electric light bulbs or lamps is prohibited in a cease and desist order just issued by the Federal Trade Commission. Selling misbranded The Commission, in a proceeding against White-Lite Distributing Cor- poration and Alexander H. Fishberg, doing business under the name Sun Sales Distributing Co., both of New York City, found that the White-Lite Corporation and Fishberg, who was the corporation’s manager, sold electric light bulbs marked with substantially less than the correct number of watts. indicating the bulbs or lamps would use less electric current to operate than they actually did, and representing that the bulbs would therefore be less ex- pensive to than lamps of standard makes sold by competitors. operate For instance, salesmen of the White- Lite Corporation demonstrated its lamp, marked 15 watts, but really a 27 or 28-watt lamp, along with a 25-watt standard lamp of a competitor. The customer was led to believe that if he bought the White-Lite lamp, for which he paid twice as much as for a standard lamp, he would save in the cost of elec- tric current the difference between what it cost to operate a 15-watt lamp and a 25-watt lamp. Customers purchasing “Sun-Glo” lamps from Fishberg, doing business as Sun Sales Distributing Company, thought from the marking on the lamps they were getting 50-watt lamps when they were really 69.8-watts. Electric current to operate the “Sun- Glo” 69.8 watt lamp, sold by Fishberg, would cost $4.19 for 1,000 hours at 6 cents per kilowatt hour, the Commis- This lamp actually pro- whereas a sion found. duced only 569 lumens, standard 50-watt lamp, sold by com- petitors, produced 575 lumens of light, or more than the 69.8-watt “Sun-Glo” lamp, marked 60 watts, it was found. The 50-watt standard lamp, while pro- ducing more light, would cost the con- sumer for electric current to operate only $3.19, or $1.19 less than to operate the “Sun-Glo” lamp, besides less ini- tial cost in purchasing the lamp itself. The Commission ordered Alexander H. Fishberg, doing business under his Own or any trade name, to cease selling or offering for sale incandescent lamps marked other than with the cor- rect number of watts, indicating the amount of electric power used to oper- ate them, after allowing for the toler- ance in measurement customarily rec- ognized in the trade, and to stop rep- resenting that the lamps sold by him are manufactured to comply with specifications of the Bureau of Stand- ards. representing that any trade mark used by him in the sale of He was also ordered to cease incandescent registered in the United States Patent Office, unless such reg- istration is actually made, lamps is The Commission found the practice of White-Lite Distributing Corpora- tion were unfair, being similar to those of the Sun Sales Distributing Co., but the proceeding against it was dismissed for the reason that the com- pany has been dissolved since the trial was begun. Manufacturer and vendor-advertiser of automobile headlights, reports com- plete change of ownership and man- agement and agrees that if present owner should resume advertising, such future advertising will be made to con- form to rulings established by the Fed- eral Trade Commission. The company agrees not to describe its product as “mysterious,” without “hint of glare,” or as the “only conqueror of fog,” or that it can be obtained “free” unless this is true. The Marvelite Corporation, Chicago, vendor-advertiser of an attachment for headlights of motor vehicles, reports it has discontinued advertising but agrees that, should it resume, such future ad- vertising will be made to conform to rulings established by the Federal Trade Commission. It. will not de- scribe its product as “strange,” “start- ling,” “magical” or “a new principle in light mechanics,” or that it “penetrates the glare of coming cars,” or that there are twenty-six million prospective pur- chasers. The Asthma Kapsul Co., Tacoma, Wash., selling a treatment for asthma, bronchitis, hay fever and kindred afflic- tions, agrees to stop publishing state- ments such as the following: That asthma, bronchitis, hay fever or other bronchial trouble disappears immedi- ately after taking Asthma Kapsuls; and that the preparation is a sure method of overcoming such ailments and is a new method of treatment. The Rheuma Co., Buffalo, N. Y., vendor-advertiser of “Ru-Ma,” a med. icine for treating rheumatism, agrees to cease using, in its advertising, words such as “end,” “vanish,” “rid,” 20,7 “stop,” or “frees” as suggestive of or representative that the use of this med- icine will abolish rheumatism by pre- vention of future attacks, and to dis- continue other representations. Jacob Magenheim, trading as Bes- jay Medical Co., Brooklyn, and selling “Magi-Form,” a treatment for certain women’s ailments, agrees to cease use in advertising of statements such as the following: That the preparation is the surest method of feminine hygiene; that it will relieve married women from worry, and other representations. Perfumes and other cosmetics made in Chicago are not to be represented “by express statements or by impli- cation” as being imported from France, according to a cease and desist order the Federal Trade just issued against Thayer Pharmacal Co., Chicago. Commission has Neither are these preparations to be erroneously suggested as being the products of a famous perfumer or cos- metician or as offered at prices, the Commission ruled. Men’s clothing may not be adver- reduced tised as tailor-made or made accord- ing to sample selected by the pur- chaser unless this is actually true, the Federal Trade Commission has ruled in a cease and desist order issued against World Woolen Co., Brooklyn, This company, operated by Cecil B. Bond, is also directed not to erron- eously advertise that a store is about to be opened in a locality in which pur- chasers reside and at which store clothes purchased from the company may be fitted or altered. 30nd also has been in business un- der the names of International Woolen Co., Duplex Clothes, C. B. Bond and C. Bond. Because he claimed his medicine for treating rheumatism and kindred ail- ments was an “amazing discovery,” bringing “comfort and happiness” to more than one hundred thousand suf- ferers, Paul Case, of Brockton, Mass., has been ordered by the Federal Trade Commission to stop advertising his preparation as a cure or treatment for these diseases. Case is directed to cease represent- ing in any manner, including the pub- lication of testimonials or endorse- ments, that use of his medicine will cure or is a treatment for the relief of rheumatism, neuritis. bago and neuralgia. sciatica, lum- Delson Chemical Co.. 3rooklyn, en- gaged in the manufacture of propri- etary medicines, directed to discontinue representing that “Delcreo” when used as an internal treatment for dogs, has germicidal or antiseptic qualities, or that it is a competent treatment for distemper, vomiting attendant upon black tongue, absesses. asthma, fits, pneumonia, and rheumatism. National Silver Co., New York City, engaged in the sale of sundry mer- chandise, directed to discontinue rep- BOOT Saad BEE ser pote eee Sear rite March 14, 1934 resenting as steel or solid steel, scissors of which the maximum carbon content is 0.095 per cent. Reliable Suit Case Co., New York City, engaged in the manufacture of luggage, directed to discontinue rep- resenting as genuine leather, luggage made in whole or in part from split leather. Stipulations to Cease and Desist From Alleged Unfair Methods of Competition Refrigerators—A corporation manu- facturing refrigerators and ice chests agrees to cease using the words “por- ” celain-enamel” or “vitreous enamel in any way which would deceive pur- chasers, Food Products—A packer of fish will no longer use in its advertisements the words “white meeat” to describe a tuna fish product made of a fish other than albacore (Germo Alalunga). Furniture — Manufacturing uphol- stered furniture and selling it in inter- state commerce, a corporation will cease using in its advertising the words “Persian” and “Mohair’ to describe re- spectively a product not manufactured in nor imported from Persia and a product not composed wholly of mo- hair as that term is understood by the trade and public. Toilet Hollywood” as a slogan will no longer Preparations — “Created in be used by a corporation distributing cosmetics so as to imply erroneously that its products were manufactured or compounded in Hollywood, California, and will not use portraits of well known actresses and screen artists to produce the impression that they em- ploy the products so advertised or have recommended or endorsed them, when such is not true. Bay Rum—Bay rum manufactured by a cosmetic company will no longer be described as “West Rum” so as to deceive buyers into be- Indian Bay lieving the product to be of foreign origin or manufactured in the West Indies, Soap Products—“U. S. Government Standard” as an advertising phrase will be discontinued by a corporation man- ufacturing soaps and cleaners so as no longer to imply erroneously that its product has been endorsed by a Govy- ernment department. Paints—A corporation manufactur- ing enamel, paint and varnish prod- ucts will cease using the words “syn- thetic porcelain” so as to deceive buy- ers into believing that the product de- scribed is porcelain or vitreous enamel when such is not the fact. Yarn—Engaged in the production of yarns and the sale and distribution thereof, a corporation will no longer use the word “wool” in any way to imply that its products are composed wholly of wool unless, when they are made up in substantial part of wool the word “wool” shall be accompanied by another word printed in type equally as conspicuous so as to indicate clearly that the article is not constituted en- tirely of wool. Correspondence Courses: Administration — An individual con- ducting a correspondence school in Business business administration and manage- MICHIGAN ment, preparing pupils for passing civil service examinations, will drop from his advertising the use of the word “University” so as not to deceive pur- chasers into believing that the respond- ent is conducting a university and will cease erroneously representing that any of his courses are free, Radios and Phonographs—A corpor- ation distributing radios, radio equip- ment, phonographs, records and alu- minum ware, agrees to cease the use of the words “Associated Manufac- turers” so as to deceive buyers into beheving the company owns and op- erates the factory in which its goods are made, Knitted Wear — Use of the words “knitting” and “mills“ in the trade name of a company engaged only in the sale and distribution of sweaters and knitted goods, Thread—Use by a thread manufac- . turer of the word “silk’ to describe a product not made of the cocoon of the silk worm, Brass and Copper Ware—Brass and copper wares described by a manufac- torer as “Old English’ when not made in or imported from England. Flavoring Extracts—Use of fruit names such as “lemon” or “pineapple” to describe flavoring extracts not made from the actual juice of these fruits. Coffee—Use of the word “import” by an individual dealer in coffee when the product is not imported, and erroneous representations that he is a roaster of coffees, Flavoring Extracts—Erroneous use by a manufacturer of food flavoring products of the word “extract” as part of its trade name and in advertising. Refrigerators— Describing by means of the words “steel” or “metal” retfrig- erators not consisting of all steel or all metal. Food Products — Misrepresentation by a manufacturer of rolled oats of the quantity of the product contained in a package thereof. Flavoring Extracts—Fictitious price listings and misleading representations by a manufacturer of flavoring prod- ucts. Proprietary Medicines — Misrepre- sentation of the therapeutic value of proprietary products. Lines of Interest to Grand Rapids Council The public ire being aroused over conditions in the city government caused a clean-up in the city primaries and an apparent victory is looming for those new nominees at the April elec- tion. With a desire of the people to clean out the nest of messy politicians in the city hall a paramount issue, the present city mangler insists that he is the man for the important job of ad- ministering judgment in city manage- ment affairs and will not quit or be fired from his job. We admire un- adulterated intestinal fortitude in some places but we accept the brazenness of TRADESMAN the present incumbent of the city man- ager’s office as a challenge to the bet- ter judgment of the electors of the city and that the will of the voters is to be contested by an asinine, petty politician. The interpretation of the city charter by the able city attorney is nothing to condemn him because he is of the highest type citizenry and is a good man to retain in the office of city attorney but some means must be used to dump out the nincompoop who poses as an efficient government head. We are surprised that he did not hire an outside attorney, at the city’s ex- pense, to interpret the city charter in- stead of depending on the City ator ney. We will wait patiently until after May 1 to see what the New Deal in the city hall will do for those who used good judgment at the primaries. We expect to be quite busy on May 1 and far enough away to be free of the noisy political jangles but on the second or third, after we have subdued several of the finny tribe, we expect to hear and see results from the new members of the city hall. This is truly a mechanical age. Even public officials are frequently machine made. Between blizzards, rains and frost, we see signs of spring which will be officially ushered in on March 21. New life, new buds and new hopes will wel- come in the new 1934 spring with no niisgivings of the past but with a well founded hope for increased activity along the entire industrial front. When the old furnace has been laid aside and the remaining leaves put to ashes—we fully expect to see the up-trend in bus- iness materialize into a reality and the fears and sorrows of the public pushed into the background to make room for confidence, happiness and prosperity. Prosperity is something the business men create for the politicians to take credit for. Scotland Yard, the world famous de- tective bureau of England, has but 500,000 finger-prints in their files while the Division of Investigation of the United States Department of Justice has over 4,000,000 prints in its posses- sion. Scotland Yard is either a Ne- mesis to criminals or else they fail to catch their men, The electric chair has something to do with deterring criminals, but the proper place to start is the high-chair. Chinamen are playful fellows when it comes to an execution. They can think up some of the cutest thinys to do. When a condemned criminal is to be executed, a gaily garbed individuai carrying a large knife proceeds the parade to the execution ground. The prisoner is bound in a sitting posture in a chair. When the destination has been reached, the leader of the parade gets down on his knees before the con- demned man and proceeds to hold his attention while another member cf the execution squad slips up be‘iind the prisoner and lops off his head. We he- lieve more economy might be injected into the procedure by eliminating the entertainer and handing the victim a daily paper which blares forth all the latest political dope of his country. Such news might not be entertaining 3 but the worry in attempting to digest the meaning of the garbled accounts might hasten the assent of anyone to part with his head. Counselor Horace M. Koch, of 434 Hall street, had the misfortune to luse both father and mother by death in February. Their deaths occurred with- Council members extend their eympathies to in ten days of each other. Mr. Koch in his loss. C. E. L. Burwell, who has been act- ing as assistant superintendent of the bond department of the Grand Rapids branch of the Aetna Insurance Co., has been promoted to the office of superintendent of the local branch, suc- ceeding Harry J. Crowder, who has been promoted to the title of assistant manager under John F. Horton in the Detroit office. Mr. Horton was trans- ferred from the local office in 1929. This again exemplifies the fact that any time representative business con- cerns desire good men, they come to Grand Rapids after them. Won't be long now. All you cham- pion trout fishermen had better get the dust wiped off those flies because it is rumored that the fish will patronize only those who give the best of serv- ice. They are out for bright, new, shiny lures and will accept no shoddy goods because the depression is past. We understand the water will be just a bit more clear than usual and that the sportsmen who love to fish wit! consciences’ than has been noted for some time. It leave with more cl san is just the spirit of the times that will make the advent of the summer sport a real thrill this year. “Fish is good for the brain,” says a doctor. And fishing stimulates the im. agination, Counselor Wm. Fisher, of Lapeer, has completely recovered from the in- jury received when he slipped on some ice. He has sent in his final claim and has received his check in full. Grand Rapids Post A of the Trav- elers Protective Association, Michigan Division, held its annual meeting at the Moose Temple Saturday evening, March 10. The following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year: President, Elmer H. Hupp; Vice-Pres- ident, A. A. Curtis; Secretary-Treas- urer, A. D. Carrel; director for three years to succeed himself, Walter L. Cornell; elected director for three years, John Hoekstra; director for one year, Wm. J. Roukema; direc- tors holding over, Martin Johnson, Peter Schregardus and B. C. Saxton. The annual state meeting will be held in Grand Rapids on March 31. The old base-ball bats will soon be- gin to crack and then we are off to another summer for sure. Base-ball always reminds me of the fellow who asked one time if the St. Louis Car- dinals were appointed by the Pope. Laying all jokes on the shelf, if Babe Ruth gets by on his age this year— we should worry. Howard Carsten, a former member of the Council, and until recently local representative for the Schust Baking Co., has accepted a position as special representative for an insurance agency (Continued on page 23) newly 4 MOVEMENTS OF MERCHANTS. Detroit—The Farm Crest Baking Co. has changed its name to the Farm Crest Co. Delton—The Delton State Bank has increased its capital stock from $20,- 000 to $30,000. Detroit—The Michigan Cooperage Co. has increased its capital stock from $250,000 to $400,000. Ashley—The First State Bank of Ashley has increased its capital stock from $20,000 to $25,000. Dowagiac — The Nelson-Pemberton Drug Co. has decreased its capital stock from $35,000 to $14,000. Lansing—The Ideal Power Lawn Mower Co. has increased its capital stock from $100.000 to $250,000. Wyandotte—The Wyandotte Baking Co. has been organized with a capital stock of $5,000, with $1,000 paid in. River Rouge—The Great Lakes En- gineering Works has reduced its cap- ital stock from $3,000,000 to $2,575,000. Detroit—The Detroit Tap & Tool Co. has changed its capital stock from 250,000 shares no par stock to $250,000. Detroit—The Michigan Die Casting Co. has been organized with a capital stock of $250,000, of which $3,500 is paid in. Muskegon Heights—The Coston Motor Co. has been organized with a capital stock of $50,000, of which $10,- 000 is paid in. ' Marquette—E. J. Parent has pur- chased the radiator repair shop on South Third street formerly operated by J. J. Maloney. St. Clair—The Moore Sales Co. has been organized to handle automobiles and parts. The capital stock is $5,000, with $3,000 paid in. Detroit—Stalkin’s Jewelry, Inc. has been organized to conduct a retail jewelry business. The authorized cap- ital stock is $8,000, all paid in. Detroit—The B. & G. Packing Co. has been organized to deal in livestock and slaughter pork meats. The cap- ital stock is $4,000, of which $1,321 is paid in. Detroit—The L. & G. Co. has been organized with a capital stock of $5,000, all paid in, to engage in the sale of luggage, musical instruments and tools. Muskegon—Muller Bakeries, Inc., of Grand Rapids, of which the Muskegon Baking Co. is a local subsidiary, has changed its name to the Michigan Bakeries, Inc. Charlotte—The Michigan Elevator Exchange of Lansing announces that it is opening the old Belden elevator here on March 1 for the purchase of grain and beans. Philo Frost will be in charge. Big Rapids—An electric motor and radio repair shop has been opened in the Nisbett block by John Storrs and George Schultze The shop is located in the basement of the building with an entrance on Maple street. Cadillac—The co-partnership hereto- fore existing between Frank Spieker and John W. Novak and doing busi- ness as the Cadillac Meat & Sausage Co. has been dissolved. Mr. Spieker has purchased the interest of Mr. MICHIGAN Novak and is now in active contro! of the business. Lansing—Leta Macomber, formerly with the Boncilla Beauty shop at 1425 East Michigan avenue, is conducting a new Boncilla shop at 1124 East Mich- igan avenue. Mrs. Macomber returned to Lansing recently after having con- ducted a shop in Kalamazoo for the past two years. Saginaw—Fire of undetermined or- igin Saturday destroyed two buildings comprising the box factory of the Mer- shon Eddy Parker Co. just outside of Saginaw. Damage amounting to more than $60,000 resulted from the spec- tacular blaze. Company officials state that the loss was largely covered by insurance. Allegan—In an order issued recently by Circuit Judge Fred T. Miles, Re- ceiver Bernard Voorhorst is to effect a settlement with the co-partners of the private banking firm of H. Brower & Co., at Hamilton. He is ordered to pay depositors and wind up the affairs of the institution. Mr. Voorhorst has estimated the assets of the bank at $174,000. Otsego—The Wegmiller 5c to $1 store changed hands last Wednesday. Its purchaser is the D. & C. Stores, Inc., a firm owning several similar stores in southern Michigan. The new proprietors expect to install a more complete stock. L. M. DeWitt, for- merly with the D. & C. store at Fen- ton will have charge. He will reside in Otsego. Albion—The Chatterbox cafe will be moved from 401 South Superior to its old location at 402 South Superior. The Jack Frost Ice Cream Co., will be moved from its present location at 311 South Superior to 401 South Superior, the building now occupied by the cafe. Donald Bullen is to open a store in the building now occupied by the ice cream company. Lansing—Mass meeting of grocers and meat dealers in Ingham, Livings- ton, Eaton and Clinton counties will be held in this city on Thursday, March 22. Committee from the Lan- sing Grocers and Meat Dealers asso- ciation is framing local details of the program and is negotiating for a place in which to hold the mass meeting. Purpose of the meet is to take up the dealers’ code as to enforcement. Lansing—All departments of the General Electric Supply Corporation are now completely organized and functioning. The corporation recently decided to locate in Lansing and leased the Ziegler building at 112 North Ce- dar street. The corporation confines its business to wholesaling only. Com- plete stocks of wiring and lighting equipment and household electrical conveniences are housed in the new quarters. Lansing—Mrs. Maude Smith, pro- prietor of the Maude Smith shop, an- nounced Saturday the removal of her business from 208 United building at 107 West Allegan street to more spa- cious quarters in the same building. An increase in business was given as the reason for the change. Mrs. Smith formerly employed as a buyer for the Dancer-Brogan company, has been TRADESMAN engaged in business for the past eight years, dealing exclusively in feminine Wear. Ypsilanti—Arthur F. WNissly has been elected vice-president in charge of sales of the Michigan Ladder Co. For the past ten years Nissly has been associated with Paine, Webber & Co., Detroit, as manager of their bond de- partment. The Michigan Ladder Co. is entering its thirty-fourth year of successful operation. Its products in- clude extension, straight and step lad- ders, ironing boards, clothes racks, step stools and extension racks, which are distributed from coast to coast. Houghton—Clayton A. Simons, A. B. Schutz and their associates have taken over the Simons Brothers’ Houghton concern, Charles and Harold J. Simons having retired from the partnership in the locally operated company. A. B, “Tony” Schutz, man- ager of Simons Brothers, of Hough- ton, wholesalers, announces that the firm is now established in its new headquarters at 111 Shelden street. In keeping with the growth of the business a new salesman has been add- ed to the force, Robert H. Cutler. Albion—Herbert M. Brown, 70, died at his home. 1107 East Cass, last week, following a short illness. He had been critically ill for only a week. He was born in Spring Arbor, in 1864, but had been a resident of Albion for over forty years. Mr. Brown was active in church affairs, having served as elder in the First Presbyterian church for several years. The first ten years Mr. Brown resided in Albion he was em- ployed by the Gale Manufacturing Co., after which he was established in the grocery business for thirty years, be- ing located at 412 South Superior, where he retired last Spring. Woodville—The Woodville Mercan- tile Co. store and cream station were destroyed early Saturday in a fire that was blamed on an oil stove in the creamery. The loss was estimated at $8,000 on the stock and $4,000 on the building, with insurance of $6,000. Members of the proprietor’s family, living above the store in the two-story wooden structure, escaped in their night clothes. They are: Edward Pe- terson, store manager; his house- keeper, Mrs. Marie Seth, and Peter- son’s two children. Big Rapids and White Cloud fire departments respond- ed to calls but were unable to quench the blaze owing to the fact the creek, the only water supply, was frozen. Use of chemicals prevented spread of the blaze, however. All the township papers were kept in a safe in the store and some of these were destroyed. Kalamazoo—How the Kalamazoo fire department saved a stock of shoes in the Bell Shoe Co. store basement, while fighting the filmes in the Olym- pic Candy Company early Saturday morning, was revealed after insurance adjusters made their preliminary re- port. Fire Chief Russell kept a crew of men busy in the basement at the shoe company moving stock, as the water seeped in. Shoes and other mer- chandise was kept out of the water by firemen placing the stock on tables and shelves above the water level. Dam- March 14, 1934 age by fire, smoke, and water to the Olympic store and by water and smoke to the Strand cigar store was approx- | imately $30,000, according to the ad- justers’ reports. The Olympic sustain- ed a total loss to stock and fixtures in the basement and on the first floor and was only partially covered by in- surance. Manufacturing Matters Detroit—The Wood Hydraulic Hoist & Body Co. has been organized to manufacture and deal in hoists with a capital stock of $1,000 all paid in. Detroit—The LaSalle Manufactur- ing Co. has been organized with a cap- ital stock of $1,000, all paid in, to man- ufacture and deal in electrical devices. Detroit—The Detroit Aviation Mo- tor Corporation has been organized to manufacture and sell aviation appli- ances. The capital stock is $5,000, all paid in. Detroit—The Multi - Hydromatic Welding & Engineering Co., 5725 Mt. Elliott avenue, has changed its name to the Multi-Hydromatic Welding & Mfg. Co. Detroit—The Rex Sales Co. has been organized to manufacture and deal in auto parts. It has an authorized capital stock of $10,000, of which $1,000 is paid in, Detroit—The Chicago Hosiery Co. has been organized to manufacture and sell hosiery and underwear at 1907 Michigan avenue. The authorized cap- ital stock is $5,000, all paid in. seo Shoe Show Fight Opens Charging that the rule is actuated by a desire for monopoly and not econ- omy, shoe retailers are protesting vig- orously against the Manufacturers Code provision which prohibits pro- ducers from exhibiting their goods in shows staged by the store groups. The retailers’ shows, according to the Na- tional Boot and Shoe Retailers Associ- ation in a brief submitted to General Johnson, have fostered style co-opera- tion between the manufacturers and stores and eliminated needless mark- downs and losses. No manufacturer is compelled to engage in them and no manufacturer is boycotted if he does not, it was said. —_22.__ First Aid Week Starts More than 60,000 retail druggists throughout the country will co-operate this week in the movement known as National First Aid Week, which Stresses preparedness to prevent need- less suffering. The week had its in- ception twelve years ago. According to Dr. W. E. Weiss, chairman of the executive committee of the Drug In- stitute, Inc., and one of the origina- tors of the movement, the plan has been an effective device for developing a consciousness of the importance of preparedness. ——— 2.2 2_ Saginaw—Emil Bernhard, 71 years old, prominent retired Saginaw hard- ware merchant, died Tuesday. He con- ducted a hardware business under the name of Bernhard & Janke until 1929, when ill-health forced him to retire. He is survived by the widow, a daugh- ter, three sisters and a brother. PIAA Fae ERRNO 2 UNE Ae pNP REREAD RM HOUR NASER ASN March 14, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Essential Features of the Grocery Staples Sugar — Local jobbers hold cane granulated at 4.90c and beet granulated at 4.70c, Canned Fruits—Interest in canned fruits keeps well maintained. The fu- tures market is taking on more defi- nite shape and opening or tentative Opening prices show no particular fluctuation. There is some buying go- ing on, as it is increasing in a volume way, so that a note of optimism pre- vails. Spot business is also quite good, and probably has been limited to great- er or less degree by the willingness of packers to sell in the hope of getting higher prices later. Canned Vegetables—The major veg- etables are generally unchanged. Sea- weed or dulse—another new health food—is now being canned in Wales. A company recently formed in Swan- sea conducts this novel industry and the product is now on the British mar- ket. The seaweed used, which is a special type, is locally known as laver- bread. It is gathered off the rocks be- tween tide marks on the coasts of South Wales and Cornwall. Purple in color and turning dark green or olive when boiled, it is rich in calcium and iodine, possessing also a percentage of chlorophyll. It is served as a vegetable with lemon juice or vinegar, some but- ter and pepper, and for many years has had a high reputation locally for its delicate flavor. Canned Fish—Salmon is steady, with Alaska reds a trifle higher. While salmon runs are erratic and prediction often futile, salmon packers regard the coming season as a big one and they are prepared for any sized schools of the silvery fish. Unusually mild weath- er has prevailed along the whole Pa- cific Coast the past winter, but inland snowfall is heavy. This will cause high water in salmon spawning streams un- til late in June. The presence of fresh water far out in the ocean is believed to stimulate the desire to migrate early. Last season weights of salmon averaged eight to fourteen pounds, this year quite larger salmon are ex- pected. Every experienced salmon fisherman has a different reason to so believe, but they seldom fail in such guesses. Dried Fruits—The market was un- changed here. There was a good de- mand on the spot for many items, but buying continued to be against imme- diate requirements. Prices were steady and in some items below re- placement costs. In the case of Santa Clara prunes, popular demand has broadened over the various sizes. Ore- gons, too, have been sought more ac- tively and there is very little left to sell here and none for shipment. The raisin market was rather routine here, as far as Thompsons are concerned. There was fair buying and some indi- cation of improvement in anticipation of Easter requirements but, on the whole, less activity than the trade would like to see at this particular time of the year, The market on Muscats and all seeded varieties was very brisk here. Evaporated are well maintained in New York State in spite of the lack of foreign demand, and about all grades are held at a fractional advance. In California prices are holding firm to higher, with prunes being held gen- erally at fractional advances. Nuts—The market was fairly active here this week. Shelled nuts are in fairly good demand, especially the lower-priced goods. Among the fea- tures of the week was the arrival here of the first shipment of new crop Brazil nuts, both shelled and in the shell. Manchurian walnuts were fair- ly active. Imported filberts and al- monds were steady, Nuts in the shell continued dull. Olives — A good demand continues for olives. Prices stay firm, with ship- pers’ ideas showng an upward tend- ency. Spot supplies have been worked low. The medium and small sizes of stuffed queens are particularly scarce. Stocks of stuffed Manzanilas have been worked off, good sales being made dur- ing the past fortnight. Pickles—Quotably the pickle market remained on the same basis as previ- ously. Consumer interest appears fair, the movement out of packers’ hands being quite steady. Rice—The market was quite firm and active this week. Millers reported a good demand for shipment and sen- timent was further improved by the fact that the new marketing agreement has been placed in effect and will con- tinue in force until the close of the sea- son of 1934, ending July 31. The agree- ment will be enforced strongly with six Federal officers placed in the rice belt to keep a close eye on the mills in checking up on the quality of ship- ments against specifications. Salt Fish—All kinds of salt fish con- tinue to answer a good demand. Hol- land herring is scarce, the price being advanced 10c per keg. Good quality mackerel is hard to get, the pack hav- ing been small this year. Leading sellers find that the demand for all types of salt fish is better than in the corresponding period last year. Cod- fish supplies light. Producers are be- tind on shipments of boneless and skinless fish. Vinegar—Sweet cider continues to command a premium. It is increasingly scarce and avidly sought by apple brandy makers. Cider vinegar firm and in good demand. —2>-~»>___ Review of the Produce Market Alligator Pears—19c each. Apples—Northern Spy, $2 for No. 1; $2.25 for extra fancy; Delicious, $1.75 per bu. for No. 1 red. Asparagus—$3.50 per case of 12 2-lb. bunches from California. Artichokes—Calif., 75c per dozen, 4 doz. in box. Bananas—4\4c per Ib. Butter—Tubs, 25%4c; prints, 25%4c; cartons, 26c, Cabbage — New from Texas, $1.85 per crate of 85 lbs. Carrots—50c per dozen bunches of Calif.; 85c per bushel for home grown. Cauliflower—$1.50 per crate for Cal- ifornia. Celery—Florida, 6 and 8 doz. crates, $3. Celery Cabbage—75c per doz. Cocoanuts—90c per doz. or $5.50 per bag. Cucumbers—No. 1 Florida, $1.25 per dozen. Dried Beans — Michigan Jobbers pay as follows for hand picked at ship- ping stations: Oo. FY. fom fine. $2.20 Light Red Kidney from farmer__ 4.50 Dark Red Kidney from farmer__ 5.25 Poot Coanheny_... .. i 4.50 ae Coley iit 3.50 Eggs—Jobbers pay 10c per lb for mixed eggs and llc per Ib. for heavy white eggs. They sell as follows: Maney feck white... 19¢ a ood. 17c Candled, large pullets ____________ l6c —— Ll. 15¢ Grape Fruit—Texas and Florida are held as follows: Texas Florida 2 $4.00 $3.25 2 4.00 o29 LLL 4.00 3.50 6 3.45 3.25 Green Beans — $3.50 per hamper for Louisiana grown. Green Onions — Shalots, 30c per dozen for Louisiana. Green Peas—$3 per hamper of 30 Ibs. for Calif. grown. Green Peppers — California, 50@60c per dozen. Hubbard Squash—2c per Ib. Kumquats—19c per box, Lemons—The price is as follows: a oo $5.50 ee... 6.00 eel ea. 5.50 wee ea. 5.50 Limes—28c per dozen. Lettuce — In good demand on the following basis: California, 4s and 5s, crate______ $3.25 Po fethonse titi‘; 40 Mushrooms—32c per one Ib. carton. Onions—Home grown, $1.25 per bu. for Yellow. Oranges—Fancy Sunkist California Navels are now sold as follows: Lp eee $3.25 ee 3.50 0 ee eee 3.50 oe 3.75 Me. 3.75 oS Sas eet 3.50 2 Ee es eee 3.25 Red Ball, 50c per box less. Parsley—30c per doz. for hot house. Pomegranates —60c per dozen for Calif. Potatoes—$1 per bu.; Idahos $2.35 per 100 Ib. bag. Poultry—Wilson & Company pay as follows: eee Pow 13% ae oe lic wee! 8c es 14 eae. Ze Radishes — 25c dozen bunches hot house. Rhubarb—Hot house, 40c for five Ib. carton. Spinach—80c per bushel for Texas grown. Strawberries—Florida, 16c per pint. Sprockle—18c per bunch. Sweet Potatoes — Jerseys from In- diana, $2.25 per bu. Tangerines — $2 per bu. Tomatoes — Repacked Mexican, $1 for 10 Ib. carton. Turnips—75c per bushel. Veal Calves — Wilson & Company pay as follows: oe 7 @8c ~ Good Vegetable Oysters—30c per doz. Wax Beans—$3.50 per hamper for Louisiana grown. —_+-<-__ What is an Oriental Rug? Genuine “Oriental Rugs” are made by hand—not by machine. The tufts composing the nap or pile are hand- knotted—resulting in an unusually dur- able floor covering. Genuine “Orientals” may be readily distinguished from machine-made re- productions by irregularities in design; unevenness of sides and ends, and the additional fact that they are not made to exact measurements, such as 9x12, 8x10, etc. They usually vary several inches. As a final test, the nap should be separated to note whether loops of knotted yarn are visible. If there are no such “loops,’ the rug is machine- made. Peddlers, self-styled “smugglers,” and irresponsible dealers are capitaliz- ing upon the public’s lack of knowl- edge. Complainants who purchased rugs believing them to be genuine “Orientals” have later learned that they were the cheapest of machine- made European imitations, deriving their sheen from mercerized cotton. You can avoid such losses by apply- ing the above practical tests and by determining, beforehand, that the vendor is reliable. Illness Annually, Everyone’s Average The average person in the United States has one illness a year lasting three days or more. This conclusion is reached by the United States Public Health Service on the basis of data gathered in stud- ies of illnesses in commun- ities. These data reveal that colds and bronchitis are the most important causes of sickness with influenza and gtippe ranking next. Since 60 per cent. of all sickness is due to disease of the respiratory sys- tem, public health efforts should be particularly directed toward reducing the chances of infection from this type of malady, it is pointed out. Children under 10 years of age have probably the highest rate of sickness of any age group. After that age, the number of illnesses decreases until the age group from 15 to 24 has an ex- tremely low ratio of sickness, After 24 the ratio of incidence of disease and the number of fatalities show a steady upward curve. various Fewer Oranges this Year, but Enough for Everybody That glass of orange juice will very likely be on the breakfast table as usual, even though the total orange crop is slightly below the average for the last five years. Nearly fifty million boxes is the Department of Agricul- ture’s estimate. The California navel crop is practically harvested, and Flor- ida’s production is about half harvested. For localizing case-hardening, there is a new insulating paint which is sprayed or dipped on the metal, needs no baking. It is removed after the heat treatment by tapping, is said to leave the protected surfaces dead soft. 7? Banks are more disposed to lend. MUTUAL INSURANCE (Fire and Life) Comparative Record of Mutual and Stock Companies The New York Journal of Com- merce has made a carefully compiled record of the mergers and reinsurances of mutual and stock companies during 1933, showing five mutual and nineteen stock companies as follows: Amercian Colony Insurance Co.. New York: American Merchant Marine Insurance Co., New York, and Colonial Fire Insurance Co., New York, to be merged as American Col- ony Insurance Co. Stockholders on October 30 approved merger, but de- tails were not completed at end of year. Colonial States Fire Insurance Co.. New York, and Majestic Fire Insur- ance Co., New York, merged as Colo- nial States Fire Insurance Co. Stock- holders approved in May. Cosmopolitan Fire Insurance Co., New York. Merger into Knickerbock- er Insurance Co, of New York voted by directors but details not yet com- pleted. Both companies controlled by Carroon & Reynolds, Inc. Petersburg Insurance Co., Peters- burg, Va., reinsured its business in New Hampshire Fire Insurance Co. and quits writing. Wheeling Fire Insurance Co., of Wheeling, absorbed by Southern Fire Insurance Co., Durham, N.C. Both were Crum & Foster companies. Alliance Casualty Co., Philadelphia, merged into Indemnity Insurance Co. of North America, Guardian Casualty Co., Buffalo, merged into Consolidated Indemnity & Insurance Co., New York. Midland Casualty Co., Milwaukee. absorbed by Great Northern Life In- surance Co., Milwaukee and Chicago. All American Life Insurance Co.. Amarillo, Tex., merged into Trinity Life Insurance Co., Fort Worth. American National Assurance Co.. St. Louis, and Central States Life In- surance Co., St. Louis, merged as Central States Life Insurance Co. Bankers Reserve Life Insurance Co., Omaha, business reinsured in Ohio National Life Insurance Co., Cincin- nati. Hawkeye Life Insurance Co., Des Moines, merged into Service Life In- surance Co., Omaha. Northwestern Life Insurance Co.. Omaha. Business reinsured in Amer- ican Reserve Life Insurance Co., Omaha. Old Line Life Insurance Co., Lin- coln, Neb., reinsured in Lincoln Na- tional Life Insurance Co., Fort Wayne. Texas Security Life Insurance Co., Dallas, and Gulf States Life Insurance Co., Dallas, merged as Gulf States Security Life Insurance Co. Union Pacific Assurance Co., Oma- ha, reinsured in Service Life Insurance Co., Lincoln. Citizens Fund Mutual Insurance Co., Red Wing, Minn., merged into Na- tional Implement Mutual Insurance Co., Owatonna, Minn. MICHIGAN Lynn Manufacturers & Merchants Mutual Fire Insurance, Andover, Mass., absorbed by Merrimac Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Andover, under same management. Ohio Millers’ Mutual Insurance Co., Van Wert, reinsured in Central Man- ufacturers Mutual Insurance Co., Van Wert, under same management. Illinois Manufacturers Mutual Casu- alty Association, Chicago, reinsured in Lumbermen’s Mutual Casualty Co., Chicago. Mutual Casualty Co., Chicago, ab- sorbed by Life & Casualty Co. of Chicago. Globe & Rutgers Fire Insurance Co.. placed in hands of New York Insur- ance Department for rehabilitation. Central States Casualty Co., Detroit, placed in hands of Michigan Insurance Commissioner as custodian because of heavy depository liability, and Great Lakes Casualty Co., Detroit, financed from part of its assets to carry on part of its business. National Surety Co., New York, taken over for rehabilitation by New York Insurance Department. Wayne Surety Co., Detroit, taken over by Michigan Insurance Commis- sioner as custodian because of heavy depository liability. In the list of failures and liquida- tions, there are five mutual and twen- ty-six stock companies, as follows: Associated Reinsurance Co.. New York, voluntarily retired, turned over to New York Insurance Department for liquidation. Hamburg-American Insurance Co., New York, consents to order for liq- uidation by New York Insurance De- partment. La Salle Fire Insurance Co., New Orleans. Receiver appointed. Public Fire Insurance Co., Newark, reinsures remaining business in Globe & Republic Insurance Co., Phila- delphia, and is taken over by New Jer- sey Insurance Department for liquida- tion, 3enjamin Franklin Bonding & In- demnity Corporation, Phoenix, Ariz. (headquarters, Los Angeles), Califor- nia, receiver appointed. Dixie-Atlas-Republic Insurance Co., Campbellsville, Ky., reinsured its business in Income Life Insurance Co.. Louisville, and receiver appointed to liquidate it. Export Indemnity Co., New York, consents to order for liquidation by New York Insurance Department. Fort Dearborn Insurance Co Chi- cago. Receiver appointed. General Indemnity Corporation, Rochester, taken over by New York Insurance Co. for liquidation. General Surety Co, New York, taken over by New York Insurance Department for liquidation at request of the directors. Greater City Surety & Indemnity Co., New York, taken over by New York Insurance Department for liqui- dation. International Re-Insurance Corpora- tion (Delaware corporation), Los An- geles. Receiver appointed at Wilming- ton, Del. Lexington Surety & Indemnity Co., New York, taken over by New York TRADESMAN Insurance Department for liquidation. Lloyds Insurance Co. of America, New York, taken over by New York Insurance Department for liquidation. Public Indemnity Co., Newark, re- insures business in International Re- Insurance Corporation, Los Angeles, and is taken over by New Jersey In- surance Department for liquidation. Union Indemnity Co., New Orleans. Receivers appointed. Cosmopolitan Life Insurance Co., Chicago. Receiver appointed. Equitable Life & Casualty Co., Lou- isville. Receiver appointed. Lincoln Reserve Life Insurance Co., Birmingham, Ala. Receiver appointed. Missouri State Life Insurance Co., St. Louis. Receiver appointed and as- sets and business taken over by Gen- eral American Life Insurance Co. National Life Insurance Co. of the U.S. A., Chicago. Receiver appointed. Old West Life & Annuity Co., Cul- ver City, Calif. (formerly Los Angeles Life Insurance Co.). Receiver ap- pointed. Peoria Life Insurance Co., Peoria. Ill, Receivers appointed. Royal Union Life Insurance Co.. Des Moines. Receivers appointed. Busniess later reinsured in Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. Fort Wayne. State Life Insurance Co. of Illinois, Chicago. Receiver appointed. Union National Life Insurance Co., Dayton (headquarters, Charleston, W. Va.), formerly Gem City Life. Taken over by Ohio Insurance Department for liquidation. WE HAVE WE AIM WE DO 320 Houseman Building FOR MORE THAN 24 YEARS Saved our members from 25 to 40% on their Insurance premium. To adjust all losses satisfactory to the assured. Pay all claims promptly upon receipt of proor. THE GRAND RAPIDS MERCHANTS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY affiliated with the THE MICHIGAN RETAIL DRY GOODS ASSOCIATION March 14, 1934 Victory Life Insurance Co., Chicago. Receiver appointed. American Mutual Insurance Co. (fire), Indianapolis. Receiver appoint- ed January 31. American Mutual Insurance Co. (ac- cident health), Nashville, Tenn. Receiver appointed. Builders Mutual Casualty Co., Madi- son, Wis., reinsured in Employers Mu- tual Liability Insurance Co. and Em- ployers Mutual Indemnity Corporation, Wausau, and thrown into liquidation. Employers Mutual Insurance Co.. New York, turned over to New York Insurance Department for liquidation. Hamilton Mutual Auto Casualty Corporation, New York, taken over by New York Insurance Department for liquidation, —_2~-.___ Half a Billion Loss For years the amount of money lost in this country through fires has been and a scandal. The average is half a billion dollars a which have been year, sheer waste, could for the most part avoided, During the last year the fire loss has been considerably reduced and some people have rejoiced in the belief that at last people had wakened to the im- portance of the matter and were tight- ening up on precautions, According to the National Board of Fire Underwriters, the rejoicing seems to have been without reason. The Un- derwriters say that people haven’t got- ten any more vigilant in preventing hres, but that the decrease in losses was due first to reduced real estate values, and second to lapsed insurance. Grand Rapids, Michigan OUR FIRE INSURANCE POLICIES ARE CONCURRENT with any standard stock policies that you are buying No interruption in dividend payments to policy holders since organization Michigan Bankers and Merchants Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Fremont, Michigan WILLIAM N. SENF, Secretary-Treasurer a Eon cease sense IRENE EIS RETRY Hh I RANA eR romp ORM March 14, 1934 This from the Underwriters’ statement is worth reading: The decline in property values and . the slowing up of commercial activity have been felt with full force in the fire insurance business, because both of these “devaluations” left a lower in- surable value. When one considers also that many people were obliged to dis- continue their fire insurance entirely, and that numerous. others became under-insured, the reason for the great decline in premium income, which has been so pronounced in the past year, becomes apparent. With the total of insurance at risk greatly curtailed it is natural that a gradual but steady decline in reported fire losses should occur, The complete Statistics just released by the National Board of Fire Underwriters show that the loss for 1932 as reported by mem- ber companies was $400,859,554—a sub- stantial decrease from 1931, when it amounted to $451,643,866. Preliminary estimates indicate an even greater re- duction for the year 1933, but because the losses are shown in reduced valua- tions, the actual physical destruction of property may have been only slightly less than before, According to information also re- ceived from the Underwriters, some of the most inexcusable cases of negli- gence, resulting in fires, were those of business men. in 10,000 is against fire. Not one business man adequately protected That is a radical state- ment, but wait a minute. A merchant may be adequately protected against the loss of his stock and fixtures, and of course his building, but what pro- tection has he against loss of business and profit due to a fire? In one case I know about a retailer who was obliged to actually leave town when his store building burned because there wasn’t another suitable building in the place. A few business men carry insuur- ance against loss of business, but the great majority do not. They can protect themselves, however, by constant vig- ilance against fire. — Modern Mer- chant. —_2-- __ Summer Bar Supply Trade With shore resort hotels and restau- rants counting on repeal to bring a rejuvenation in business this Summer, manufacturers of restaurant their equipment and of cash registers and accounting machines began soliciting orders from sources this week. The opening of new restaurants and expansion of older establishments in the metropolitan area has enabled sup- pliers of bar equipment and restaurant accessories to break all previous Win- ter sales records. The manufacturers hope that the Spring demand from the Summer resort will bring another pe- riod of active buying of equipment. Heads & Co.’s Branch such Petter Muskegon K. G. Coutchie, formerly a resident of Muskegon, has placed in charge of the newly opened Muskegon branch office of J. H. Petter & Co., Grand Rapids, investment bankers. Mr. Couchie has for several years been identified with Byllesby & Co., San Francisco, extensive operators on the Pacific coast. been Opening and closing box-car doors is made a one-man job by a new tool —a 15-pound chain and pulley arrange- ment. MICHIGAN LEE M. HUTCHINS How He Looks to a Publisher in Philadelphia The name of Lee M. Hutchings is identified with the constructive and ex- tremely interesting years of the Na- tional Association of Credit Men. Mr. Hutchins was one of the founders Or ft 1e Grand Rapids Association of Credit Men. He had been active in the business circles of his city, made a rep- utation among his local friends for ini- tiative and integrity: he recognized the great value of our movement to the commerce of the Nation and gave to it the very best that was in him, His striking personality and sensible aggressiveness quickly won him recog- nition among the pioneers of the Na- TRADESMAN tion that he filled with his usual dis tinction. Hutchins had held responsible positions in the suc Por many years Mr. 1 business of the cessful Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co. of Grand Among the members of this particular trade he had won a high place and hi ideas on business and on credit wer always listened to with the deepest re spect. Owing to the death of Dr. Hazel- tine the responsibilities of the busines y on Me. Hutchins and to meet these re spol devolvd almoset entire bilities he was forced to relinquish ac tive duties with the National Associ i ation of Credit Men. His memories will always be vivid with those who knew him as a companon and Lee M. Hutchins tional organization, and at the Balti- more convention of 1906 he was hon- ored with a position on the National 3oard., Mr. Hutchins possesses the power of presenting his ideas to an audience with force and persuasion, he is always welcome at the meetings of local Asso- ciations and in his official capacity at- tended the first state conference ever called in the Association’s history and it happened to be in Texas. The ex- periences of that journey and event will long be remembered by the little company who attended this conven- tion and enjoyed for the first time some Texas pranks. Until 1912 Mr. Hutchins continued to serve the National Association as a director, but in that year he was elect- ed to the vice-president’s office, a posi- friend, his name will always be written high in the annals of the N.A.C.M. Mr. Hutchins is still the power in his business organization. He pivotal holds in an unusual way the affection and the esteem of the Grand Rapids people. It would be a wonderful thing for the National Association of Credit Men had he the physical strength and leisure to return to its ranks and once again take part in directing its destiny. —Credit and Financial Management. ee Light conditions, light adequacy for reading, sewing, and other visual tasks can be measured by a new, compact, eight-ounce instrument which em- bodies a_ battery-less cell. photo-electric ———_->--~<.___ Silver has proved a golden lation. specu- Rapids. “y 4 NRA Code Authority is Organized at Marquette Joseph C. Gannon, of Marquette, vas chosen chairman of the NRA code uthority for f dealers of the upper ula Sunday i" ( €HIDers o Py ) Men ! | f New treasurer I ne utnorit f l VhOLe- 11¢ 1 retail food dealers ot the up- per peninsula was prefected after a meeting f etail distributors in the ( Rahill is electe 1 close ) Mt to represent the retailers Membe yr Othe de aut ¥ are \f Ganno epresentiny volun- holesale grocer trade: Mr. St. Peter, represe: e the dependent role e grocer W. Burkhalter, of \egaunee, repres¢ 1g ¢ cha ITO) - cery grou ind Mr. Rahilly, the retail groce It VaS al 1 tnat ecadgquarters \ y¢ fi ea! 1fure qd an ti it Se etarv flame to tire flair the le iu Na hes ) he members I i coc iuthorit will be sent ) Washington, D (_., for ane t Lth¢ Vive approved the group will receive an NRA cer- incate which will designate t as Ene FF egal body fi functioning in the Oppe peninsula iy adn stration ti NR \ trade code About 200 retail grocers represent- ng practically every community in the ipper penins attended the meeting, which opened at 2 o'clock in the com- INISS1O} chambers, Mr. Gannon opened the meeting and explained that the state of Michigan las been divided into ten trading areas under the National food dealers’ code set-up and that the upper peninsula is He said each trad- ONE OF these areas. have its own code author- 1 Mich Will COOperate with state and 1 1 one : a $+ n Nal autnorities in carrying out code. He Provisions of the national uo : explained t all food dealers, whole- sale and retail, are included in the code + setup, except restaurant owners, bak- p ers, confectionery store owners and dealers who distribute milk by regular route delivery. Delegates Iron Mountain- 1 Neld- Nelson and from the included Clyde 1 1 berg, E. J. Weed, John C Against Drug Cost Rule A vigorous protest against the latest proposal of retail druggists covering sales below costs was wired to Presi- dent Roosevelt, General Johnson and NRA officials by Consumers Research, Inc., last Friday. Under the suggested provision, no druggist could sell] goods below the lowest price published or quoted for dozen lots by any whole- saler to retailers in any given territory. The led for an open hearing on the proposal, declaring consumers’ group cal 1 that 1f was an “ingenious and decep- tive” form of accomplishing the pur- poses of the Capper-Kelly bill. —_»+~+<-____ critics have small chance against a man who calls you Administration “My friends” right there in your own radio, 8 OPINIONS DIFFER ON VALUE A noticeable easing of the tension that has gripped business men in re- cent weeks and a restoration of con- fidence that nothing “detrimental” to industry would be done by the Recov- ery Administration were the main out- growths of the code conferences held in Washington during the week. Opinion as to what the meetings had actually accomplished were divided, however. On the one hand, some as- sociation leaders and code authority members felt that the administration had done an excellent job, that it had eliminated all thoughts of compulsion on industry and had shown itself con- servative in its attitude toward the burdens industry could bear, On the other hand, most executives declared that no solution to the prob- lem of reducing unemployment had been found, that leaving the question of a cut in hours up to individual in- dustries was a serious mistake and that the conference had brought out a paucity of intelligent ideas among the men attending it. Each industry will stoutly declare that it cannot stand the added burden of a further reduction in working time, it was held, and will resist all efforts of the NRA to im- pose a cut. In local business circles, however, it was obvious that a great deal of the uncertainty which had cropped up in recent weeks attendant with the public- ity on shorter hours was evaporating. In the cotton-goods industry, for in- stance, executives felt that no hours cut would be asked of them and that they could proceed to sell their goods freely. There will be no dropping of the protective clauses in contracts, however, for the time being. Capital goods producers returned be- lieving that some progress had been made toward improving their position. They still felt, however, that the reli- ance of various industries on a limita- tion of new equipment to prevent added competition was a detriment to any substantial expansion of the mar- ket for machinery. They constantly encountered warnings of executives against overproduction and, while ad- mitting there was basis for such thoughts, they believed the protection of profits idea was a more compelling motive. One executive declared that it was premature to evaluate the results of the conference, inasmuch as the only tangible thnigs done were the appoint- ment of the consumer goods and cap- ital products committees. It is up to these groups to formulate a program on the basis of the twelve points out- lined by General Johnson. “However, from the attitude of those attending the conference, and it must be remembered that, so far as industry is concerned, they will have final say, it is doubtful if anything but innocuous proposals will be passed,” he said. “They have already expressed their opposition to a cut in hours and higher wages and have demanded that the open-price plan be retained. They wish to hold on to the proposals favor- ing them and to eliminate restrictions on their activities.” Another executive suggested that if nothing tangible comes out of the com- Ii sf 0 I A a nt MICHIGAN TRADESMAN mittees appointed, the Recovery Ad- ministration, which has a vast amount of data on hand, should recommend to those industries that they think can afford it a reduction in hours. One executive, who was enthusias- tic about the meetings, declared that they opened the way for making the NRA a permanent institution in some form or other and that it would even- tually lead to a better social order. DRY GOODS CONDITION While trade was affected by unfavor- able weather again, sales picked up during the past week from the late February lag. Women’s apparel lines grew more active. Men’s wear busi- ness was somewhat spotty but im- proved. A slackening appeared in the home furnishings lines. Department store sales for Febru- ary were 16 per cent. above those in the same month last year. The Re- serve Board reported that increases ranged from 6 per cent. in this dis- trict to 38 per cent. in the Dallas area. A compilation of sales by twenty- one chains indicated an increase of 10 per cent. last month. The two large mail-order-chain systems went ahead 38 per cent. The gain of one of these companies was 80.7 per cent. in the catalogue division, while its increase was 29.9 in the retail section, The showing of stores here last month was distinctly disappointing and results fell well below the esti- mates. This was accounted for by the failure of the largest organization to maintain its recent increases. Other stores reported gains of from 20 to 25 per cent., but the average suffered. A much better comparison is expect- ed this month for obvious reasons. The early Easter compresses holiday business into this period. Not only was there a later Easter last year but the banking holiday brought trade al- most to a standstill, In the wholesale merchandise mar- kets concern is again expressed over the matter of apparel deliveries. Early orders are slow in being filled, due to drastically curtailed production sched- ules under the codes. Retailers are purchasing Fall goods when offered but are wary over advancing prices on themselves by actively seeking such merchandise. TO STAVE OFF COLLAPSE Concerning the results of the Wash- ington conferences on NRA, opinion was quite mixed. Relief was upper- most at the avoidance of a flat ukase on hours and wages. The necessity of sharp and quick steps to force com- pliance was emphasized again and again, with code authorities and other representatives frankly citing case after case of violation. Danger was seen in the possibility that conservative forces may stretch what they feel was a victory on the hour-and-wage issue into a strong at- tack against proper changes in codes and against labor and consumer rights. There is the strong underground cur- rent toward the plan of setting up in- dustrial government by itself, not un- der the Chamber of Commerce, as originally proposed, but under the De- partment of Commerce. This would take labor away from the Department se Ii ie eS of Labor and legal enforcement from the Attorney General’s department. Among the more liberal elements in business, developments were regarded as raising serious question on the out- come of the entire program. They professed to see two or three months of limping progress followed by re- course to inflation as a last measure. Artificial restraints of all kinds will be continued in industry, they feel, with disregard for a wage and hour Structure that will cut down unem- ployment and restore purchasing power and markets. About the only major move left to stave off collapse, many have come to believe, is prompt penal action against those who have been flouting the law. A few important examples, it is felt, might save the day. PRICE-FIXING ACTION In taking their first formal action against price fixing, retailers, through the National Retail Dry Goods Asso- ciation, do not appear to have made a very happy choice in moving against the dress manufacturers’ guilds. There are special circumstances connected with the price lines in this apparel field which more or less absolve the producers from unreasonable price re- straint or monopoly. Flagrant offend- ers in other lines might have better been made the targets for action. Price lines in dresses were adopted first by the stores. They found the price levels at which they did the most business, Then, after making allow- ance for the usual retail mark-up to cover expenses, the manufacturers fixed their prices to conform. Com- petition was not reduced by this ac- tion; it was tremendously increased. Right through from the raw material to the finished product efforts of all factors were concentrated upon devel- oping the greatest value possible. This concentration upon the price ranges actually brought about a con- dition where a dress might sell for more at wholesale and offer propor- tionately less value than most of the product put out at the fixed price line. In other words, mass output at the standard price lines made available greater value than was possible at the in-between quotations. For these reasons ‘‘price fixing” in the dress field scarcely comes under the head of unreasonable restraint of trade. The price fixing which the re- tailers should move against is the kind which proceeds not from price lining but from a combination of producers that exacts all that the traffic will bear. HESITATION MAY PASS The speech of President Roosevelt to the code authorities conference at Washington in which he emphasized the necessity of higher wages and shorter hours, the decision in the New York milk price-fixing case by the United State Supreme Court, which strengthened the Minnesota mortgage moratorium decision in upholding pub- lic as against private rights in an emer- gency and the progress made in push- ing the reciprocal tariff plan were high lights in another week of rapid busi- ness developments. Hesitation which developed as a re- sult of uncertainty over how the ad- March 14, 1934 ministration would push the NRA program from this point was some- what more marked during the week, although reliance once more on the voluntary method of effecting co-op- eration will probably dispel it. The government will issue orders but allow exemptions. Committees of the con- sumers’ and capital goods industries are to study the possibilities of higher wages and shorter hours. While the statistics on February business revealed a rise above seasonal, the weekly index for the latest week registers a sharp decline, which may be ascribed to weather conditions, but also to the hesitation referred to above. On the other hand, the New York State employment figures disclose a gain of 5.8 per cent. from the middle of January to the middle of February, the largest in twenty years. The usual increase is 1.2 per cent. Payrolls ad- vanced 6.2 per cent. RETAILERS ARE WORRIED Surprise was expressed at the Wash- ington conferences by Government officials when they were told by retail- ers that, while dollar sales had been rising, the actual amount of merchan- dise being moved was less for the country as a whole. The figures now available for February illustrate this condition again and emphasize the danger to which attention was drawn. The gain of 16 per cent. in depart- ment store sales last month was made possible by an advance of about 25 per cent. in prices over the year. The loss in unit volume was therefore about 7 per cent., which means that 7 per cent. less merchandise was sold than last year, with unemployment at a peak and the banking situation at its crisis. A chain store increase of 10 per cent. shows an even greater loss in actual merchandise sales. Only the mail-order houses as a group are en- joying dollar increases which are ranging well above the advance in prices over twelve months. Stores in certain sections are, of course, able to show the healthy condition of higher unit and dollar volume. This is the situation, Washington may note, at a time when full advances in the wholesale markets have yet to appear at the retail counters. In a few weeks men’s clothing for Easter will be offered at an increase of 50 per cent. over a year ago and retailers are more than worried over what is going to happen. enemies FLOOR COVERINGS Complete adjustments of prices in the carpet and rug market were made on Thursday. The lists appeared about 5 per cent. above the quotations at the opening of the spring lines on February 5. Ordering tapered off at the close of the week, and sellers ex- pect a seasonal lull until Easter. Pro- duction continues at a high level, ow- ing to the unfilled orders in mills, and is not expected to be affected by the recession in buying, Hard goods were steady, while importers were reporting moderate and spotty demand. ecceetemebiaatieis ear e Re-enforced metal lath is now being combined with kraft paper, faced with aluminum foil, to form an insulating plaster base, mas “-§ (ay LES EI IES erm Sw March 14, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 9 OUT AROUND Things Seen and Heard on a Week End Trip On account of Mrs. Stowe having sustained a broken hip I am devoting every moment I can be spared from the office with her in St. Mary’s hos- pital. This will preclude my making my usual Out Around trips each Sat- urday for some weeks, so I ask my friends whom I would otherwise be able to greet personally to write me about any matters I can review and perhaps assist in adjusting at this end of the line. In advising my friends who are stockholders in the two broken banks here to defer the payment of the assess- ments levied on their stock until the legality or illegality of the assessments has been passed on by the court of last resort I overlooked urging them to send in to the attorneys the small fee — ten cents per share — agreed upon by the attorneys and the contestants. The fee is so small and the character of the attorneys is so high that in a matter of this kind no one should hesi- tate a moment. I met a lady the other day who had evidently read the paragraphs about the Fremont suggestion concerning the banishment of door bell ringing. She said: ‘“The merchants think they lose much patronage which belongs to them because of the operations of these para- sites and probably their supposition is correct, but think of the annoyance these door bell ringers are to the aver- age housewife. I formerly answered my door bell twenty times a day on the average. Then a put a sign on the door, “No peddlers admitted.” Even this failed to lessen the number who annoyed me until I added to the sign, “We keep a dog.” Since then I have noticed quite a falling off in the calls of the parasitical tribe. The Fuller Brush Co. creatures still ignore the notice and the moment I open the door they stick their foot between the door and the jam, so I cannot close the door in their faces. My husband helped me out of this abuse by providing a poker, which we keep in the corner, so I grab that and begin pounding the vampire on the head, which results in a hasty retreat. A very persistent peddler who managed to get by both door and poker told me a sorry story about his having a wife in the hospital and three sick and hungry children in the house, with no one to care for them. His re- cital touched my heart, so I asked his name, the hospital his wife was in and the address of his home. I placed this information in the hands of a compe- tent person to investigate the matter. The report was to the effect that the man was unmarried; that he had never been married and had never had any children. The next time he called I was all smiles and invited him in. Then I asked him how he came to lie to me about the sick wife and hungry chil- dren. He said he was instructed to play up such a story by his district manager, that all who were in the employ of the company were instructed to paint sorry pictures about relatives being ill at home or sick in the hospi- tal in order to appeal to the sympathy of the housewife whose home he suc- ceeded in invading.” I commend the idea of the door sign to those women who are sick and tired of answering the door bell a dozen times a day to face peddlers of inferior goods at su- perior prices. I have never seen manufacturers of staple dry goods so critical in granting credit as they are this year. They have so many more orders offered them than they can accept, in most cases, that they can be very arbitrary and still have enough business to keep their factories running at high speed. This condition may change some of these days. The intention of our chief execu- tive to outlaw company unions and force employes to join the unions rep- resented in the American federation of labor will result in the ruination of the country. John G, Loughton, Manager of the Flint Chamber of Commerce, sends me the following appeal which he recently sent to all ministers of the Flint churches: At a meeting of the Board of Direc- tors of the Chamber of Commerce, held Tuesday noon, the Goodwin plan, with which we believe you are familiar, was brought up and discussed at con- siderable length. After careful con- sideration, the Board unanimously voted to oppose the plan. Their de- cision in this regard was prompted partially by reports which we have in our files from the following organiza- tions: National Better New York City Time Magazine, Dec. 4, 1933, edition Michigan Wholesale Grocers’ Asso- ciation, Saginaw Michigan Tradesman, Grand Rapids Christian Century. In making this decision, it was felt that the Goodwin plan presents cer- tain very definite obstacles to legiti- mate business. If you, or representa- tives of the ladies’ organizations of your congregation, are interested in going further into the Goodwin plan, we shall be glad to show you our files covering the above mentioned reports. Business Bureau, Samuel T. Metzger, Commissioner of the Michigan Department of Agri- culture, issues the following warning to retailers and consumers of maple syrup: The season is at hand when the “gyp” artist is busy. Thousands of gal- lons of imitation maple syrup are sold in Michigan every year as pure maple syrup. Many times this is labeled as coming from Vermont, New York, Ohio and Indiana and in tracing the al- leged source we find that the name and address on the label is fictitious. It is usually made in Michigan or some- times near the state line in Ohio or Indiana. Michigan labels are usually used in sales made in those states, while Ohio or Indiana labels are used for sales in Michigan. The actual seller frequently is inno- cent as he works on commission and is not aware of the nature of his product, but in the majority of cases he is guilty of fraud in the first degree as he carries a can labeled in exactly the same manner as his main supply, but pure majle syrup instead of the imita- tion, From this container he draws a sample, permits you to taste, then you approve as it is of fine quality. You buy, or think you have bought, but later find out that you merely bit. These vendors usually travel by auto or small truck, are strangers to you, but appear to be honest farmers. Michigan’s maple syrup must be pro- tected against such competition. Our consumers are entitled to protection against such fraud. We need your as- sistance in apprehending the vendors of this illegal product. First, take the precaution of securing absolute iden- tification of the vendor by insisting not only on his correct name and address, but also on the license number of his automobile or truck. Second, sample your purchase immediately and if it is not like the sample shown you when you purchased, call the Department of Agriculture, Lansing. It is important you do this at once as we must catch the culprit while he is in your com- munity. Business success is often injured or destroyed by shortsighted merchants. They not only harm their own busi- ness, but hurt the business of their neighbor merchants. Business should not be a battle-ground upon which merchant is to fight merchant. This only brings loss and confusion to all. Success in business is not based upon tactics of warfare, but upon brotherly co-operation. Business that has to run the gauntlet of competitive tricks and deceptions, will never get mer- chandising upon the high plane it should occupy. This is what destroys faith and confidence in the buying pub- lic, and will lead it to take part in the strife by putting one merchant against another so as to drive prices below a living profit. All seem to forget that “‘live and let live” is a vital fundamen- tal in business success. The attitude of the buying public is what the merchants have made it. The ‘shopping around habit,’ the watch for ‘leaders’ sold at or below cost and ex- travagant claims in advertising have created a_ skeptical attitude, which makes business less profitable. It is these tactics which drive down prices so that prosperity is retarded. Many independent merchants are in part re- sponsible for these conditions, although the huge chain stores are the major offenders. The big chains come to hog the business the home merchants have built, and a low price is their weapon. They have used it most successfully, as is shown by the empty stores found in all cities and towns of any size. If they can succeed in destroying the home merchant, then prices will go higher than ever. We see this in the oil and farm machinery industries, each of which control its special field and charges the people an exhorbitant price, as there is no other source of supply. This situation is just a start toward Wall street business control. Business cannot live and enjoy good health unless there is sufficient profit. Profits might be called the blood that keeps business in a high state of effi- ciency. We have yet to learn the laws of business health. Business has been sick a long while. Its pulse has been slow and its heart weak, The President has been making a diagnosis of the patient for some time, and under the care of his trained nurses business is, perhaps, a little better. We must not depend entirely upon the Presi- dent; merchants should also do their part. He has said he is going to pro- tect the smaller merchants and man- ufacturers by enforéing the Federal laws against monopoly. He has al- ready gone after the “money changers” and promises more money in circula- tion and placing it strictly under Gov- ernment control. It is encouraging to know that something is being done to destroy organized greed and to get upon its feet. Merchants should get together and adopt a sensible business code of their own. There is no better way than to get together often in a local organization. Merchants in each line should meet and have a heart-to-heart talk about the health of their stores. Come to- gether on a schedule of reasonable prices and then be honest with each other. If a brother merchant offends, go and kindly talk with him and adjust any friction that might destroy har- Friendly co-operation maketh business mony. the path smooth, but he who goeth alone is more apt to stumble. The farmer has helped to energize all industrial activity, which to-day is 29.4 per cent higher than it was a year ago. The index for steel mill activity stands at 60.7, as against 24.9 last year, an increase of 144 per cent. This means that more people are being employed in steel mills, and in coal and ore mines. In consequence, railroads are carrying about 25 per cent. more freight, giving more employment and making adequate earnings, which are strengthening the bond portfolios of financial institutions, including insur- ance companies and commercial banks. Farm buying power has _ benefited the textile industry in New England and in the South, and the garment industry in New York City, as shown by the figures of cotton consumption, which are almost 35 per cent. higher than at this time last year. The boot and shoe industry, lumber and electric power production have felt the stimu- lating effect of money on the farms. Thus it is true to-day, as it has been in the past, that the farmer is supply- ing the first impetus out of the de- pression. The farmer is paying little attention to political agitation these days. He is too busy readjustng his life and re- pairing the economic damage that he has suffered. It must not be assumed that the ravages created by the de- pression have been wholly healed for Knute Johnson, or that there are not widespread regions still suffering from the effects of the agricultural deflation. It would be a mistake to say that the jubilant, prosperous or wealthy. The best that can be said is that he is beginning to have hope. farmer is Nor is the farmer maudlinly grate- ful. He has a feeling that what was done was coming to him. Knute John- son, for example, feels that the loss of his property was a grave injustice in the first instance. He had not spec- ulated. He had labored a lifetime and exercised all the virtues of thrift and industry only to be beaten down by deflationary forces over which he had (Continued on page 23) FINANCIAL | TIME TO CUT CREDIT LOSSES Is When You Start to Grant Credit Periodically for years back we have been assailed with the statement that the time will come when all grocery business will be done for cash and that if one operated a credit enough he would end up in difficulties. Such a thought has caused me to analyze these utterances and I am set- store long ting down some of the conclusions at which J have arrived. All of this time my run about 75 per cent. credit. And why should people look at a credit busi- ness in the above light? In the first place some of the largest corporations sell goods at retail on credit and make money at it. I will admit that in years past some of the goods that I have sent out have not been paid for, but in go- ing back over the transactions I be- lieve that 90 per cent. of my losses could have been avoided if my business had been conducted as it now is. I am not a particularly good collec- tor and I do not like to refuse a man credit. But in telling about my plain and simple method of granting credit I have a message for thousands of re- business has tail grocers who are of the same tem- perament as myself, and who can use what to me is an easy formula. The gentleman in charge of the credit sales of the larger corporations are no smarter than the average retail merchant and it is within the latter’s power to control his time sales just as effectively. However these gentlemen do put more time on this work—and it pays big dividends to practice “The Art of Deleiberation” granting credit. “Though the heavens fall I am going when to take my time,” are words that any credit grantor can paste in his hat. If would wait 24 hours before granting a line of credit in a grocery store his losses would be well below the one-half of one per cent. aimed at. In the larger enterprises this usually happens, but I am talking to the 95 per cent. of retail grocers who are sales, credit, advertising, buying and every other department combined. a man In the first place why has the ap- plicant for credit come to your store? Every store has a zone or a trade area; with the 95 per cent. I am talk- ing to it is usually limited to a neigh- borhood. When a prospective custo- mer passes several stores similar to your own why does he or she do it? Usually the reason is that he has to. or he would stay in his own neigh- borhood. Ask him why he came to you. Perhaps your store is cleaner or you have better vegetables. These are good enough reasons. But look out for the man who has a grouch and accuses his former grocer of crookedness or high prices. Gro- cers are not driving customers away by crookedness, and prices are usually pretty much the same—the right think- ing man and the one who makes a profitable customer won’t change trad- ing places for an ordinary variation in MICHIGAN price and if he would you don’t want him. The individual who goes out of his way to trade usually has to. The mer- chant had best count ten if the family is new to the town, unless they have come in the employ of some corpora- tion whose reputation is known or are their own. For the others—they have just remov- opening an enterprise of ed and can move again is something to remember. When an applicant whose appear- ance and manners suggests a profitable customer comes to my store, informa- tion on one or two points can be built up into a pretty complete story. One of the most important things to learn is where the family has been trading —I learn this sometimes by a direct question. ually give needed. If I do not feel like asking poin blank, I inquire amongs the different grocers in the vicinity of their home. One objection to asking point blank is Their former store will us- whatever information js that if an applicant is in arrears at a store he certainly would not give that store as a reference. By inquiring in- dependently sometimes this fact is un- covered. As stated family has not been trading in their own neigh- borhood there must be a reason. before if the Once a woman gave me a feeling of pride by driving from her home town twelve miles away, and three times as large as my own, and coming to my store repeatedly. was replaced by one of chagrin after I had to have a lawyer collect one of her checks. I go this far with people who have impressed me favorably. If they have not I tell them that I am working out of my credit business or some other My prideful feeling reason that would make it unwise for me to take on any more accounts. In the event that favorable replies are given by the people from whom in- quiries are made, and I give definite word that I will extend credit to the applicant, I let him understand at once that I want my money when it is due and that I want the full amount. If he cannot pay the whole bill at one time what chance has he of pay- ing it and part of the old one at a later date? Then I ask him about how much of a bill he wants during this agreed time. These two things a definite length of time for the account to run and a set limit for the amount of the bill will do more than anything else to keep a grocery bill from getting up to a fool- ish amount—one cannot emphasize this too strongly. And a clear-cut under- standing when an account is opened will do more to safeguard credit losses than anything I know of. Ask the customer how he wants to handle his payments, monthly, semi-- monthly, or weekly. You will usually get some kind of action at the end of that time, and if you don’t it is easy to call his attention to the fact and it puts him on the defensive. After these two conditions are dis- posed of I ask him how much rent he pays and what other obligations he TRADESMAN has to meet and it is easy to decide whether or not he is getting beyond his means. Now the merchant has a set time ele- ment and a definite credit limit, and if either is violated it is his own fault. This simple blunt method has kept my losses down to a minimum, and when I do lose an account the loss can be traced back to the violation of one of these fundamentals. The credit business will make profits for a merchant if properly conducted. aside from Margins are greater and, this, credit customers stick better than cash buyers and buy in greater quan- tities. The customers and store keeper are on a Closer relationship. A group of good credit customers will not move over to another store that may open nearby. Contrary to the general impression a list of accounts receivable can be a dis- tinct asset and one finds it out before the month is over when customers be- know I receivable for a Pin to pay up. | would not trade my accounts stock of amount. merchandise of the Frederick M. Schuerman. ——_~2>-~.__ Sweringens Reported Losing same Van Railway Control Control of the Van Sweringen Rail- road system apparently had fallen un- der the direction of a group of bankers, headed by J. P. Morgan & Co., through a default of bank loans which were guaranteed by collateral of the Alle- ghany Corporation, a Van Sweringen holding company. The stock of the Alleghany Corpora- tion was pledged as collateral, accord- ing to a registration statement, filed with the Federal Trade Commission, for a loan by the Morgan group to the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway, a Van Sweringen unit, The bankers now are seeking a protective committee under the registration state- ment. The amount of stock pledged was $2,133,000 common shares as against a total of 4,152,547 shares of Alleghany common outstanding, thus representing a majority of the common stock. March 14, 1934 The Morgan group has been the banker for the Van Sweringen broth- ers, O. P. and M. P., for some time and aided them in organizing a rail- road system operating 28,631 miles. The rail system began in 1916 when the Van Sweringen brothers acquired the Nickle Plate railroad on a capital of $1,100,000. From then on the broth- ers acquired other roads until possessed a vast network of lines. they The railroad unit, that is the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern, is in the hands of trustees appointed by the United States District Court at St. Louis, Mo., for reorganization un- der the new federal bankruptcy act. The trusteeship was caused by default last year of $33,000,000 of St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern bonds. | Ask for our Bulletin on the CHEMICAL INDUSTRY We believe the facts are especially worth examina- tion at this time. Copies are available without charge on request. ROGER VERSEPUT & CO. Investment Bankers—Brokers 813-816 MICHIGAN TRUST BLDG. Phone 8-1217 3 West Michigan's oldest and largest bank solicits your account on the basis of sound poli- cles and many helpful servings. . . OLD KENT BANK 2 Downtown Offices 12 Community Offices GRAND RAPIDS... We announce the opening of a Muskegon Office The Peoples Bank Building Phone 23-496 Under the Direction of K.G. COUTCHIE J. H. PETTER & COMPANY Investment Securities Michigan Trust Building Phone 94-417 MICHIGAN March 14, 1934 The Van Sweringens’ system ex- tends from the Erie in the north to the Chesapeake & Ohio in the south, in the southwest throughout Texas and in the west to Salt Lake City where the Denver & Rio Grande Western connects with the Western Pacific. They have controlled the Chesapeake & Ohio, the Hocking Valley, the New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickle Plate), the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern, which is a part of the Mis- souri Pacific system, and a half interest in the Denver & Rio Grande Western. Several of the Van Sweringen lines have been in financial difficulties dur- ing the last two or three years. The report filed with the Federal Trade Commission shows that two large companies in the Van Sweringen railroad group have defauted on loans by J. P. Morgan & Company and a group of New York bankers. There was no indication, however, that Morgan & Company or any of its associates had ever called for payment of the loans or taken steps to foreclose on them. The loans, totaling $40,119,932, were made to the Cleveland Terminals 3uilding Company which constructed a great Union Station at Cleveland, Ohio, and the Vaness Company, a Van Sweringen holding corporation. Most of the security for both loans was stock in the Alleghany Corporation, principal Van Sweringen Holding Company. In accordance with the Federal Se- curities Act, the Bankers Trust Com- pany filed an application with the Com- mission for permission to issue certifi- cates of deposit to the holders of St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad Company, River and Gulf di- vision, 4 per cent. bonds which were defaulted on May 1, 1933, throwing the entire Missouri Pacific system into trusteeship for reorganization. The bank is acting as depository for the bondholders’ protective committee. The commission requires in each in- stance that issuers of certificates must disclose all of the holdings of members of the protective committee. This com- mittee consists of R. G. Page of the Bankers Trust Company, Malcolm P. Aldrich of the Commonwealth Fund, New York; Harlan H. Newell of the Society for Savings in the City of Cleveland, Ohio; A. W. Robertson of the Westinghouse Electric & Manu- facturing Company, New York; Lee P. Stack of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, Boston, and Gerald M. Swanstrom of the North- western Life Insurance Company, Mil- waukee, Wisconsin. The statement discloses that the Bankers Trust Company holds about 7 per cent, of a loan of $22,119,932 to the Cleveland Terminals Building Company and about 6 per cent. of an $18,100,000 loan made by Morgan & Co., and associates of the Vaness Com- pany, —_——_>> —__ Where Our Government Money Goes The Government during the past week got rid of $2,808,000,000 without spending it. The $2,808,000,000 is the profit which the Treasury from devaluation of the dollar. Two billion dollars of the money reaped its has been ear- MICHIGAN marked for the new stabilization fund. For almost a month, the Treasury has been carrying the huge devalua- tion fund as a part of its revenues when actually almost all of it is already com- mitted for spending. Yet how was the Treasury to show the expenditure of the fund, when it expressly wants to keep the manipulations of the stabili- zation fund secret. During the past week the Treasury solved all this problem by a bookkeep- ing {t transferred the gold profit from its ordinary receipts state- ment to its’, ‘trust and contributed funds,’ a minor item which is not in- device. cluded in computing the Treasury’s current spending and collection pro- pram. Thus by a couple of pen scratches the Treasury cut its revenues by $2,808,000,000 without nickel. spending a The actual spending by the Govern- ment continued to lag. Only $137,000,- 000 $37,000,000 went for routine Government expenses Was spent, of which and $100,000,000 for emergency agen- cies set up to combat the depression. Leading spenders during the past week were the Reconstruction Finance Cor- poration, which disbursed 31 millions Public Works Administration, which paid out $61000,000, the record for the week for all agencies. of emergency funds, and the +--+ U. S. Studies Sales Taxes The proportion of current business sales volume represented by sales taxes is being studied by the Census Bureau and the results may have a decided bearing upon the enactment of future Federal revenue laws, it is said. In the discussion of tax matters in Senate and House from time to time, the out that the number of States resorting to the fact has been brought application of sales taxes of various types is steadily increasing, and these, in many cases, duplicate Federal levies. This is particularly true in the case of tobacco products, theatre admissions and gasoline. The situation has caused a great deal of apprehension on the part of the leading to a special survey being made by the Vin- son subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee of double tax- legislators, ation, Federal and State. Proceedings of the Grand Rapids Bankruptcy Court In the matter of Ellis B. Bresson, bank- rupt No. 5602. The first meeting of cred- itors has been called for March 20, at 2p. oO n 1 a I the matter of Benedict Hilary McGinn, bankrupt No. 5562. The first meeting of creditors has been called for March 19, at 2 p. m. In the matter of Peter Leenhouts, bankrupt No, 5600. The first meeting of creditors has been called for at 2 pm om. In the matter of Charles Belkin, bank- rupt No. 5605. The first meeting of cred- itors has been called for March 19, 1934, at TL 2. mm, In the matter of Charles Belkin, indi- vidually and doing business as Charles Belkin Jewelry Co., bankrupt No. 5605. The sale of assets has been called for March 21, at 2 p. m. at the premises for- merly occupied by the bankrupt at No. 425 Bridge St., Grand Rapids. The stock for sale consists of jewelry and_ store fixtures appraised at $1,061.67. All inter- ested in such sale should be present at the date and time above set forth. In the matter of Homer J. Provonche, Sr., bankrupt No. 5522. The first meeting’ of creditors has been called for March 19, at 10 a. m. In the matter of bankrupt No, 5529. March 19, Ivor C. Bradbury, The final meeting of TRADESMAN 11 ereditors has been called for March 2\st, at 10 a.m. The trustee’s final report will be approved at such meeting, There will be no dividends. In the matter of Abe Schefman & Co., occupied by the bankrupt at Cedar Springs. The assets for sale consists of Machinery and Equipment; Station equipment, Office Furniture and Fix- )! S , tures; Delivery Equipment; supplies, and bankrupt No. 5195. The final meeting of real estate, all appraised at $11,822.25. creditors has been called for March 19, All interested in such sale should get in at 3 p. m. The trustee’s final report will touch with the Trustee, Fred G. Timmer, be approved at such meeting, There will 552 Houseman Building, Grand Rapids. be a dividend for creditors. March 8. On this day the schedules, In the matter of Frederick F. Boersma, in the matter of Bridgman Golf Club, bankrupt No, 5089. The final meeting of bankrupt No. 5577, were received. The ereditors has been called for March 20, schedules show total assets of $8356.46, at 3 p.m. The trustee’s final report will and total liabilities of $1,497.49, listing be approved at such meeeting. There the following creditors: will be no dividend for creditors. Wilbur Arnett, Bridgman___.----$ 50.00 In the matter of Mul-So-Lax Labora- Dale Hall Bridgeman... 19.00 tories, Inc., ‘bankitupt ‘No, 5384, final Chas. Stelter, Bridgman... 9.00 meeting of creditors was held Feb. 26. Lakeshore Beverage Co., St. Joseph 10.09 The trustee was present in person and b. ke Bebnerr: St. Joseph. 10.85 represented by Jackson, Fitzgerald & J. Oliver Johnson Co., Chicago. 3.98 Dalm, attorneys. Bankrupt was present Palladium Publishing Co., Benton by M. A. Barber, President. Certain Harbor Se ee 12.00 creditors present in person and_ repre- W. KR. Payne, St. Joseph... 500.44 sented by Bert P. Cady and Fred G. Brammall Supply Co., Benton Stanley, attorneys. Trustee’s final report Harbor a CCC and account was approved and allowed. Geo. Davis, Inc., Chicago __ 400.00 Bills of attorneys for bankrupt and for Bimil Heyn, Bridgeman. oS 20.00 trustee approved and allowed, Order The Kroydon Co., Maplewood, N. J. 39.02 made for payment of administration ex- sertha Kh, Allen, Berrien Springs 30.00 penses, preferred claim and first and Warner Cigar & Tobacco Co., final dividend to creditors of 55.5%. No Benton Harbor ee a 17.50 objections to bankrupt’s discharge. Meeting adjourned without date and files will be returned to Clerk of U. S. Dis- trict Court. In the matter of Cedar Springs Cream- ery Co., bankrupt No. 5517. The sale of assets has been called for March 23rd, at 10 a. m. at the premises formerly —_—_—_»+~- 2. A new fumigant, a colorless, volatile, non-inflammable liquid having scarce- ly any odor, is said to kill insect pests and eggs, to be harmless to man. = MICHIGAN BELL TELEPHONE CO. FOR EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A TELEPHONE SAFETY Because, in case of sickness, fire, accident or other emergency, aid can be summoned at once by telephone. In emergencies, minutes are precious, and just one such call may be worth the cost of telephone service for a lifetime. Considering the constant protection . . . the day in and day out convenience and comfort . . . the actual savings in time, steps and money it affords, a telephone more than pays its way. Orders for telephone service may be placed at the Telephone Business Office Same ed 12 RETAIL GROCER Retail Grocers and Meat Dealers Associa- tion of Michigan, President—Paul Schmidt, Lansing. First Vice-President — Theodore J. Bathke, Petoskey. Second Vice-President—Rudolf Eckert, Flint. Secretary — Herman Hansen, Grand Rapids. Treasurer—O. H. Bailey, Sr., Lansing. Directors—Holger Jorgenson, Muske- gon; L. V. Eberhard, Grand Rapids; A. A. Boyce, Bay City; Vincent A. Miklas, Manistee; Ward Newman, Pontiac. Steady Progress Made by Progressive Grocers Progress in the grocery business is like that in any other line. It consists largely in sensing changes in detail promptly—so promptly that we might properly call it scenting—and imme- diately capitalizing them. For the gro- cer who has this faculty, whatever happens spells Opportunity. My first acquaintance with grocer- ies in Lincoln, Nebraska, was in 1919. One firm stood out from all others there, though Lincoln was rather well provided with good grocers. That was Freaderich Brothers. Having plenty of German background myself, it was attempt to might obvious that here was an Friederich so_ it be properly pronounced; but the ef- fort failed. The mained and is to-day, plain Frederick. That may look like a “little thing” to remember; but, come to think, it is little things which fix attention. It is a little thing to shout “Yes Sir” Americanize pronounciation re- at a chance looker—and scare him, or at least annoy him, so that he does not develop into a buyer. It is a little thing to greet him with sincere smil- “Can I help you, and thereby make ing pleasantness: Sir (or Madam)?” him want to come again. And it was a little merchandising thing that re- veaied to me the reason why Freader- ich Brothers were so prominent in Lincoln. This is an old established, full serv- ice family grocery store, stocked with 1 Lincoln’s quite family erally “everything” it di particular trade requires; but in 1919, the cash- carry plan already had become im- portant, though nothing like what it is to-day. Freaderichs did not wait. scriminating and Promptly, they converted their cellar into a cash-carry department, furnished and equipped it to the 1919 minute and thereafter had two distinct depart- ments. I am quite familiar with the con- tention, based on plenty of experience, such combinations do not work The answer is that they do and The that out. they don’t. difference is in the Management; precisely as credit busi- ness is the most profitable if handled scientifically and disastrous if not so there is nothing wrong with credit in itself. When cash-carry departments fail it is be- not kept rigidly sep- The “knows” too many customers on the weak basis that causes him to make exceptions extend unsound handled. For combinations of service and they are cause arated, boss of his here and there and “accommodations” —just as the weak Freaderichs were start and have grown rapidly, later having three credit administrator doés. successful from the MICHIGAN iia or four cash-carry branches to supple- ment their central dual-system store, because they set rules of operation and adhered to them with inflexible rigidity. Quick to grasp any new angle, they caught the basic idea behind my con- tention that lemons should be priced by the dozen on an odd-figure basis The morning after I met with the Lincoln grocers for expanding sales. —some 225 of them paying for their dinners to sit in—Freaderichs marked their 360s in the basement 29c per dozen, instead of the old system of 2 for 5c. The bin had to be filled re- peatedly that day, where one filling had been sufficient for a day’s sales; and the day ended with sales of 3%4 boxes instead of the customary half box. “Little things?” There are no little things in merchandising! Now I have before me the five col- umn advertisement of the 31st anni- versary this merchant, who calls himself “Master Grocer” with, to my mind, absolute propriety. This ad- vertisement is well displayed, with a moderate number of special cuts—not sale of extravagant but plenty to give prom- inence with Lincoln folks accustomed to notice Freaderich advertisements. The original store of 1902 is shown in one corner and that of 1933 in another, but this last is the central service store because now there are two such. No indication appears of how many non- service units are now operated. But while non-service is thus soft- pedaled, or anyway not stressed, for I find quotations on one basis only, that may simply mean—as it can mean quite well to-day—that full service can be delivered for the same price as non- service. I believe I could reason that out convincingly in theory, but it 1s a better argument because I can point to one fine grocer operating on that plan with profit. Freaderich’s talk is straight, to the point, logical and convincing because entirely free from bombast, with no trace of overstatement. well-worded general introduction, we have, down the page this: Following a “Our two service stores are main- tained for those who prefer the con- venience of an approved charge ac- count reliable delivery service. From 1902 with the addition of Serv- ice Store No. 2, we have been contin- ually adding to our list of satisfied charge customers.” and Do you get that word “approved”? Straight talk, I say. Your account is welcomed—provided it is “approved.” Its worthiness is up to you. There “specials” in are eighty separate boxed this advertisement—un- less I miscount; and in many cases, these run into several various sizes and assortments. So there was plenty of detailed work put into this advertise- ment. But is not that correct? If ad- vertising is worth doing, it is worth doing well. An element—not unim- portant—in the success of those “boys” is and has been their simple industry. Let’s never overlook that. But what catches that the boxed articles and offerings are so weil me is TRADESMAN described. True, there are some bare quotations on the _ things-and-prices plan;, but—well, New York Cheese is “The and finest obtainable. Sharp and Snappy.” Manderine or- anges are “Tiny segments of Japanese oranges.” Fancy Red Triumph Po- tatoes are “No waste, smooth stock.” Of Old Southern Doughnuts we read: “You'll doughnut richest never know how good a can be until you've tasted these old Goodies. Golden crisp and with a flavor that characterizes the perfect doughnut.” Lancaster Hams. ‘What could be nicer or more economical? So freshly smoked, rich, mild flavor. Whole or half.” Fancy Iceberg Lettuce is not quoted. It is “Large, solid, well bleached heads” and then the 9c price seems justified—and unquestion- ably is because this business is built on the plan that “It’s not all in the price!” A fine bit of stage setting for this anniversary sale was that every per- son in the business wore a badge sim- ilar to what one sees at grocers con- ventions on the ‘ the delegates, except that this was of heavy paper with black background and white letters for the ribbon with a yellow cardboard disk, 3%4 inches in diameter on the margin of which was printed “Freaderich Brothers, Year of Progress, “with 31st in huge figures in the center. On the ribbon was “Am- bassadors of Good Food for nearly a third of a century. Come and Shop and Save at Freaderich Bros.” Southern mellow simply ‘swelling fronts” of Late news is that chains are gaining ground in small towns, but chains and a W. R. Roach & Co., Grand Rap- ids, seven maintain modern Michigan facto- ries for the can- ning of products grown by Michi- gan farmers. GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STOCK ebrand (FP You Rnow ere March 14, 1934 other competition, of which there has never been a dearth since Freaderichs started, have been nothing to them but stimulants to higher endeavor. That is a common characteristic of success- ful grocers everywhere—chains in- cluded. In fact, every successful chain of to-day rose from a single store individually owned and managed. And, come to think of it, are not the Freaderich “boys” running a neat little. compact chain? Sut none need quarrel with that. The point is that they have deserved their success. That is all anybody can demand of any man or set of men. Paul Findlay. —_~++.___ Selling by Taste A manufacturer of sausage casings follows the long, long selling trail down through sausage manufacturer and retailer to the ultimate consumer with a “taste it” plan under which re- tailers are encouraged to tempt the taste of shoppers with tidbit samples. Small pieces are proffered on a platter, with toothpicks for easy handling, The plan is said to be especially helpful in introducing new sausage products. — +3 >____ A boat which can be carried in a hand bag has been devised for duck hunters and fishermen. Made of duck- encased rubber, it weighs 15 pounds, complete with hand pump, oars and case. Detroit—Trembath, Paul & Trem- bath, Inc., has been organized to man- ufacture and sell oils, turpentine and paint. The capital stock is $3,000 all paid in. rl REG.U S.PAT. OFF. Rademaker-Dooge Grocer Co. Distributors of PETER PAN COUNTRY. GENTLEMAN CORN PETER PAN GOLDEN BANTAM CORN MISS MICHIGAN SWEET PEAS FREMONT SWEET PEAS BIG MASTER MALT BLUE RIBBON MALT BOUQUET TEA The House of Quality and Service & + &> € + &> March 14, 1934 MEAT DEALER Substantial Increase in the Volume of Meat Sold “The American public has eaten more meat in the last thirteen months than in any corresponding period on record,’ John W. Rath, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of American Meat Packers, and President of the Rath Packine Co., Waterloo, Lowa, remarked recently in an address at Iowa State College. “The meat packing industry, which is the country’s largest industry judged from the standpoint of value of output at the plant, apparenly sold more than fifteen billion pounds of meat in 1933, an all-time record,’ Mr. Rath contin- ued. “The increase was caused pri- marily, by substantial increases in the number of cattle marketed, and by in- creases in the number of hogs sold by farmers, “The meat packing industry is not bothered by surpluses in the sense that some other industries may be. The nature of the industry is such, dealing in perishable products, that the live stock must be transformed into meat and the meat sold promptly, regard- less of the quantity. The price that is obained for it, and consequently the price which the packing industry can pay for live stock, is determined by the amount which the housewives of the country can pay for meat. The demand for meat, in relation to the amount of production, establishes the price at which meat and meat products sell. “The packing industry was able to find a market for the tremendous amount of meat, but because the pur- chasing power of consumers during the year was less than one-half of nor- mal, and supplies were far above nor- mal, the price of meat and the prices of live stock were low during 1933,” Mr. Rath stated at another point. “The meat packing industry as a whole made a profit in 1933, operating, with the exception of a few plants, on the black side of the ledger for the first time since 1930. Profits were small, but served to offset in part the losses sustained by the industry in the two preceding years, If the profits from all sources earned by the indus- try for 1933 had appeared in the form of lower prices for meat, the amount would have been only one-fifth of a cent on each pound of meat sold. If, on the other hand, the profits of the industry from all sources had appeared in the form of higher prices for live stock, producers would have received about one-seventh of a cent per pound more for each animal marketed. “The meat packing industry, oper- ating under a form of the President’s Re-Employment Agreement, at the present time has more men employed than were working in 1929,” Mr. Rath said. ‘‘Payrolls, according to the Bu- reau of Labor Statistics, apparently are about ninety per cent. of the 1929 level, Because consumption and pro- duction of meat has been well main- tained during the past five years, the level of employment in the packing industry in this period has never fallen below eighty per cent. of the 1926 level—a decline substantially less than MICHIGAN the decline for the average of all in- dustries. “The export trade last year was larg- er than in the preceding year, but was substantially lower than the five year average. The trade undoubtedly was stimulated by the more favorable ratio of exchange which prevailed during the latter part of the year . “Since the first of the year, the price of hogs has been substantially higher than it was a year ago,” Mr. Rath said, in conclusion. “If the Govern- ment’s plan for reducing hog produc- tion and corn acreage is successful, the income to farmers from their hog pro- duction should be substantially greater in 1934 than it was in the preceding year. Any improvement in the pur- chasing power of consumers also will be reflected in greater returns to the producers of live stock.” >> First Short Course for Retail Meat Dealers Featured by the master craftsman- ship of Max O. Cullen, meat merchan- dising authority of the National Live Stock and Meat Board, the first short course for retail meat dealers ever conducted at the University of Min- nesota was an outstanding success. Dealers were in attendance from fifty- seven Minnesota cities as well as from points in Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. The event, held’ February 27 and 28 at the University farm at St. Paul, was sponsored by the University of Min- nesota. Co-operating in the project were the Board, state and Twin City retailers organizations, Minnesota packers, the Institute of American Meat Packers, and the U. S. Depart- ment of Agriculture. Mr. Cullen, who is known from coast to coast for his development of practical new methods of meat mer- chandising, presented demonstrations of beef, pork, and lamb which won the plaudits of the class and occasioned a round-table discussion which was lokoed upon as convincing evidence that many of the ideas would be put into use in markets of the state. This artist with the knife who is equally adept as a lecturer, showed these, dealers how it is possible to utilize all parts of the carcass to the maximum of efficiency. He emphasized the importance of attractive displays, proper salesmanship, and close co-op- eration with the housewife in helping to solve her problems of meat selec- tion and preparation. In short Mr. Cullen, in the brief space of two days’ time gave the dealers a complete les- son in a subject to which he has de- voted years of study and practical experience. The dealers showed a great deal of interest in the information on cost and selling prcies as presented by A. T. Edinger of the U. S. Department of Agriculture and also in the talks on account keeping, the importance of meat to health, meat cookery facts and other topics presented by university specialists. A talk on preparation of meat for the table by Alice M. Child, in charge of the Home Economics section of the university, was one of the high lights of the course. Miss Child, who is rec- ognized as a national authority on meat ASUS SAAN Neha PO NRA a ae A aT a TLD TRADESMAN cookery, brought out the new facts in this field and stressed the responsibil- ity of the retailer in helping the home- maker to become a better purchaser of meat. To demonstrate the effect of high temperatures in cooking meat, Miss Child prepared two ribs of beef selected from opposite sides of the same carcass, one at high temperature and the other at a low temperature. The test showed that the rib cooked at the high temperature lost practically twice as much of the meat juices as the one cooked at the lower tempera- ture. R. C. Pollock, general manager of the National Live Stock and Meat Board, spoke on “The Importance of Education and Research to the Live- Stock and Meat Industry.” Dr. W. H. Peters, chairman of the meeting, dis- cussed the subject of “Breeding and Feeding of Live Stock as a Factor in Producing Quality Meat.’ Other members of the university faculty on the program were Dean W. C. Coffey, L. C, Palmer, P. A. Anderson, Kath- ryn Niles, and H. J. Ostlund. Plans are under way for another short course for 1935. ——_r-+>___ Modernizing for More Profit Modern methods in the meat indus try are fast supplanting those which have become cumbersome and_ obso- lete. Meat dealers especially are aware of the increasing possibilities that can be effected through the installation and use of the best devices available. There is a different trend and a differ- ent atmosphere in the meat shop of several years past and that of to-day. With modern facilities the looks and even the taste of meat are greatly en- hanced, and as an inevitable result there is a definite sales increase. 13 With the above thought, I would like to convey to my fellow meat men my experience after purchasing a cube steak machine; that it has proven en- tirely satisfactory and probably is one of the most profitable appliances I have ever had in my store. Not only am I able to get a better price for my less expensive cuts when “cubed” and sold as individual steaks, but I have also found that small pieces of food beef which formerly went into the ham- burg grinder can be “cubed” and sold at a much greater profit. This is done without any attempt to deceive the purchaser because I sell this product as cube steak, a new dish, an entirely new article of food, and the fact that the same customers repeat over and over again convinces me that I have made a very wise investment. Everyone seems to have a natural taste for steaks. But even with meat prices as low as they are, many fam- ilies, because of reduced incomes, can- not gratify that taste with the best cuts. Cube steaks made from the less expensive but better flavored and more nutritious cuts, such as round, well trimmed and without veins or sinews, solves the problem both for the public and the meat market. Contrary to the general opinion, selling cube steaks has not interfered with my sales on the more expensive cuts. I have found that the machine is a “profit maker” and a “business getter.” Old customers are pleased with new innovations, and new innovations please new customers. The cube steak machine has paid for itself many times over since I pur- chased it and I can heartily recom- mend it to those who want to bring new customers to their stores. O. A. Kleinefeld. KEEP SUPPLIED WITH LILY WHITE FLOUR ‘‘The flour the best cooks use” VALLEY CITY MILLING COMPANY Portland -— Grand Rapids — Kalamazoo -— Traverse City 50% PROFIT ON COST TO YOU Place Your Order Now Main Office : ‘ Strictly Independent Since 1882 Fresh Compressed RED STAR YEAST Grown from Grain 20 cents a Dozen, Delivered . . . Sell at the advertised price of 2 cakes 5 cents RED STAR YEAST and PRODUCTS COMPANY MILLWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 14 HARDWARE Michigan Retail Hardware Association. President — Henry A. Schantz, Grand Rapids. Secretary—Harold W. Bervig, Lansing. Treasurer—William Moore, Detroit. Field Secretary — L. S. Swinehart, Lansing. Greetings From President and Secre- tary of MLR. OG. A. Grand Rapids, March 12—-I am proud of my connection with an organ- ization that could stand up under the battering blows of 1933. This expe- rience indicates a reserve strength and a membership loyalty rarely equalled in commercial association. I realize my own obligation toward the duties with which I am charged and will perform them to the utmost of my ability. I believe in agressive action in promoting the interests of our craft. I believe in the future of the independent hardware retailer and in his ability to meet changing condi- tions. I believe that only through com- plete support to our organization can we achieve full results. Henry A. Schantz, Pres.. Mich. Retail Hardware Ass’n. Lansing, March 12—Your Associa- tion has worked diligently to see that hardware dealers received business on CWA projects and to secure more prompt payment of CWA purchases. This work has been carried out through contact with the Civil Works Administration in Washington, with the Emergency Welfare Relief Com- mission (in charge of CWA work) in Lansing, with the Government pay- master in Detroit and with the county administrators and purchasing agents. Within the past few days changes have been made in the machinery for making payments on purchases which will speed up the work. Dealers can very shortly expect to receive Govern- ment checks. Because of unusual dif- ficulties in some counties members are asked for special information. Outstanding was the renewed con- fidence and enthusiasm shown by members over the prospect of im- proved business. Momentum is gather- ing for a rapid recovery. Michigan is expected to stage a faster and more far-reaching improvement during 1934 than any other mid-western state. Full of color and excitement the 1934 convention opened with the ballroom of the Hotel Statler filled to capacity. The luncheon was preceded by a con- cert given by a ten-piece orchestra. Fine tributes were paid the past presi- dents who had passed on during the year, Scott Kendrick and C. L. Glas- gow, by J. H. Lee and Chas. H. Ire- land. After President Dillon’s address, Mr. H. P. Sheets of the National Re- tail Hardware Association presented “An Examination of the Wholesaler’s Code,” then Horatio A. Earle, of the North Wayne Tool Co., talked on “Hardware Manufacturers’ Codes.” These effective addresses were fol- lowed by a question box discussion which brought out many new and in- teresting points, led by J. Charles Ross and Henry A. Schantz. A spe- cial session for retail salesmen was held Tuesday evening, with a dramatic MICHIGAN demonstration of selling by Ralph W. Carney of the Coleman Lamp & Stove Co. F. R. Kohnstamm, of the Westing- house Electric Co., and Nelson J. Waters, of Paw Paw, one of our own members and an aggressive hardware merchandiser, demonstrated the possi- bilities of selling appliances and spe- cialty lines in hardware stores. Charles E. Boyd, Secretary of the Detroit Re- tail Merchants Association, discussed the retail code and the necessity for organizing and supporting local retail code authorities. Chas, Sutton, Waldo Bruske and L. F. Wolf led the ques- tion box discussion. The Thursday session was given over to a discussion of prices, opened by Secretary Bervig analyzing the competitive price situation, followed by Paul J. Stokes of the National Associ- ation who indicated the probable direc- tion of hardware prices, Two old- timers in association work—Herman Dignan, of Owosso, and Charles Ire- land, of TIonia—led the interesting question box discussion which fol- lowed. Former Governor Wilber M. Bruck- er made a remarkable address on “The Business Man and the Government” which will long be remembered by those fortunate enough to be _ pres- ent. This was followed by committee reports, question box discussion on the reports and on legislation, handled most effectively by Herman C. Meyer and Frank L. Willison. Frank W. Hartge and his entertain- ment committee pleased the ladies with a visit Wednesday afternoon to Henry ford’s “Edison Institute, Village and Museum,” with ladies night at the ex- hibit in the evening and a theater party Thursday afternoon. 1500 attended the fun festival dance and entertainment for everybody Thursday evening. The exhibit, under the same roof as the convention, worked perfectly. C. E. Everett and his exhibit committee materially assisted in bringing in a large number of exhibitors. The visit- ing prize plan stimulated an unusual amount of activity, 199 members par- ticipating in the visiting prizes. The Friday drawing prizes, donated by ex- hibitors, with over $300 worth of spe- cial prizes, provided a fine closing for the convention. The thanks of the Association and its members are ex- tended to exhibitors who participated. We hope to see all of them and more at Grand Rapids next year. Hardware’ Association members have been receiving letters from vari- ous code authorities of other retail lines levying assessments for the sup- port of such code authorities. You were informed previously that no such assessments should be paid until you received notice from your own Asso- ciation. For example, the bottled gas code authority has been asking for a $5 assessment from each retailer of this product. That assessment has not been authorized by the NRCA. One assessment that is expected to be authorized shortly by the NRCA is that on the building material code. It is expected that this will be %4 of 1 per cent of sales of such materials. The items to be covered by this assess- ment will be specified and will not cover such merchandise as window and TRADESMAN door screens, galvanized iron roofing, ladders, sash cord, paints and oils, glass, builders hardware, roofiing ce- ment and the like, all of which come under the general retail code. Hard- ware dealers carrying the merchandise listed as subject to the lumber and building material code or building sup- plies code are required to file minimum prices with the delegated code author- ities and can not sell below such filed prices until a new list of prices is filed by them. These prices must conform to the model mark-up as provided for such codes and approved by the admin- istrator, It should be clearly under- stood that, while hardware dealers may be subject to assessment rules in other codes, they are not required to join other associations. This is entirely op- tional. Hardware dealers in towns of over 2,500, not now having a local retail code authority, should make every effort to induce the local merchants’ association to initiate the formation of such a body. Assessment for the sup- port of the local retail code authority, which cannot exceed $1 per worker, should be immediately paid. Failure to pay such an assessment is handled as a code violation by NRA which stands ready to assist code authorities in col- lecting assessments. The LRCAs, where organized, are doing effective work in enforcing the unfair trade practice provisions of the retail code. A person whose earning capacity is limited because of age, physical or mental handicap or other infirmity, may be employed on light work at a wage below the minimum established by a code, provided the employer ob- tains from the state authority, desig- nated by the U. S. Department of Labor, a certificate authorizing such employment. Mail order concerns with offices out- side the state but with shipping points within Michigan, shipping to Michigan ponts, are subject to the sales tax. Ap- parent volations are now being investi- gated by the state tax board. An effort is being made by tax commissions in states having retail sales tax to make inter-state sales into sales tax areas, subject to the regular sales tax. This will require Federal legislation. Member receiving a letter from a Kanas City attorney claiming damages for infringement of certain patents on electric irons, should communicate with this office. In the meantime, con- tinue selling irons as before. Convention Resolutions 1. Approving the retail code and work of the National Association on the real code and National retail code authority. 2. Approving the work of the Na- tional price committee and suggesting the National Association encourage all state associations to appoint state trade relations committees. 3. Requesting the NRA to establish a definite percentage of not less than 10 per cent. added to the invoice cost in defining “loss leaders.” 4. Protesting against long term con- tracts drawn up in anticipation of the adoption of the steel code, placing large syndicates in a competitive situ- ation more favorable than that expe- rienced by hardware dealers. March 14, 1934 5. Protesting action of some manu- facturers of hardware who offer spe- cial price concessions to syndicates, not extended to their regular trade. 6. Favoring retention in the sales tax Act of the “advertising reimburse- ment” section which makes it illegal to advertise absorption of the sales tax and which permits passing on of the tax to the consumer. 7. Requesting the paint code author- ities to set future dating of spring or- ders forward from April 1 to June 1. 8. Opposing the suggested $30,000,- 000 bond issue now under considera- tion by the legislature. 9. Directing the Association legisla- tive committee to work with the state legislature and the conservation depart- ment in securing a reasonable com- pensation for selling game licenses. 10. Requesting legislation in con- trolling “fraudulent advertising in the sale of merchandise” such as frequent- ly unethical “fire sales, removal, clos- ing out, liquidation and creditor's sales.” 11. Pointing out that the cost of government in Michigan is approxi- mately eleven times as much for each person in 1933 as in 1900 and asking that state and local governmental agencies maintain expenses at a lower level. 12. Requesting more prompt pay- ment by the Government of purchases made for CWA projects. A new classified index and seventeen additional pages have been sent every Association member for incorporating into the Sales Manual mailed last year. Please see that these pages are inserted in your copy. An important announce- ment will shortly be made of the Asso- ciation Sales Training Plan, a new Association Service. Watch for it. The Baldwin Hardware Co., of Howell, used an association plan in drawing up their new arrangement when they moved from their old loca- tion. Association designed fixtures are used throughout, incorporating recent- ly developed ideas, among them the “sloping” housewares shelving. Deal- ers passing through Howell should look over this arrangement. The Association also made a plan for the Price-Rite hardware of Lowell, using Association display ideas through. Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Cook, the proprietors, went into busi- ness last summer and experienced a most successful year. They proved that a hardware store could be run “in the black” in 1933. And they’re all set for a big year in 1934. We have a list of good men avail- able for positions in hardware stores, also some buyers for hardware stores. Write, if interested. H. W. Bervig, Sec’y Mich. Retail Hardware Ass’n. — ++ >___ In Other Words, Please Remit The rose is red, the violet blue, This little bill is overdue, So pay it now—don’t wait till when The rose and violet bloom again; For if you do delay it thus No violet will bloom for us. Unless you pay, the rose will rest Upon a fair and manly chest; The birds will sing but what of that? We will not hear where we are at— So come across, we need the dough, Not in the spring, but now, you know. The rose is red, the violet blue— Do we need cash? I'LL SAY WE DO! March 14, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 15 DRY GOODS Michigan Retail Dry Goods Association. President—Thomas Pitkethly, Flint First Vice-President—D. Mihlethaler. Harbor Beach. Second Vice-President—Henry McCor- mack, Ithaca, , Secretary-Treasurer—Clare R. Sperry, Port Huron. Manager—Jason BE. Hammond, Lansing. Asks Delay on Marking Order After a month, have tried vainly to get during which they a clarification of the new marking regulations issued by the Government, importers last week asked the Treasury Department to suspend temporarily the order re- quiring that all merchandise bear the official name of the country The order which becomes May does present privilege of brand- ing goods only with the name of the foreign of manufac- ture. order is framed in such ambiguous language, the impor- that they are unable to foreign of origin. effective in away with the importers’ province or city The recent ters contend, advise foreign suppliers as to what marking changes are necessary for compliance. Silks Making Slow Gains While the week has seen some im- provement in the demand for broad silks in contrast to the quiet, activity continues generally below ex- pectations for this period. Reorders from retailers have maintained an ex- cellent pace, reflecting the strong pro- motions of piece goods being staged by many stores. Business from the dress trade has been affected by the slower sale of garments, due to adverse weather conditions. Prices are report- recent ed to be firmer. Taffetas have been gaining in volume. Novelty sheers, particularly the washable types, are prominent in the business being done. > + See Prompt Easter Shipments Indications are that retailers will be able to obtain deliveries of ready-to- wear for pre-Easter selling without serious delay, according to leading merchandisers. Orders were being ac- cepted on most volume selling price lines for delivery in ten days to two weeks. Here and there, as in some lines of better dresses, deliveries are behind, but the slow spell of the last two due to storms, is said to have permitted the market in general to catch up. The last two weeks of the month will see heavy retail promo- tional emphasis on all types of ready- to-wear. ——_+-. Heavy Underwear Sold Up Any sharp reduction in working hours would cause most heavy-weight underwear mills to be sold up nearly until the end of the year. On the pres- ent basis of forty hours, practically all of the leading mills have withdrawn from sale and their production is sold up until early Fall. On Spring goods some mills are sold ahead on certain styles until June. Prices have been steadily strengthening since the end of last year, with the result that the opening list prices of the early Fall are now generally prevailing. —_—__»+- + ____ Modify “Windblown” Styles Consumer favor for the wind-blown silhouette in Spring ready-to-wear has weeks, ‘been below the high expectations voic- ed at the start of the season. Stores in several important centers throughout the country have found active interest lacking in the extreme forms of the silhouette and have turned to fications. Early also indicate consumers are definitely favoring un- trimmed coats, which has led to cen- The said to be modi- reports tering of orders on these styles. current trend in suits is tweeds, in crepes receiving atten- somewhat away from with plain navies Chinaware Prices to Rise April 1 Another rise in domestic chinaware prices, this time an advance of 12% per cent. on low-end merchandise, will go into effect throughout the industry at the end of this month, say. Quotations manufacturers were advanced around 15 per cent. on both cheap and better type chinaware some weeks ago. Buyers, warned of the proposed price advance, have begun placing orders for April and May delivery on the pledge of producers that purchases made be- tion. fore April 1 will be filled at current Bush’s Dry Goods Store in New Set- decorated that even the dress forms ting have been refinished or replaced. New Completely refurnished and redecor- ated in an atmosphere of spring, the Herbert N. Bush, Inc., store, 504 South Saginaw street, Flint, was re- opened March 6 with full stock of new spring women’s wear and house- hold necessities. Nearly six weeks have been devoted to the renovation of the store since it was damaged throughout by the Baker drug store fire next door. Every single article of clothing or furnishings on hand at the time of the fire was turned over to the underwriters and not a button remains of the former stock, So thoroughly has the place been re- Ss i / iM SS SES —— Sais SSA MG y iV, SS SSS SSS SSS al at) ie lighting fixtures, with the fresh cream walls and _ ceiling, shopping. The second and third 1 provide daylight floors are entirely recarpeted with a heavy carpet to blend with the refinished ma- hogany woodwork. Such special wear, brella corner are done in pastel shades departments as infants’ cosmetics and glove and um- that set them off from the rest of the store. The background of the large display windows is also refinished in massive designs of walnut. The store will have a slightly larger staff than formerly, Herbert N. Thompson is general manager. totaling sixty per- sons. Bush is president and TY. O. Machine Tool Prices Raised Formal announcement of an increase in prices was sent to the trade by one of the largest machine tool building companies in the country. The price increases, averaging 8 to 10 per cent., apply on milling machine tools and similar equipment and go into effect March 18. Similar action by other pro- ducers is looked for before the close of the month. The increase is the first to be announced by a major company since 1929. The demand for machine tools has been improving steadily since early December, with heavy buying noted from textile machinery manu- facturers and from foreign markets, notably France and England. price levels. Increased production costs, which have cut into profits on low-end goods, make the contemplated increases necessary, producers hold. ——_>-22—___ Lull in New Glass Orders Activity in glass factory production continues to gain, but during the past week there apparently has been a de- cline in the new generally throughout the industry. In view of the sustained upward move- ment in demand I, a. iwi may be expected. Manufacturers an- ticipate that the volume of new busi- ness will gain as March progresses. The call for flat glass products, includ- ing plate glass, is volume of business since Jan. rather slow. The movement of liquor glassware persists in heavy volume. Better grades of tableware and specialties show a gain. —_—-_--»~>2.>____—_ New Hosiery Styles Lacking In addition to price weaknesses, the absence of new style features is one of the reasons why better-grade full-fas1- ioned hosiery sales for Spring are lag- ging. In other years the development of meshes, laces, clocks and other fea- tures provided new selling points and gave impetus to the movement of over the counter. This goods retail season, however, mills are offering he results that 59, 69 and 79 the only plain goods, with t stores continue to feature cent goods to the detriment o higher-price numbers, it was pointed out. ——_»+.___ Retail Shoe Sales Up Sharply Retail shoe sales in this area are running from 25 to 50 per cent. ahead of last year, while gains in other sec- tions of the country range as high as 100 per cent. In addition to the mate- rial improvement in volume, consum- ers are showing more interest in better grade shoes up to $7, with main em- phasis on the $4 to $6 ranges. The big- gest season ever experienced is ex- because of the that NRA. In men’s styles, all-whites are expected pected on sport shoes, extra time for leisure and sports the public is enjoying under the to lead with black-and-white and tan- and-white styles following. —_—_-<-___ To Push Chromium Kitchen Ware A new outlet for chromium-plated ware will be sought by manufacturers this Spring through promoting the sale of chromium-lined kitchen cooking utensils. Copper kettles, saucepans and baking utensils, lined with chro- will be marketed to com- pete with aluminum and enamel kitchen ware. mium plate, fight is ex- pected in the kitchen utensil field. In preparation for A bitter competitive f contest, the chromium ware producers, through the Copper such a and Brass Research Associ- ation, have had laboratory tests made to prove that the chromium lining will stuffs. not contaminate food- eg Silk Gray Goods Were Inactive Trading in silk goods during and synthetic gray the past week continued volume. A fair amount of were limited in spot goods sold, but except in isolated cases buyers were reluctant to April-May. Mills are accord with the market conditions affecting the differ- ent constructions. Acetates place orders for curtailing output in continued dull. Growing interest was noted in all-silk taffetas, novelty sheers and washables. Approach of Easter and mild weather is expected to be reflected in a more active market generally. —__2--+__ New in Packages Weather” is the title of a “book” appearing on shop coun- “Stormy new ters; opened, it is revealed as a con- tainer for a new light-weight raincoat. —Coal, like coke, is now being sold in dust-tight paper sacks; they weigh 25 and 40 pounds, are chucked into the furnace sack and all. —_2+~--____ Frogs croak—but how far do they get? 16 HOTEL DEPARTMENT The Guest Who Holds His Room Unneeded Los Angeles, March 10 — T. D. 3aker, Texas hotel owner and opera- tor, has relinquished direction of the affairs of the Detroit-Leland, which he has operated under the Union Guar- dian Trust Company, since 1931, and will concentrate his efforts on his own hotels in Texas. The Detroit-Leland was his only hotel interest outside of that state. Otis M. Harrison, who was associated with Mr. Baker in Texas, came to Detroit as manager of this institution when Mr. Baker took over operation of the house. He will remain as manager for the trust company, which will be a satisfactory guarantee of the excellence of service which has been apparent ever since he assumed stewardship of the establishment. There will be no changes in the gen- eral staff as a result of this change in operation. Mr. Harrison is a promi- nent official in the affairs of the Detroit Hotel Association, and is deservedly popular with the fraternity. Wade H. Randolph, who was the original manager of New Randolph Hotel, Milwaukee, and well-known to the Michigan fraternity, is again man- ager of that 200-room establishment. Application of the NRA code in the operation of hotels and kindred insti- tutions is still a problem with the oper- ators. Everybody seems to think that everything will come out right in the final analysis, and there is no particu- lar objection to this regulation as or- dered by the government: but it will require time and much patience to ad- just matters to the satisfaction of all concerned. It is a problem of con- siderable magnitude at the present writing. Hotel operators are certainly doing their level best to assist the authorities in that connection. Hotel Tuller, Detroit, is having its share of labor troubles, but with the exception of the dining service, which has ever had an excellent reputation, seems to be emerging from the mist. For some time, according to its man- ager, Robert Hensley, the employes have been remunerated on a co-opera- tive plan, based on the earnings of the hotel. The wages last year amounted to 68 per cent. of the stipulated com- pensation, but falling off in patronage necessitated the discontinuance of feeding service. In all other depart- ments everything is being operated as usual. Edgar E. Pitts, assistant manager of Hotel Saville Detroit and chairman of the membership committee of Michi- gan Charter No. 29 of Hotel Greeters of America is conducting a member- ship drive among the managers of De- troit hotels, using as an argument that the Greeter charters throughout the country are co-operating with the American Hotel Association in iron- ing out the problems presented by the hotel code. The American Greeter or- ganization is an outstanding evidence of one labor union which has the af- fairs of its employers, and the success thereof, as a standing watchword, and deserves a full measure of encourage- ment. Dr. James W. Inches, receiver for the Inn, St. Clair, has petitioned the court for permission to sell the hotel. The hearing has been adjourned tem- pararily to permit officials to confer with the bondholders of that institu- tion. A hotel bed positively cannot be made up correctly unless each partic- ular article of bedding is taken off, separated and shaken. If it gets the MICHIGAN room dusty, this necessity is manifest. Then after the necessary airing, the linen —fresh, to be sure — blankets, spreads, etc., must have gone through this essential routine. Sheets should be so folded that no portion of the mattress is exposed, with special atten- tion to the detail of folding top sheet over the underlying covers. Too many chambermaids consider their task com- pleted with the straightening out of the bedding, There is, in Los Angeles, what is called a domestic relations court. For many years this city carried off the sweepstakes for her divorce activities, which were not exceeded by Reno, Nevada, and it seemed almost as though the grists turned out were really greater than the raw material provided for the hopper. Under the new regulations an effort is being made to dam the waters before they really reach the mill, Heretofore the state- ment has been made that if all the in- laws could be barred from the newly established homes, at the time of mar- riage, many corners in domestic life could be more safely negotiated. In- laws seem to be the center of distur- bance. They are frequently guilty of promoting bad matches in the begin- ning and then kindle the fires that burn the ties in two in the end. It is believed that the future quality as well as quantity of the human race, might be improved by their elimination or, at least, legal regulation. It is an affair well worth investigating by the authorities at large. Schemes for getting away from the inroads of bad check operators, who look upon the hotel operator as their meat, were discussed at a session of the Detroit Police commission last week, and addressed by a local bank official who suggested that perhaps hotel men were the easiest victims of such operators, I have quite frequently mentioned this phase of hotel affairs and warned operators against this usage, but every time I pick up a news- paper I find some mention of these depredations, which have been a topic for discussion at about every hotel gathering I ever attended. The out- come has proven far from satisfactory. The hotel man who absolutely refuses to cash personal checks and scrutinizes carefully all other forms of bankable paper will have very few losses to com- plain of. The great trouble in cashing personal checks, which I have spoken of variously, is that an individual may cover his territory for years, then lose his position, and if he is inclined to be crooked, will proceed at once to cut a wide swath in the matter of check passing, and retire quickly, The wise executive makes a rule and then con- forms to it. Bad checks never worry him. : Somebody asks: “What constitutes a hotel day?” Who knows? Most hotels have what they call a “check out” hour and the day ends with it, no matter what time the guest may have checked in. In some it is, say, 6 p.m. If the guest retains his room after that hour, he is asked to pay for an additional day. If his train does not leave until evening, he is dead sure to retain his room until that hour, even if he has no use for it. There may be a bunch of people waiting for rooms at that hour, or they may have gone to other hotels and found what they wanted. But the man who had the room knew custom allowed him to retain it until the prescribed hour and he had no thought of the poor devil who had been hanging around all day waiting for an opportunity to check in, All of which could be avoided if the management would establish a system of rebating a part of the charge to the guest who checked out at 9 a.m., being through with his room at that time, but stand- ing on his right to retain the room un- til the later hour. Ten per cent. on a $5 room would pay for the occupant’s TRADESMAN breakfast, and he would, in nine cases out of ten, avail himself of it. The in- comer probably would not question the rate if his bill was advanced to the same extent, especially if the accom- modations were immediately available. This plan was in vogue in the old Planters Hotel, St. Louis, up to the time it was demolished for the erection of a business block, and the Weavers, practical hotel men, assured me on several occasions, it was feasable. At Hamlin Lake, just North of Lud- ington, there is a hotel called the Bugg House, with which I was familiar. Many travelers used to patronize it and revel in the use of its stationery, which was headed with the line: “Am stopping at the Bugg House.” Out here in California I recently ran across a caravansary entitled: “Alms House.” The prices charged, however, were ab- solutely removed from any charitable consideration. I note that some Northern Michigan resort hotels are arranging to open somewhat earlier than usual this sea- son,,and continue open until after the hay fever period. Were it not for the time limits placed on school vacations, there is no doubt but what many Mich- igan propositions could depend on a profitable business for at least a month longer than custom has heretofore dic- tated. All of us know that the month of September and the earlier days ot October are the most delightful of all the season, and would be taken advan- tage of by many were it not for the seeming unchangeable educational pro- gram. The eighteen day diet propaganda does not seem to be popular either with the hotels or physicians. If a hotel is conducted on the American plan, there will be little inclination toward dietary achievements by its guests, but there are some people, who seem to think that economy in eating is the real mis- sion in this life. If they persist in it they will without a great deal of delay be transplanted to a realm where eat- ing is popularly supposed to be not an achievement. Nature has a peculiar faculty of demonstrating when you should eat, and while there is a lot of guess-work as to just what one should eat, you might easily arrive at the con- clusion that when our ancestors were still hale and hearty at four-score years, they were probably getting a balanced ration, and it was a hearty one at that. Freak diet lists savor too much of guess work, and while they may create a demand for dehydrated Sawdust and such, it is much more sensible to have a survey taken of your individual requirements and act accord- ingly. Warm Friend Tavern Holland, Mich. Is truly a friend to all travelers. All room and meal rates very reasonable. Free private parking space. JAMES HOEKSEMA, Manager eee > MORTON 400 ROOMS EACH WITH BATH $1.50 up Grand Rapids’ Friendly Hotel Phil Jordan, Manager March 14, 1934 Hotel and Restaurant Equipment H. Leonard & Sons 38-44 Fulton St., W. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Store, Offices & Restaurant Equipment G.R.STORE FIXTURE Co. 7 lonia Ave., N. W. Phone 86027 “A MAN IS KNOWN BY THE COMPANY HE KEEPS” That is why LEADERS of Business and Society make their head- quarters at the PANTLIND HOTEL “An entire city block of Hospitality’ GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Rooms $2.00 and up. Cafeteria oie Sandwich Shop THE ROWE GRAND RAPIDS The Most Popular Hotei in Western Michigan 300 ROOMS — SHOWERS SERVIDOR Direction of American Hotels Corp. J. Leslie Kincaid, President CODY HOTEL GRAND RAPIDS RATES—$1 up without bath. $2.00 up with bath. CAFETERIA IN CONNECTION ALL GOOD ROADS LEAD TO IONIA AND THE REED INN Excellent Dining Room Rooms $1.50 and up MRS. GEO. SNOW, Mgr. Park Place Hotel Traverse City Rates Reasonable—Service Superb —Location Admirablie. GEO. ANDERSON, Mgr. ALBERT J. ROKOS, Ass’t Mor. New Hotel Elliott STURGIS, MICH. 50 Baths 50 Running Water European D. J. GEROW, Prop. Occidental Hotel FIRE PROOF CENTRALLY LOCATED Rates $2.00 and up EDWARD R. SWETT, Mar. Muskegon ete Michigan Columbia Hotel KALAMAZOO Good Place To Tie To “e $b SRR DRE St AR Mel nla idk oo March 14, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 17 Every once in a while someone clam- ors for a new system of handwriting, and I confess that when I occasionally look over some of my own chirogra- phy and think of that of some of my friends, I feel that such a “clamor” is justifiable. The typewriter has helped, but there are many occasions where they cannot conveniently be employed, which often necessitates the calling in of oriental interpreters, as a means of preventing the employment of cuss words. Poor handwriting is an all too common human frailty. It may or it may not be due to some fault in our educational structure, the same as or- thography, which keeps many in hot water much of the time. What we must have is a system which will neutralize the inroads of nervousness in the ap- plication of the pen. Something, for instance, as employed by the movie star who indites a full page of manu- script, perfectly executed, in the move- ment of an eyelash. One of the latest offerings of the scientists menu is a “sawdust” salad. It is claimed they can take a stick of dry wood and by rolling up their cuffs and shooting a few chemicals into the mixture make 75 per cent. of the mass fit for human consumption. The ten- der twigs on the towering oak are con- verted into dainty desserts. A guy with a pair of pruning shears would be able to defy the restauranteur and pick up a meal almost anywhere. Too bad the discovery comes at a time when there is a scarcity of timber and a plethora of regular food products. Down in Texas they are trying to make a law prohibiting conversation on the part of a barber when he is giving one a professional treatment. The next thing we know one of our greatest American institutions — the barber pole — will be consigned to the demnition bow wows. Personally, I have been much entertained by these fifteen minute monologues, offered by my tonsorial friends, who have en- lightened me on the Japanese and other great questions of the day. Theodore Roosevelt once made the statement that statesmen were made and unmade in the confines of the country barber shop. Frank S. Verbeck. — >. Additional Hotel News Chicago—Always on the lookout for new ideas which will improve the service in his hotel, Leonard Hicks, managing director of the Morrison, has devised a scheme whereby he can turn on a switch while sitting in his office and listen to the conversation which takes place between the guest and the room-clerk on duty. This device was demonstrated to a number of the visiting hotel men dur- ing the convention held in Chicago last week, and enables Mr. Hicks, who is himself an old hotel clerk, to make suggestions for improving the service at the desk from time to time, based on the observations which come to him. Chicago—Edward T. Lawless, for the past fourteen months manager of the Hotel Commodore in New York City, comes to this city to assume the management of the Palmer House on March 15, assuming the post left va- cant by the death of H. V. Hansen last month. Mr. Lawless has had wide hotel ex- perience, both in the East and Middle West. He went to the Commodore from the Book-Cadillac in Detroit, where he had gone from the resident management of the New Yorker, under Ralph Hitz. Before that, he had been for many years manager of the Ambassador in Atlantic City. He started his career at the Hotel Gramatan in Bronxville, and for several years thereafter was assistant manager of the Commodore, going from there to the Ambassador, also in New York City, in a similar capacity, before being transferred to the hotel of the same name in Atlantic City. The Palmer House, for many years under the management of Walter L. Gregory, offers 2240 rooms in the Loop district of the city, and is the successor to one of Chicago’s most historic structures, St. Joseph—Frank Demeter, head of the Chicago syndicate which has taken over Hotel Whitcomb, last week re- vealed plans for a remodeling pro- gram involving the expenditure of ap- proximately $100,000. The beautiful sunken garden will be enclosed with French doors that can be removed dur- ing the summer season, and this por- tion of the building will be used for additional dining room space, dances, concerts and other social events. A solarium will be constructed on the seventh floor of the hotel, where the gusts may take sun baths, and a number of improvements will be made in the mineral bath department. Public room and guest rooms will be redeco- rated and_ partially refurnished throughout the hotel. Plans for a nation-wide advertising campaign, including daily broadcasts over the two largest networks, were revealed. Health lectures by noted medical authorities and musical con- certs will be placed on the air direct from the hotel before the opening of the summer season, Mr. Demeter said. —_++-_____ From The Cloverland Of Michigan Sault Ste. Marie, March 12— The mail carrier’s job is not a bed of roses, especially the monetary consideration, due to the latest notification of another cut of 3 per cent. in order to help the Postmaster General balance the budget for his department. The afternoon de- liveries will be later on certain days in the residential districts. There will be but one delivery instead of two. Em- ployes will be compelled to take off four days between now and June 30. The rural carriers are also affected by the economic axe, starting March 1, because they will be paid but one cent per mile for maintenance, compared with 5 cents per mile for postal in- spectors. It does seem as if there should be other ways than cutting maintenance to what everyone knows is away below cost. We can remem- ber not many years ago we thought that when the order coming from the firm that the traveling salesman would receive only 6 cents per mile for the use of his automobile while soliciting orders, instead of 10 cents, as had been the usual allowance, there is evidently a new deal somewhere. Looks as if the bicycle may yet become a necessity. Crossing the river on the ice is somewhat dangerous now. The first accident occurred last week when an insurance agent broke through the ice and if help had not been near at hand he would have been counted among the missing. Experience as against experiment is fine, but what we can’t figure out is this—without experiment, how’ll we ever get experience? Mrs. Kenneth Comb will open a new Ladd and Lassie wear store at 519 Ashmun street, in the same store now occupied by the Huntly’s shoe store. Items Mrs. Comb needs no introduction here, having lived in the Sault for many years, CCC Camp 668, at Strongs, has been voted the best Camp in Cloverland. Its latest accomplishment is the issuing of a newspaper called the Northlander, a paper to be published by members of the camp three times a month. It is being printed by the Sault News Printing Co. The paper comprises six pages and is edited by a staff consist- ing of Lieut. Douglas B. Pongratz, editor in chief; G. Babcock, editor; J. Kruszewski, sports editor and John Szakara and Edward Stack, jokes, and Don Jones, special editor, A meeting of the Drummond Civic and Development club was held at Drummond last Friday. The Club put on a talk and play entertainment on Wednesday. Refreshments were served and a good time was had by all. The heavy storm of last Friday caused the roof on the MacLaughlan Bros. Co. wholesale seed store to cave in. Fortunately no one was in the building at the time. Reports are all in now and it is con- ceded that March came in like a lamb. Now we hope it’ll go out like a dande- lion. Mynor Seaman and William Mc- Guire, both popular grocers at De- Tour, and several other sportsmen had a thrilling time hunting coyote and wolf last Sunday on the ice with auto- mobiles and hounds. They had an exceptional experience chasing the prey around the Islands near Drum- mond, the party bagged three coyotes. A camera picture was snapped at the end of the hunt recording the finish, showing one tired coyote snarling de- fiance at the pack of equally tired hounds, while one hunter sparred for a chance to drop his coat over the quarry and capture it alive. The action was fast and furious when the coyote was finally brought to bay, William G. Tapert. Big Meeting of the Kalamazoo U.C.T. Kalamazoo, March 12—The regular meeting of Kalamazoo Council, No. 156, was held Saturday afternoon, March 10, at the Odd Fellows temple. Two candidates were initiated, fol- lowed by election of officers. E. E. Fraker was elected Senior Counselor P. S. C. D. L. Goodrich, who is always an active worker in the Council, acted as installing officer and don’t overlook the fact that Brother Goodrich is our unanimous choice for member of the Grand Executive Com- mittee to be elected in June at the Grand Council meeting. Our meeting was followed by a din- ner dance at the Columbia Hotel, which was attended by 165 members and their wives. To say it was a suc- cess, ask any one who attended. Prof. Oscar Trumble, of the Western State Teachers College, was the speaker of the evening. His subject was The New Deal. The large audience sat tense with interest throughout the talk; in fact, they are still talking and pro- claiming it a masterpiece. Music was furnished by Russ Skinner’s orchestra. Dancing and cards were enjoyed by all until midnight. D, L. Goodrich was chairman of the festivities, assisted by A. C. Wilder- muth, Harry Burgess and Harrison Bauer. New life has been injected in our Council work the past year, and with our new bunch of peppy officers look out for us this coming year. You have always been so loyal to all U.C.T.’s, will you kindly give us this space in your valued magazine? I have just learned of Mrs. Stowe’s misfortune. Please remember me to her, as we were schoolmates in Men- don. I wish her a speedy recovery. C. W Sipley. —_2+2 > Talk of a class war is rot in a land where the humblest can approach the highest and say: “Gotta light?” Helps and Checks to Proper Sleep Women get to sleep more quickly and sleep more quietly throughout the night than men. This conclusion,, made in a recent scientific investigation, is cited by the Iowa State Department of Health. The investigation also found that judging by the muscular movements, the first hour of sleep for the normal child is the most active period and the next most active is the last regular hour of sleep. The normal child is most quiet during the second one-half hour after retiring. A “quiet sleeper” may be active for an hour and the “restless sleeper’ for two hours dur- ing his sleeping time at night. The investigators found that a child has a definite sleep pattern. The in- dividual’s pattern is rarely disturbed except through sickness. Seasons ap- parently have no influence on the “restlessness” or “quietness” of the sleep pattern. Cold weather, however, is more con- ducive to quiet slumber. Eating a large amount of plain food at the evening meal, it was found, results in marked restlessness. Drinking six ounces of warm milk at bedtime seems to pro- duce quiet sleep in normal children. It was found that taking hot or cold baths before retiring seems neither to produce nor to interfere with sleep. 22 o_____ Experiment With Sugar Beet Seed Members of the sugar bloc in Con- gress are interested in experiments be- ing conducted in the Minidoka (Idaho) reclamation project of the Govern- ment, to develop sugar beet seed hav- ing a high resistance to plant pests. Cross breeding has been resorted to, it is learned, making for a new step forward in sugar beet production. Be- cause of the controversy over the adap- tability of the beet sugar industry to the economic life of the nation, it is assumed that little publicity will be given to the experiments, which, it is said, have proven quite successful. The reclamation service is a part of the Department of the Interior, and, of course, would ordinarily have little interest in the activities of the Depart- ment of Agriculture. The latter, on its part, however, is endeavoring to secure the adoption of sugar quota legislation and the stressing of such successful experiments does not fit in very well with its plans. 22-2 Refrigerator Sales- Set Record Sales of refrigerators in January, according to figures gathered from representative manufacturers yester- day by the Edison Electrical Insti- tute, totaled 35,212 units, compared with 18,755 units in the corresponding month last year, For the first time in the history of the industry January sales this year were almost as large as sales in December, 6-6 4 Overhead cables and machinery are eliminated in a new residence elevator; the car is supported sy < threaded steel column housed, with electric operating mechanism, in the basement. An un- dercounter dumb-waiter of similar con- struction is also offered. tee te ee ee Lifting others’ loads lightens your own. 18 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN March 14, 1934 DRUGS Michigan Board of Pharmacy President—Earl Durham, Corunna. Vice-President—M. N. Henry, Lowell Other members of the Board—No Weess, Evart; Frank T. Gillespie, St. Joseph; Victor C. Piaskowski, Detroit. Director—E. J. Parr, Lansing. Examination Sessions — Three sessions are held each year, one in Detroit, one in the Upper Peninsula and one at Ferris Institute, Big Rapids. Michigan State Pharmaceutical Association. Officers elected at the Jackson Conven- tion of the M. S. P. A. President—Duncan Weaver, Fennville. First Vice-President — Paul Gibson, Ann Arbor. Second Vice-President — J. E. Mahar, Pontiac. Treasurer — Wm. H. Johnson, Kalama- zoo. Secretary—R. A. Turrel, Croswell. Executive Committee—A. A. Sprague, Ithaca; Leo J. LaCroix, Detroit; J. M. Ciechanowsky, Detroit; M. N. Henry, Lowell; Benj. Peck, Kalamazoo; J. E. Mahar, Pontiac. Shaving Cream The following are two formulas for shaving creams for use with a brush and water: Ll Seage aed 8 oz. Copedant Gi 2 oz. podium hydroxide = 2dr Potassium hydroxide ________ 2 az. Paint ote. 15 oz Dissolve the alkalies in 5 oz. of water. Melt the acid and oil, and slowly pour the lye into the mixture. stirring all the time. Care must be taken because of the instantaneous ac- tion of the alkali and stearic acid. Heat until saponified (a piece of the soap dropped in distilled water will remain clear until it begins to dissolve). After being satisfied that there is no free fat. the remainder of the water can be added in two ways. It can be brought to the boil, and poured on the coap after it has been divided with a knife: or the soap can be added to the water, left until next day and the whole again heated. es 5 oz. Palm oi, bleached = 4 oz. (ot a... 3 oz. at 1 oz, ital oud. 3 dr. Akal a sufficiency Dae onter 22 oz. This amount of water is the maxi- mum for potting, but there is the addi- tion of scent to be considered. To add an oil of any nature, and leave it un- saponified, will always break down an emulsion such as that produced with- out the aid of gum and machinery. The addition of essential oils to the above formula necessitates a reduction of water to 20 oz. For saponification, the alkali consists of potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide in the ratio of 8 to 1, Adhesives The following formulas for adhesive pastes will probably meet your re- quirements— . Whte Destin. 5 Ibs. oc LL 128 oz. Oil of Wintergreen _______ 30 drops Cline 30 drops Heat the water to 160 degrees F., add the dextrin, and stir til] dissolved. When cool add zhe oils and stir well. Then put aside in a cool place for two or three weeks to “ripen,” when a creamy paste results, which does not affect the color of the labels. , Wet Stach... 2 oz. ie 4 Oz. oe 16 oz. om Cine... 16 drops Soak the gelatin in part of the water overnight. Mix the starch with the rest of the water, and heat with the gelatin on a water bath until a uniform jelly results. When nearly cold stir in the oil of clove. Liquid Antiseptic Soap The following should answer the purpose of our querist: Coton ceed an. ae AM 325.00 Solum hydrate. 45.00 Sodinn carbonate. 10.00 Sort tie ss 15.00 Phenol liquefactum______________ 25.00 The oil is placed in a flask. 300 grams of alcohol added as well as the sodium hydrate. The mixture is heated on a water bath until it is completely saponified. It is then cooled and the rest of the alcohol, and the sodium car- bonate dissolved in water, are added. Finally the carbolic acid and the ether are added and the whole shaken and filtered. This soap is a yellowish liquid, with an ethereal odor and an alkaline reaction. Prophylactic Vaccination Against Per- tussis L. W. Saur describes his method of immunization against whooping-cough Since 1925 he has made B. pertussis vaccine according to the Danish States Serum Institute specifications with cer- tain modifications. The number of young children treated with the vac- cine over a period of years is 394. In the course of five years the thirty-one control children contracted unquestion- able whooping-cough. Twenty-nine of the injected children were exposed throughout the incubation, catarrhal and paroxysmal stages, but none con- tracted the disease. Not one of 162 injected children accidentally exposed has had a cough that in any way re- sembled pertussis. Active immunity is completed in four months and lasts for years. The best age for immunisation is the second six months of life. Bacteria Are Found to Build Carotene The yellow pigment carotene, which is believed to be the precursor of vita- min A, is made by many kinds of bac- teria, it has been reported by Dr. M. A. Ingraham and C. A. Baumann of the University of Wisconsin. Animals whose diet was deficient in vitamin A, when fed these carotene producing germs, were able to convert some of the carotene into vitamin A. The germs themselves do not convert the pigment into the vitamin, it is believed. The discovery is important because hither- to carotene has been found only in the vegetable kingdom, associated with chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants. Since the carotene producing bacteria belong to the animal kingdom, an added link is thus found between the vegetable and the animal kingdoms. —_2<--___ Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers are either carbon tetrachloride, soda-acid, foam (alumi- num sulphate — sodium bicarbonate with a foaming agent), or liquid car- bon dioxide. The apparatus carried on private automobiles is generally filled with the first-named. Glance at Early Days in Zee!and The past week has been an eventful one for the city of Zeeland and a re- vival of the old colonial spirit has taken place. Many speakers at the gatherings in commemoration of the dedication of the city hall expressed appreciation of early pioneer heroes whose faith and courage conquered the wilderness 87 years ago when Zeeland was founded, It is interesting to note that names such as DePree, DenHerder, Veneklas_ Sree, De Kruif, Keppel, De Huizenga, Van Eenenaam, prominent in early pioneer days, are still familiar in this locality. indebted to sen, Van Jonge, De Bruyn, Zeeland is especially Jannes Vande Luyster, the founder of Zeeland, who chose this location and donated to the city the four one-half acre lots at the intersection of Central avenue and Church street to be used for public purposes, and to Dominie C. Vander Meulen, Zeeland’s spiritual leader. Zeeland’s first business enterprise was begun in the fall of 1847, about 1 month after the colonists arrived here. Johannes Hoogsteger built a small hut on the corner of Lincoln and Peck streets where Johannes De Pree now resides and in this building southwest a small supply of everyday necessities was for sale. At the time provisions were brought from Grand Rapds by ox teams or from flat boats which came up Black river, Other business places were erected and erected with Central avenue as the principal Zee- land street. This continued to be the main thoroughfare of Zeeland until the railroad was built when most of the the church and school business places were moved to Main street. Huibert Keppel was an active busi- ness worker from the first days. He °, % Marbles Base Balls Picnic Supplies White Wash Heads Turpentine Grand Rapids SPRING SPECIALTIES Rubber Balls Golf Supplies Tennis Supplies Playground Balls Seed-Disinfectants Bathing Supplies Soda Fountain Supplies Varnishes Brushing Lacquer A Sundries Now on Display in Our Sample Room. Come look them over. Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co. owned a pair of oxen and made busi- ness trips to Grand Rapids known by the colonists as “de Rabbes” and he made barrel staves and shipped them to Chicago. Hotel Zeeland established in 1849 by Isak Naaije, who operated it Was a few years and was succeeded by Jan Van Eenenaam. This building was on location of the B. Eenenaam residence. In the spring of 1848 Hendrik De Kruif (grandfather of Paul De Kruif) opened a general store on Central ave- nue on the site Den the present Van where George Herder now resides. Zeeland has held several prominent and homecomings com- memorating the founding of Zeeland. The most outstanding ones being the fortieth and sixtieth 1887 and in 1907. At the last council meeting the city celebrations celebrations in fathers decided to dedicate a room in the city hall to the memory of Jannes Vande Luyster, the first settler. The room chosen for this is the southwest corner room on the second floor which will be known as the “Jannes Vande Luyster Memorial Room.” The public or anyone interested is invited to con- tribute documents and any historical relics that may in the opinion of a com- mission be of historical value. Such articles will be properly displayed and exhibited in this room. The council will have the supervision of this mat- ter and will as it deemed necessary ap- Eoint a commission to properly care for such documents.—Holland Sent- inel. —_2-._____ A new chilling bucket for ginger ale, beer, made of waterproofed paper. It also serves re- tailers as a three-bottle delivery carton, when used with a specially designed lid. Wine, etc., is heavy Jacks Shelf Papers Insecticides Goggles Waxed Papers Paint Brushes Kalsomine Brushes Enamels Etc., Etc. Michigan March 14, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN WHOLESALE DRUG PRICE CURRENT Prices quoted are nominal, based on market the day of issue. woo ek Boric, Powd., or Xtal., lb... 08%@ Carbone, Mial: Ip) 92) $6 @ Crimic. hi oe 8b. Muriatic Com) ipo oo 03%@ Nitric 16) 09 @ Oxane 30) 15 @ Suniel. ee 03u%@ avterie: fi. 8 oe as 35 @ ALCOHOL Denatured No. 5 gal. | 44 @ Grain, gal. Wood, far oe 50 @ ALUM-POTASH, USP io | @ Lump, lb. Pow of Gra. 1b ae AMMONIA Concentrated. ih. ook et! 06 @ 22 De 05%@ aoe bee 0544@ @arbonace: Tp 20 @ Muriate, Ip. ib. 18 @ Muriate Gra. ib 0s @ Mupigke 0. Wo. 20 @ ARSENIC POUR ae 07 @ BALSAMS Copaina, 1b. 60 @i iar, Gana.) Wp.o 2 200 @ 2 WD Orem 1h ee 0 Gk Baris oe coe oo 2 2 Roly 1 oe 150 @ ft BARKS Cassia Ordinary, Ip, @ Ordinary, Po. Ip... 25 @ maigon hy, es @ MaIOU, PO. Vis ie 50 @ Hin We 40 @ Him Mowe: bbe ee 38 @ Bim, Gd ib 38 @ Sassafras (2’d Ib. 45)__._-_ @ Soaperee cut Up. 20 @ Soapires, Po.) fb. 3 30 @ BERRIES CuBbeD. Ube eo ees @ Cuneo, Po. Ip @ Juniper, ADL ee 10 @ BLUE VITRIOL Poung (2000 ee 06 @ BORAX Pd or Xtal 1b 06 @ BRIMSTONE POU, Su ee 04 @ CAMPHOR POUNG = Ge ee 80 @1 CANTHARIDES Mussiar Powd.. 0 e @ 4 Chinese Powd, @ 2 CHALK Crayons White, dozen — 2s @ 3 Dustiess, dozen @ 6 French Powder, Coml., 1b._- 3%@ Precipitated: 1p: 62 12 @ Bfeparca ib: os 14 @ White limp, [bi 03 @ CAPSICUM PR OE lee ee 60 @ Powder (Wo) 62 @ CLOVES Whale: bie soe 30 @ FPowdere@d. ib) 2 35 @ COCAINE Ounce oo ee 12 68@1 COPPERAS Mtal Wo es 031%4@ Powdered. tbs 2 04 @ CREAM TARTAR Potid {10 es 23 @ CUTTLEBONE WOU re 40 @ DEXTRINE Voellow Gorm, ip. 064%@ White Corn (Wor 07 @ EXTRACT Witch Hazel, Yellow Lab., ON se 110 @i1 icorice Pd) Wo. 50 @ Ss eee ee 400 @5 — 13 10 00 50 00 50 15 15 70 60 FLOWER Amie Ub oe 50 @ 5D Chamomile German, ipo 35 @ 45 Roommeabin: Uh. @ 1 00 Saffron American Wp, 0220358 50 @ = 55 WPAMISH (OZS. Loo @ 1 35 FORMALDEHYDE, BULK VOUNG ea ae 09 @ 20 FULLER’S EARTH Powder (2. ee 05 @ 10 GELATIN Pound (200 55 @ 65 GLUE Brook Bro. Ibo 7 20 @ 30 Grea, Wark Tp 2 ee 16 @ a2 Wiis Wiake | Vy 27%@ 35 Witte Ga lp fo ob @. sh Wihite AX Jieht jb. @ 40 RUpheOn 200 42144@ 50 GLYCERINE POURS 2 154%4@ 35 GUM Aloes, Barbadoes, so called, lb. gourds____ @ 60 Powd. Ibo. 2. 35. @ 45 Ajoes, Socotrine, Eb) @ 05 Pow ED 22 @ 80 Arabic, first, Ib: ‘a en @ 40 ATSDIC, SOG ID. so eo ie @ 3 Arabie, sorts, Ib. ooo 14 @ 25 Anabie; Gran. ib, 022 @ 30 Amaia, Wo 26 @ 35 Asatoectiaa Ip 2 47 @ 50 Asatoetiaa Po, Vo fo @ 82 Guaisae ipo @ (3 Guaiac, powd, @ 75 WimO. py @ 90 Kino, powd., 1b. @ 1 00 AVE Vr Ds a @ 60 Myrrh Pow. Ib. @ TE Shellac, Orange, 22%@ 3 Ground Ih, 22144@ 30 Shellac, white (bone dr’d) lb. 35 @ 45 Tragacanth No. 1, bbls peas Sige P50 @ 175 INO, 2, Ibs ob a @ 150 Pow, tb) JJ 1 Ze @ L568 HONEY Pound oe 25 @ 40 HOPS 14,43 Loose, Pressed, Ib._.___- @ 1 00 HYDROGEN PEROXIDE POUNG "erose (es ee 27 00 @29 00 AGG POICONS oe 17 00 @18 00 Me ID rose 11 00 @11 50 INDIGO Madras iy oo 2 00 INSECT POWDER Bee oe eee 31 ra Ree ee ae If howd and Gran. 2 oo ee! 25 LICORICE Extracts, sticks, per box__ 1 50 Eozenses: ib 4 Waters: ¢€248) box 22) LEAVES UCI 1h: SHOP’ oo Boch lo. long Buchiwy Pd ip oe Gace. bulk lb 25 Sage, loose pressed, s, Ib. Sage, ounces mare, §'a and Grd.o: Senna Alexandria. Ip. 0 35 Minnevella, Wo. 25 POW, Ty 22 25 iva Urst ib oo va Urst ds Ib LIME Chiovide (med. dz Chloride, large, dz... LYCOPODIUM WOUNG, 2 45 MAGNESIA Carb 369 Phe Cash. (yes) West ce Card. Powd, Ip 15 Oxide, Tea tb oo Oxide Ment. Wp co 2 MENTHOL POU ooo eo 4 54 MERCURY Peano 1 50 @ 225 @ 41 @ 2 @ 35 @ 2 00 @ 50 @ 1 50 @ 60 @ @ 710 @ 30 @ 40 @ 8 @ 3 @ 40 @ 40 @ 35 @ at @ 45 @ 85 @ 145 @ 60 @ 3 @ 32 @ 2 @ 1 @ % @ 4 88 @1 75 MORPHINE Guincés @11 80 ea @13 96 MUSTARD Bulk, Powd. Select, Ih 45 @ 50 NO fo Jb 25° @ 35 NAPHTHALINE Balis Wh 0S @. 18 Bteuice (On 09 @ 18 NUTMEG Pen @e oe @ 40 Powdered) Ib. 20 @ 50 NUX VOMICA Poe 2200 @ 25 Powdered, Ib. 2002. 15 @ 25 OIL ESSENTIAL Almond Bit. true ozs. 2. @ 50 Bit. art. 628) oo @ 30 Sweet thug, fb. 140 @ 2 00 Sweet, art., lbs. Jo To 6 E20 Mooper: erude, Ib. 71 @1 40 AMINE, rect., Ib.2 20. 130 @ 2 00 MSO Ue He 100 @i1 60 May Uh ae OO (a 4 25 pOrFPamot. ID. 2220 2 300 @ 8 60 Caliente Wp 150 @ 200 Cataway Sd Ep 22 280 @ 3 40 @xssia UGE pec se. 210 @ 2 60 Cedar Beal ihe 170 @ 2 20 Cedar Leaf Comil., tb.______ 100 @i1 25 @itronela Ibe 05 @ i 4 Cloves. Ibe Lis @ 2 25 Groton 16s = 400 @ 4 60 @ubeb Ib, 32 i. £20 @& 4 40 J PrieerOn 1p oo 1 2 @ Ss 35 Dearveus pb. oe 85 @ 1 20 Pemneh. 2 8 6a 2 60 Premiock Pi Ib. = =) £0. 6 @ 2 20 emvloek Com) Ib. £00 @ 1 25 womiper Ber. Ib. 3 00 @ 3 20 dunipr Wd. ib. 150 @i175 Weawe Blew. Ibo 350 @ 4 00 Pauw, Gard: Ws 125 @ 1 50 Demon. Wh It 75 @ 2 25 Mustard, true, ozs, _ @ 1 50 Mustard art, 079 - 9.2 @ 35 Oraiee Sw Wooo 500 @ 3 25 Origanum, art.. tb... 100 @ 1-20 Pennvioyval fi 8 2 2 Te 6 @ 8 20 Peppermint, Ib, 425 @ 4 80 ese Ge. Sa ee @ 2 50 tose. Geran, 675, 0. 2. §0 @ 95 Rosemary Flowers, Ib.-__.__-. 1 00 @ 1 50 Sandalwood ew 800 @ 8 60 Wook Vi 450 @ 4 75 Sassafras (rue Ib 190 @ 2 40 SME We 8 @ 1 40 Spearmin’g, Ib 250 @ 3 00 Mansy I 350 @ 4 00 ‘bnvime. Red W222. 150 @ 200 Tyne Whi, ib 2 Eas) @ 2 40 Wintergreen Beat true Wo... 5 75 @ 6 20 Biren 1b 22 400 @ 4 60 S313 ee ee ee 1% @ 1 20 Wormsééd Th 350 @ 4 00 Wormwood, 1b. 2 0 450 @ 5 00 OILS HEAVY @astor fal 145 @1 60 Cocdanut Ih. 25 ee 224%4@ 35 Cod Liver, Norwegian, gal. 120 @ 1 50 @€ot. Seed, gal. 0 85 @ 1 00 Bard os.) ool 155 @ 1 65 bard: No f gab 125 @1 40 Emseed raw. eal. lt @ 62 inseed, boil, gal. 80 @ 95 Neatsfoot, extra. gal... 80 @1 00 Olive Malacca gab 2 250 @ 3 00 Bure: ab 300 @ 5 00 Sperm sol 2 UL COU 1 60 Manner, gab) 75 @ 90 War (Oa) ee 5 @ 65 Wriale (Sab oo @ 2 00 OPIUM Gun ozs. $1.40: Ih... 17 50 @20 00 Powder, ozs., $1.40; Ib._____17 50 @20 00 Gran, ozs.. $1.40; Ib. 17 50 @20 00 PARAFFINE POune 2 0614%4@ 15 PEPPER Binew ord, Ib 2 25 @ 35 ed era. ip 45 @ 55 White ord) Ib. 40 @ 45 PITCH BURGUNDY ORG, | ee 20 @ 2 PETROLATUM Amper, Pidin Wye IZ -@ M7 Avpper Carb. We 14°@ {9 Cream Whi Ibe bc @ 22 Dre White, 1b. 20 @ 5 Snow White Ip 22 @ 27 PLASTER PARIS DENTAL Baekels oo @ 5 75 eso We oo 03%@ 08 POTASSA Caustic sts, th.2220.> -) 55 @ = 88 Paton WO. oo @ 40 POTASSIUM meatate Wyo Bicarbonate, Ib. Bichromate, lb. Bromide, Ib, .._. Carbonate, Ib, Chlorate Xtal.. Ib. Powd., i | Gran. Wyo ee Iodide, Ib. = plea auaireiaale ae Permanganate, Ib. Prussiate Red, lb, Z Yellow, Ib. POU ee Powd., Ib. . QUININE 5 O02. Gans O78.2 urs ROSIN Pound) (2 ROOT Aconite. Powd.. Ib. AIRANGt ID. 0 Alkanet, Powd., Ib._- Belladonna, Powd., Bioodd Powd Ip, 2 Burdock, Fowd.. Ip... Calamus, Peeled, Wh 2 Calamus, Ordinary, Ib. ___ Calamus, Powd.. Ib... Blecampane, 1b, Gentian. KFowd.. Ib.220 00 7) Ginger, Ginger, Ginger, African, Powd., Ib. Jamaica, Limed, Ib. Jamaica, Powd., lb. Goldenseal, Powd., Ib..____. Hellebore, White, Powd., Ib. Indian Turnip, Powd.,, Ib._- Ipecac, Powd. 1b... Licorice, Ib. Ce Bicorice, Powd., Ib... Mandrake, Powd., Ib. ______ Marshmallow, Cut., Ib.__--_- Marshmallow, Powd., lb.___ Opnis, Whe oe Orris Powd. Ib. Ortis, fingers, Ib... Pink, Powd.. ip). Poke, Powe. Ip... Niubarh Ib 22 Rhubarb. Powd. Ibo Sarsaparilla (Honduras, Sarsaparilla, Med., Cut, Ib. Sauils FPowd, ib..0 2 ‘Pumieric, Powd. lh. Valerian, Powd., Ib... SAL Epsom, lb, Glaubers Emp, Ib, 2.2. Gran., Ib. Nitre Xtal. or Gran... Ib. Rochelle, 1b, Seda. Wy Powd.. SEED Anise, lb. a ae eae Canary, Recleaned, Ib.______ Cardamon, Bleached, Ib.--- Caraway, Dutch, Ih... Celery Ib 2 Colchi¢um. PFowd., Ip.) Coriander, Ib. Wennel Jb, 222 2 Wiax, Whole ib.2 20005 35 Plax. Ground, Ib... Hemp, Recleaned, lIb._______ Lobelia, Powd., Mustard, Black, Mustard, White, Poppy, Blue, Ib._ Quince, Ib. Rape I oe Sabadilia, Powd., Ib. Sunuower, I 2 Worm, Levant, Ib 2... Worm, Levant, Powd. hoe j [US SOAP Castile, Conti, White BONN ee Bar oe OW as SODA SN Bicarbonate, Ip. Caustic Col. Ihe Hyposulphite, 1b, Phosphate Ib. 2, Sulphite eee De Dey, Powd. Ib. Silicate, Sol, gal... SULPHUR Pieht 1b SYRUP Rock Candy. Gals... TA o Eats. @ozen. Pints G@O26n 2 Quarts. €OZeH 2 TURPENTINE Gallons ___. Bleached, Split and i 04 15 0314 03 03% 10 09 17 02% 04% 70 72 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ QO9 ® © ~~ > 15 He 85 00 75 87 20 MICHIGAN GROCERY PRICE CURRENT The following list of foods and grocer’s sundries is listed upon base prices, not intended as a guide for the buyer. Each week we list items advancing and declining upon the market. B y comparing the base price on these items with the base price the week before, it shows the cash advance or decline in the mar- ket. This permits the merchant thus affected, that he has in st The Michigan Tradesman is re to take advantage of market advances, upon items ock. By so doing he will save much each year. ad over a broad territory, therefore it would be impossible for it to quote prices to act as a buying guide for everyone. A careful merchant watches the market and takes adv. antage from it. ADVANCED Canned Pineapple Package Spices Salada Tea Dry Lima Beans Regal Catsup DECLINED Rice AMMONIA Pareons 320z, _______ 3 35 Parsons, i0oz. _.. 2 70 Parsons, Goz. _____ 1 80 Little Bo Peep, med._. 1 35 Little Bo Peep, lige... 2 25 Quaker, 32 oz... 2 10 APPLE BUTTER Table Belle, 12-31 oz., oon 1 55 BAKING POWDERS Royal, 2 oz., doz._____ 80 Royal, 6 oz., doz._____ 2 00 Royal 12 oz., doz.____ 3 85 Royal, 5 Ibs., doz.____ 26 00 DANES 23° 3€ 9 280 Hoye? 10 0z., 4 doz. in case__ 3 40 150z. 4doz.in case__ 5 06 250z., 4doz.in case__ 8 40 50 0z., 2doz.in case__ 7 00 51b., 1doz.in case__ 6 00 10 lb., % doz.in case__ 5 75 BLEACHER CLEANSER Clorox, 16 oz., 24s _____ 3 25 Clorox, 22 0z., 12s _____ 3 00 Livzie, 16 Oc. 128. 2 15 Sunrae. 18 oz., 12s____ 1 36 Linco Wash, 32 oz. 12s 2 00 BLUING Am. Ball, 36-1 0z., cart. 1 00 Boy Blue, 18s, per cs. 1 35 BEANS and PEAS 100 lb. bag Dry Lima Beans,100 Ib. 9 00 White H’d P. Beans__ 3 70 Split Peas, yell., 60 Ib. 3 90 Split Peas, gr’n, 60 lb. 5 40 Scotch Peas, 100 Ib.___ 7 60 BURNERS Queen Ann, No.1 _____ 115 Queen Ann, No. 2 _____ 1 25 White Flame, No. 1 ani = dex. 2 25 BOTTLE CAPS Dbl. Lacquor, 1 gross pkg., per gross________ 15 BREAKFAST FOODS Kellogg’s Brands Corn Flakes, No. 136__ Corn Flakes, No. 124__ Pep, No. 2A rep NO. 250 2 Krumbles, No. 412____ Bran Flakes, No. 624__ Bran Flakes, No. 650__ Rice Krispies, 6 oz... Rice Krispies, 1 0z.-..- All Bran, 16 oz. -_.. a All Bran, 10 0z. _.._.. All Bran, % oz. ______. Kaffe Hag, 6 1-lb. A Whole Wheat Fia., 24s 2 Whole Wheat Bis., 24s 2 65 Wheat Krispies, 24s__ 2 40 Post Brands Grapenut Flakes, 24s__ 2 10 HWE re Le Re ton PO MIO eb OO OND w on ANSSSNSANROSS te Grape-Nuts, 243 _.._._ 3 90 Grape-Nuts, 50s _..___ 1 60 Instant Postum, No. 8 5 40 Instant Postum, No. 10 4 d@ Postum Cereal, Nec. 0_ 2 25 Post Toasties, 36s____ 2 90 Post Toasties, 24s__.._._ 2 90 Post Brank, PBF 24__ 3 15 Post Bran, PBF 36-- 3 15 Sanka 6-1 Ib.....W-... 2 57 Amsterdam Brands Gold Bond Par., No.5% 7 50 Prize, Parlor, No. 6___ 8 00 White Swan Par., No.6 8 50 BROOMS Quaker, 5 sewed______ 6 75 Warehouse ___________ 7 25 Besa 415 Winner, 5 sewed______ 5 75 Top Noth _.._ 4 35 BRUSHES Scrub Solid Back, 8in. ______ 1 50 Solid Back, lin. ______ 1 75 Pointed Ends —_..__.__ 1 25 Stove Speer 1 80 NO. 60.0500 2 06 Peres 2 60 Shoe No. 4-9 SS 2 25 Ne. 2-3 2 3 60 BUTTER COLOR Hansen’s, 4 oz. bottles 2 40 Hansen’s, 2 oz. bottles 1 60 CANDLES Electric Light, 40 Ibs.. 12.1 Plumber, 40 Ilbs._...___ 12.8 Paraffine, 6s .......___ 14% Paraffine, 12s __.______ 14% Witkine 0 40 Tudor, 6s, per box___. 30 CANNED FRUITS Hart Brand Apples Ne. 1000 5 00 Apple Sauce No. 10, dozen__-._____ 5 25 No. 2, dozen_..__ ~~ 1. he Blackberries Pride of Michigan_____ 2 55 Cherries Mich. red, No. 10_____ 6 2% Pride of Mich., Nc. 2__ 2 60 Marcellus Red__-._____ 2 10 Special Pie. 1 35 Whole White__..______ 2 8 Gooseberries i | Se PERE EI Ge Oe i et am or mmm er eNO ERE RA: ONS MRE NE NUH BER TESEM Pears Pride of Mich. No. 2% 2 25 Black Raspberries NO 2 60 Pride of Mich. No. 2__ 1 60 Red Raspberries 2 NO.2 25 NO.0 2 1 25 Marcellus, No. 2______ 1 70 Strawberries NO: 20 3 00 ce. .LULULLULULUL CU Marcellus, No. 2______ 1 45 CANNED FISH Clam Ch'der, 10% oz._ Clam Chowder, No. 2__ Clams, Steamed No, 1 Clams, Minced, No. % Finnan Haddie, 10 oz._ Clam Bouillon, 7 oz _ Chicken Haddie, No. 1 Fish Flakes, smali____ Cod Fish Cake, 10 oz. Cove Oysters, 5 oz... Lobster, No. 4% _-..... 2 2 Shrimp, 1, wet. 1 45 Sard’s, % Oil, k’less__ 3 35 Sardines. % Oil, k’less 3 35 Salmon, Red Alaska___ Salmon, Med. Alaska_ 1 85 Salmon, Pink, Alaska_ 1 50 Sardines, Im, %, ea.6@13% Sardines, Cal. 1 00 Tuna, % Van Camps, Ht et tO to OD BO ow ° Ree oe 45 Tuna, 4s, Van Camps, Ope, 2 Tuna, 1s, Van Camps, ee 8 Tuna, %s, Chicken Sea, Cen -. - 6 CANNED MEAT Bacon, med., Beechnut Bacon, lge., Beechnut_ Beef, lge., Beechnut___ Beef, med., Beechnut _ Beef, No. 1, Corned ___ Beef, No. 1, Roast -___ Beef, 2% oz., Qua., Sli. Corn Beef Hash, doz. Be:fsteak & Onions, s. Chiii Con Car., 1s_____ Deviled Ham, %4s_____ Deviled Ham, %s____ Potted Meat, % Libby 48 Potted Meat, % Libby_ 75 Potted Meat, % Qua... 65 Potted Ham, Gen. %__ 1 365 Vienna Saus. No. %_.. 90 Vienna Sausage, Qua._ 90 bo DO ht pet pe OD 088 DO wo o Baked Beans Campbells 48s ________ 2 30 CANNED VEGETABLES Hart Brand Asparagus Natural, Na 2... 00 Tips & Cuts, No. 2____ 2 25 Baked Beans 1 Ib. Sace, 36s, cs...... 1 75 No. 2% Size, doz... 1 05 No. 10 Sauce_...._____ 4 00 Lima Beans Little Quaker, No. 10. 7 . Baby, No. 2. reellus, No, 2... 1 25 Reber Soaked ________ 95 Marcellus, No. 10______ 6 00 TRADESMAN Red Kidney Beans No. 10 4 25 lO) 90 String Beans Choice, hole, No. 2._ 1 60 Cot. oi. —-= « BS Cun Ne 2 1 35 Marcellus Cut, No. 10. 6 00 Wax Beans Choice, Whole, No. 2__ 1 60 Cut Noe.10 7 25 Cu,Ne 2 1 35 Marcellus Cut, No. 10_ 5 50 Beets Extra Small, No. 2.___ 2 00 Hart Cut, No. 10______ 42 saxt Cul, No, 2. sb Marcel. Whole, No. 2% 1 35 Hart Diced, No. 2___. 90 Carrots Diced. Ne.2 95 Diced, No.16 4 20 Corn Golden Ban., No.2 __. 1 35 Golden Ban., No.1@ __10 00 Country Gen., No. 2___ 1 20 Marcellus, No. 2______ 1 20 Fancy Brosby, No. 2__ 1 35 Fancy Crosby, No. 10__ 6 75 Whole Grain, 6 Ban- tam No. - 1 4 Peas Little Dot, No. 2__.___ 215 Sifted E. June, No.10 _ 9 50 Sifted E. June, No.2 __ 1 73 Marcel., Sw. W No. 2_ 1 45 Marcel., E. June, No. 2 1 40 Marcel., E. Ju., No. 10 7 75 Pumpkir. O80 4 75 Note ag NO 92% Sauerkraut NO10 oo 2 No. 24% Quaker______ 1 35 NO 2 ee Spinach WO te 2 25 NO 1 80 Squash Beston, No. 3... 1 35 Succotash Golden Bantam, No. 2_ 1 75 Mart, No. 2.00 1 55 Pride of Michigan____ 1 25 Tomatoes NO. 10 6 2 NO. 3 2 10 ee ee 1 55 Pride of Mich., No. 2% 1 35 Pride of Mich., No. 2__ 1 10 Tomato Jutce Hart, No. 10__________ CATSUP Regal, $8 oz._..___. doz. 95 Meral 14 og. doz. 1 38 Sniders, 8 oz._._.._.doz. 1 20 Sniders, 14 oz._____ doz. 1 8 Quaker, 10 oz.____ Doz. 1 23 Quaker, 14 oz.____ doz. 1 35 CHILI SAUCE soiders, Soc. 1 65 eniders. 140%. _ 2 25 OYSTER COCKTAIL spiders, 11 92.00 2 00 CHEESE Rounetor, 80 Wisconsin Daisy _____ 16% Wisconsin Twin _______ 16 New York June —_______ 24 SAD Sago 48 Bree 18 Michigan Flats _______ 15% Michigan Daisies ______ 16 Wisconsin Longhorn ___ 17 Imported Leyden ______ 28 1 lb. Limberger____.____. 20 Imported Swiss ________ 56 t, Pimento Loaf __ 24 Kraft, American Loaf _ 22 Kraft, Brick Loaf _____ 22 Kraft, Swiss Loaf _____ 27 Kraft, Old End, Loaf _. 31 Kraft. Pimento, % Ib.. 1 60 Kraft, American, % Ib. 1 60 Kraft, Brick, % Ib.-___ 1 8{ Kraft, Limbur., % Ib._ 1 3 Note that imported items are advancing due to the present dollar. CHEWING GUM Adams Black Jack______ 6 Adams Dentyne ________ 65 Beeman’s Pepsin 2. 6 Beechnut Pappermint___ 65 Doublemint 63 Peppermint, Wrigleys__ 65 Spearmint, Wrigleys__ 65 ouicy Maui. 65 Wrigley’s P-K__________ 65 Peapery 65 CHOCOLATE Baker, Prem., 6 Ib. %_ 2 30 Baker, Pre., 6 lb. 3 oz. 2 40 German Sweet, 6 lb. 4s 1 70 Little Dot Sweet 6 ib: Me 2 30 CIGARS Hemt. Champions ___ 38 50 Webster Plaza _____ 75 00 Webster Golden Wed. 75 00 Websterettes ________ 37 50 Cintas 38 50 Garcia Grand Babies_ 40 00 Bradstreets _________ 38 50 Oaing 20 --. 40 00 R G Dun Boquet____ 75 C0 Perfect Garcia Subl._ 95 00 Hampton Arms Jun’r 33 00 Rancho Corono_______ 31 50 Reonway 20 00 Budwiser 20 00 isapelia 20 00 Cocoanut Banner, 25 lb. ting ____ 19% Snowdrift, 10 lb. tins_. 20 CLOTHES LINE Riverside, 50 ft._...__ 2 20 Cupples Cord _____..__ 2 9 COFFEE ROASTED Lee & Cady 1 Ib. Package Atrow Brand . =, 23 Boston Breakfast ______ 24 Breakfast Cup _________ 23 Competition __....__ 17% oe 21 Majestic 30 Morton House ___..____ 32 Nearow os 27 Quaker, in cartons_____ 23 Quaker, in glass jars_.27% McLaughlin’s Kept-Fresh Cpt fresh by M Laure Ss Coffee Extracts M. Y.. per 100... 12 Frank’s 50 pkgs._____ 4 25 Hummel’s 50, 1 Ib.____ 10% CONDENSED MILK Eagle, 2 0z., per case_. 4 60 March 14, 1934 CONFECTIONERY Stick Candy Pails Pure Sugar Sticks-600c Big Stick, 28 lb. case__ Horehound Stick, 120s Mixed Candy Kindergarten Seamer) French Creams_______ Parig Creams... Jupiter oo Fancy Mixture. Fancy Chocolate 5 lb. boxes Bittersweets, Ass'ted_ Nibble Sticks _______ > Chocolate Nut Rolls__ Lady Vernon_________ Golden Klondikes_____ Gum Drops Cases Jelly Strings. Tip Top Jellies________ Orange Slices_______ Lozenges Pails A. A. Pep. Lozenges ____ A. A. Pink Lozenges ____ A. A. Choc. Lozenges ___ Motto Hearts... Malted Milk Lozenges___ Hard Goods Pails Lemon Drops______. | O. F. Horehound Drops_ Anise Squares _______ Peanut Squares ________ Cough Drops Bxs. Smith roe 1 45 Puden'a oa 1 45 Vick's /l0c 2 40 Specialties italian Bon Bons_______ Banquet Cream Mints_. Handy Packages, 12-10c 80 COUPON BOOKS 50 Economic grade__ 2 50 100 Economie grade__ 4 50 500 Economic grade__20 00 1000 Economic grade__37 50 Where 1,000 books are Ordered at a time, special- ly printed front cover is furnished without charge. CRACKERS Hekman Biscuit Company Saltine Soda Crackers, DUM 14 Saltine Soda Crackers, 1 pkesn 1 & Saltine Soda Crackers, 210. pkee 3 36 Saltine Soda Crackers, 6% oz. pkgs.________ 1 00 Butter Crackers, bulk 13 Butter Crackers, 1 lb._ 1 Butter Crackers, 2 lb._ 3 Graham Crackers, bulk Graham C’s, 1 Ib._____ 1 90 Graham C’s, 2 Ib._____ 3 Graham C’s, 6% oz.___ 1 Junior Oyster C’s, blk. Oyster C’s, shell, 1 Ib._ 1 Club Crackers_________ 1 86 CREAM OF TARTAR 6 ib; boxes. 35 ORIED FRUITS Apples N. Y. Fey., 50 lb. box__ N. Y. Fey., 14 oz. pkg. Apricots Evaporated, Ex Choice 18 Haney Ex. Fancy Moorpack_.. 25 Citron S tb. box a 7 | seen March 14, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 21 Currants JUNKET GOODS FRESH MEATS HERRING SOAP TEA Packages, 11 oz.__._____ 14 Junket Powder _____ 1 20 Am. Family, 100 box__ 6 05 Japan Junket Tablets ____._ 1 35 Beef Holland Herring eB Oe 225 Medium 18 Junket Food Colors..160 Top Steers & Heif..._- 11 Mixed, kegg -_...__... 80 Fels Naptha, 100 box... 4 65 Cae 21@28 Dates Good Steers & Heif...m.09 Mixed, kegs _____.____ 82 Flake White, 10 box__ 2 60 aa. 30@32 Imperial, 12s, pitted__ 1 90 Med. Steers & Heif....008 | Milkers, kegs ________ 92 Jap Rose, 100 box_____ 740 No. 1 Nibba. 3] Imperial, 12s, regular_ 1 60 MARGARINE Com, Steers & Heif. __-. 07 mo ais 335 » 1 Nibbs__-________ 3 Imperial, 12s, 2 Ib.____ Wilson & Co.’s Brands Palm Olive, 144 box___ 6 20 Imperial, 12s, 1 1b.___ Oleo Lake Herring Lava, tox. 2 25 Gunpowder Nut es 10 Veal % bbl., 100 Ibs.____._____ Camay, 72 box__...._.. 3 05 a ~--=------------- 32 - FO 11 P & G Nap Soap, 100@ 260 *°M°Y ------------------ 40 gs GOOG 10 Sweetheart, 100 box___ 5 70 Calif., 24-83, case_...170 MATCHES Medium 2200 08 Grandpa Tar, 50 sm. __ 2 10 Ceylon Diamond, No. 5, 144___ 6 60 Mackerel Williams Barber Bar, 9s 60 Pekoe, medium ________ 50 a _ Bain SB SMBL ES oy HME Mt er ce i rescent, 144 _______ co am ails, - Fancy fat 1 5 Lux Totlet, 50... 3 05 English Evap. Choice _____.__ 13% Diamond, No. 0____-_ 610 Spring Lamb ___--..___ 2 Congou,, a ga 23 se ccesh rt lanl ee id ingle ein man cans ongou ic , Safety Matches a 13 Caan fea Peel Red Top, 5 gross case 5 40 Poor __.-__.._......__.. 06 White Fish SPICES ee Lemon, Dromdary, Signal Light, 5 gro. cs5 40 Med, Fancy, 100 lb.__ 13 00 Whole Spices Ool On. doe 1 10 Milkers, bbls, _.______ 18 50 Allspice Jamaica______ @24 Mediu _—e. Orange, Drom : Mutton K K K K Norway... 19 50 Cloves, Zanzibar______ @36 Cage BE Euss omaamacen: 39 4 oz., dozen_______..1 10 Good 2 07 Sih pats. 140 Cassia, Canton __.___ Q64 hac =: 4 Citron, Dromdary, MUELLER’S PRODUCTS Medium ____......_. 05 Cut Lureh 150 Cassia, 5c pkg., doz... @40 ¥ ------------------ 50 4 0z., dozen__.______ 110 Macaroni, 9 oz....____ 210 Poor (oa Boned, 10 lb. boxes... 16 Ginger, Africa... @19 Spaghetti, 9 o~_______ 2 10 Mixed No. 1... @30 Elbow Macaroni, 9 oz._ 2 10 Mixed, 10c pkgs., doz.. @65 TWINE Raisins Egg Noodles, 6 0z. ____ 2 10 Pork Nutmegs, 70@90 ______ @50 Cotton,3plycone __ 35 Seeded, bulk -_________ % Keg Vermicell 604.216 Loins 15 SHOE BLACKENING Jutinegs, 105-110 ____. @48 Cotton, 3 ply balls ~~~~~~ 35 Thompson's S'dless blk. 6% Egg Alphabets, 6 0z.._210 Butts _...........~~ 13% 2in 1, Paste, doz... 130 >epper Black... @2322ss— i ai(‘(itsté*=CS Quaker s’dless blk.___- Cooked Spaghetti, 24c, Shoulders 12 +E. Z. Combination, dz. 1 30 i ; Oe 7% 7 om 220 Spareripg oo 10 Dri-Foot, doz. ._.___ 2 00 : Quaker Seeded, 15 oz.__ 7% Neck Bones _......_.... 04 Bixbys, doz.._....._. 1 30 Pure Ground in Bulk . VINEGAR Trimmings 09 Shinola, doz._.....____ 99 Allspice, Jamaica __.. @18 _ F.O.B. Grand Rapids Cloves, Zanzbar ______ @23 Cider, 40 grain... 19 California Prunes NUTS Jassia, Canton________ @22 White Wine, 40 grain__ 20 90@100, 25 Ib. boxes __@07 Whole Ginger, Corkin _______ @17 White Wine, 80 grain__ 25 80@ 90, 25 lb. boxes --@07% Almonds, Peerless ____ 15% STOVE POLISH Mustard @21 70@ 80, 25 lb. boxes __@08 Brazil, large ________ 14% PROVISIONS Blackne, per doz....inl 30 Mace Penang ______ @s) 60@ 70, 25 lb, boxes __@08% Fancy Mixed __. 15 Black Silk Liquid, doz. 130 Pepper, Black -______ @20 WICKING 50@ 60, 25 Ib. boxes _.@08% Filberts, Naples. 20 Barreled Pork Black Silk Paste, doz..1 25 Nutmegs ____..._____ @25 No. 9, per gross 30 40Ib 50, 25 Ib. boxes _.@09% Peanuts, Vir. Roasted 7 Clear Back_____ 16 00@1s 00 Enameline Paste, doz. 130 Pepper, White ________ @30 No.1; per gros 1 25 20@ 40, 25 1b. boxes __.@11 Peanuts, Jumbo ______ 8% Short Cut, Clear_____ 12 00 Enameline Liquid, doz. 1 30 Pepper, Cayenne _____ @26 No. 2, pergross 1 50 20@ 30, 251b. boxes -_@13 Pecans, 3, star _________- 25 E. Z. Liquid, per dez..1 30 Paprika, Spanish _-—_ @36 No. 3; ber gross ~7—~7-~ io 18@ 24, 25 tb. boxes _.@15%% Pecans,Jumbo _________ 40 Radium, per doz.______ 1 30 Peerless Rolls, per doz. 90 Pecans, Mammoth ______ 50 Dry Salt Meats Rising Sun, per doz.___ 1 30 Rochester, No. 2 doz.. 50 Walnuts, Cal, ______ 14@20 D S Belles__18-29@18-10-08 654 Stove Enamel, dz.. 2 80 dicate Hachente. No >: o sa Hominy Hickory 07 Vulcanol, No. 10, doz._ 1 30 Chili Powder, 11 9 gg Rayo, per doz... o Pearl, 100 Ib, sacks_.__ 3 50 Stovoil, per doz._.___- © aawat 6G OT ee ae * Lard Dee ee Salted Peanuts Fure in tierces______ 03 Fim bid i eae 1 - Bulk Goods mat % 60 1b. tubs _____ advance —_ 1 35 WOODENWARE Elb.Macaroni, 20]b.bx. 1 26 12—1 Ib. Cellop’e case. 126 501b.tubs _.__- advance % SALT leas ca 2-__ Price Policies of the Chain Store Large chain store systems operating over a wide territory have one inherent advantage over smaller chains or in- dependent retailers with respect to price competition, the Federal Trade Commission reports in its latest vol- ume on chain store systems as made public recently. “The source of this advantage lies in the fact that such an organization is able to average the profit results ob- tained from its stores in the numerous localities where it operates,” says the Commission. If the store or stores of a large chain in a particular locality are faced with severe price cutting and are op- erating at a loss, such loss, the Com- mission reports, may be offset by profits earned in its stores in other lo- calities where competitive conditions are less severe. For this reason, the large chain us- ually can hold out longer on the de- fensive side of a protracted local price war, or, if it takes the offensive, can inflict greater injury upon its compet- itors with less harm to itself. In its report, which is entitled “Chain Store Price Policies,” the Com- mission also brings out that some chains require each store to produce indidvidually the minimum rate of gross profit that is established for the chain as a whole. Such a policy, says the Commission, insofar as it is adhered to, places a limit on the local price cut- ting activities of a chain system’s Stores and thus denies the chain the competitive advantage which results from its power to draw upon the prof- its of some of its stores for the funds with which to wage a drastic price war in highly competitive localities. By far the greater number of chains, however, indicate in their statements on price policy that they meet local competitive conditions as they arise. “We meet and beat it, and this ap- plies to all kinds of competitors and all lines of merchandise carried,” said an official of a candy chain, who was interviewed. Some chains profess to follow, but not to initiate, price cuts. Each of two chains engaged in a competitive con- flict may charge that the other is the aggressor. Drastic competitive methods are illustrated by an official of a variety chain who says, “Rather than simply cut prices to meet competition we pre- fer to shoot specials into the town un- til the competitor gives up his war- fare.” The most important protection from the effects of direct price competition, as revealed by statements of chain store system officials interviewed, is the de- velopment of their own private brands. Also, in meeting competition, several chains say that at times they seek the cooperation of manufacturers to force competitors to cease undesirable price cutting. —_+-.__ Corporations Wound Up The following Michigan corporations have recently filed notices of dissolu- tion with the Secretary of State: Pix Decorating & Installation Co., Detroit. Cedarhurst Land Co., Detroit. D. R. C. Investors, Inc., Highland Park. Strand Amusement Co., Muskegon. Mid-West Nursery Co., Detroit. Rockey’s, Inc., Detroit. Joe Danin Co., Whittemore. Ailes Land Co., Detroit. Apache Oil Corp., Mt. Pleasant. Allied Printing and Binding Machin- ery, Inc., Detroit. Jewell’s Cleaners and Dyers, Inc., Plymouth. Mitchell-Diggins Iron Co., Cadillac. Adium Products, Inc., Battle Creek. Lansing Equipment Co., Lansing. March 14, 1934 Overtimes Charges and the 36-Hour Week Should the suggestion be adopted that the new shorter work week, now expected to be fixed at thirty-six hours, be made merely a basis for calculating overtime rates of pay, a great deal of confusion is expected to result in many industries. The current seasonal upswing in business has increased operations in many lines to the full limit of their retricted machine-hour capacity. Buy- ers who need quick deliveries under such conditions would doubtless be ex- pected to grant price advances for overtime work. As a result there would be two prices quoted for the merchandise, the ordinary price at which deliveries are slow and higher prices carrying over- time charges. When demand is keen the tempta- tion would be great for many manu- facturers to “rob” shipments at reg- ular prices to satisfy more urgent and more liberal buyers, it is feared. Nev- ertheless, such a flexible introduction of the shorter week, making price the determining factor, is considered more practical than an absolute prohibition of longer hours resulting in an abrupt upheaval of existing producing sched- ules. ———_2->___ The Trend Toward Packaged Goods The current trend in distribution to- ward packaged goods as against dis- tribution in bulk is likely to prove a boon to many container manufac- turers this year. Individual packages to fit the aver- age purchase are being introduced by an increasing number of national dis- tributors. This applies not only in the grocery field, but also in such lines as greases and oils. Gasoline distribution in cans is reported on the increase. In fields where the container is ex- pected to assist in stimulating sales, glass and other more expensive mate- rials are often preferred, despite the disadvantages of breakage and weight in transport. Paper and paper board containers are also being more widely used. The main benefit, however, is likely to accrue to can makers. While these predominate in the field of so-called packers’ cans that are cooked after closing, this line represents only ap- proximately 50 per cent. of the can producers’ business. Other lines, such as vacuum sealed cans for coffee, are expected to gain substantially from the current trend. ——_~+--.___ Cutlery Reordered by Stores Cutlery buyers were extremely ac- tive in the wholesale market last week, placing orders for all types of goods for immediate and later delivery. Mer- chandise to retail at 10 to 50 cents was in demand. Chain stores reordered heavily on the low-end items which they have featured in seasonal promo- tions for the last eight days. Although local stores report a fair business, most of the orders received by manu- facturers from both chain and inde- pendent stores have come from the West, South and Pacific Coast where consumers are reported buying freely. ! ane RRS — SORE A ee esate 18 — = ee | a & i | % : % ig eee WE 9 an on wen SEPANG OK i Dea ene oe WLM LLL LLL THIS WEEKLY HABIT LLL LLL LLL Keeps You Protitably Informed Get the Michigan Tradesman habit. All the leaders in the merchan- dising business have it. They read the Tradesman every business day to keep profitably informed, to keep abreast of the latest develop- ments in the primary markets, in credit circles, and so on. The habit is easy to acquire. First: fill out the coupon on this page. Second: mail it to us. Third: Read the first issue you receive. Now you have the habit. And how you will enjoy and profit by it! You may subscribe to the Tradesman for one year, or you may try it for two years. 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