Looking Ahead

S WE look to the future of the building industry, at this opening of a new year, we are faced with a situation unparalleled in history. Not only have we the natural development, due to the normal growth of the country,-or rather, the abnormal growth following the quiescent period just past; but in addition to that, the accumulated shortage, a result of restricted building during the war. There were several years when building was practically at a standstill. The building program for at least the next ten years must be in large volume if we are to replace this shortage and, at the same time, meet the natural growth of the country. The year just past has been a good building year, although many expected building projects did not go forward. As stated last month, more Americans became home owners during 1922 than in any preceding year. What may we not expect of the year ahead of us?

The Federal Reserve Board, in a review of business and trade conditions, reports a generally improved situation in American business. This is reflected, according to this review, by a largely increased employment of labor. The building situation revolves very closely around the conditions of the men who do the work; not only in the matter of their wages, but perhaps even more, in the attitude of mind in which they do the work. Satisfaction with his job is a prime asset to the good workman. We believe this condition may often be the dominating factor in whether one gets a well-built, or a poorly-built house. The construction program must go ahead, but in order to make permanent gains, confidence must be established between the building public and the building industry. As Roger Babson tells us, "Real prosperity can be gained only by increased service, by increasing the amount of things which people need. * * * High prices represent a shortage of useful things. We want prosperity but we must have the kind that will last. * * * The only solution is work, more economical management, more production of goods per man and then, a more efficient distribution." We are coming to realize how long a time is required to accumulate the reserves which have been destroyed or wasted. This applies particularly to the building industry. Organization must be built up; skilled workmen must be trained,-for we have depended hitherto on the training of the older countries and the skilled workers coming from the old world to meet the need for skilled craftsmanship. We again emphasize the need of schools and a system of training or apprenticeship built up in this country, if we are to have fine workmanship in our building trades.

The first need of the country is more homes and with the progress which we have already made, these new homes will be better homes than have ever been known before.

A beautiful Colonial home where the entrance feature dominates the entire front