The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1916)

36 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD Members of the National Association of Talking Machine J CONVENTION OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TALKING MACHINE JOBBERS-(Continued from page 35) ber, chairman; A. A. Trostler and J. N. Blackman. A committee, consisting of J. N. Blackmail, chairman; W. H. Reynalds and J. C. Roush, was appointed to visit the Victor Co., to discuss matters' of mutual interest to the entire industry. The following letter was received from L. F. Geissler, acknowledging receipt of the wedding present sent by the members of this association: February 12, 1916. Mr. James F. Bowers, Chicago, 111. Dear Mr. Bowers: To you as chairman, and. through you, I would attempt to express to the National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers my genuine and deep appreciation — First: For the kind sentiments expressed by them through the medium of the beautiful illuminated book of presentation bearing their signatures. Second: For the perfectly magnificent set of silver which Mrs. Geissler and myself have already taken so much pleasure in exhibiting to our friends, and which we only Retiring Secretary, E. C. Rauth wish might be used in the joy of serving each member at our own table. I have never had any evidence of friendship so deeply affect me as did this beautiful gift, and I would that I could shake the hand of every member of our association in grateful personal acknowledgment. Most sincerely yours, (Signed) Louis F. Geissler. I also have the following letter from J. Raymond Bill, acknowledging the memorial tribute sent by this association to the family of our lamented friend, Colonel Edward Lyman Bill: April 11, 1916. The National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers. Gentlemen: I have recently received, through the kindness of Mr. James F. Bowers, the leather-bound memorial tribute to my late father, Edward Lyman Bill. I have not as yet delivered it to the rest of my family, but even before doing so. I am moved to evince in some meagre way my own heart-felt appreciation. To a young man who has just lost his father, there can be nothing of a dearer nature than those acts which throw into vivid relief the good character of the one now absent. I have always, son-like, thought a great deal of my father, but when I see such men as I know to be prominent in the Jobbers' Association, extending to the lonesome family some evidence of their sincere esteem, I can only thank those friends for adding another long chapter to my filial love for my father. But my thanks to you for this sort of a gift must stand unqualified — fitting words are not within my power. But at least I can say that all the good things "The Colonel" has said to his son about the Jobbers, have now been turned from the verbal into the real by your truly human deed. Sincerely, (Signed) J. Raymond Bill. TREASURER REYNALDS' REPORT In connection with his report as treasurer of the association, W. H. Reynalds said: "The finances of our association are in a very flourishing condition, and the membership, almost to a man, has been very prompt in paying their dues and assessments, thus showing their appreciation of the valuable work the association has been doing. "The adjustment on the price of double-faced records several years ago has paid each member many thousand per cent, interest on his investment in dues and assessments in the asso' ciation, to say nothing of the benefits they are deriving through the vigilance of the traffic committee, through the great benefits derived from close contact between the factory and the association, through the great benefits of the convention, which serves as a big melting pot for the views of the members, and through the many benefits derived by every man who rubs shoulders with those engaged in the same struggle in life. "I do not believe that any organization has been more active in looking after the interests of the trade it represents, and I am satisfied, through the manner in which the members cheerfully provide funds for the organization, that they are fully satisfied with results." REPORT OF TRAFFIC COMMITTEE The traffic committee, of which L. C. Wiswell is chairman, reported as follows regarding its work for the year: Our industry is indeed fortunate as far as traffic matters are concerned, for during the past year no changes in the freight classification or rate increases were proposed by the various classification committees. Some person or concern (your committee was unable to learn whom) made application through the Western classification committee for second class CL rating on combination carloads of talking machines and pianos, minimum 18,000 pounds. A hearing was held on this application in Chicago at which your committee through its chairman appeared and talked for the affirmative. A number of other interests had representatives at this meeting. After hearing all the evidence the classification committee rejected the application. You will be interested to learn that at the • present time there is a movement on foot to change the CL rating on talking machines, reducing the minimum from 24,000 pounds to 16,000 pounds. You are all cognizant of the fact that it is a physical impossibility for the factory to put 24,000 pounds of Victrolas in a thirty-six foot car. Victrolas, regardless of size, sufficient to fill a car, will not in the aggregate weigh 24,000 pounds. Heretofore the factory has been compelled in many instances to delay carload shipments in order to put in a sufficient quantity of records to make the minimum, also in many instances the distributers have been obliged to pay for tonnage which they did not receive because of the fact that the Victor Co. in filling the car was only able to put in, say 22,000 pounds, when the minimum is 24,000 pounds. The reducing of the minimum to 16,000 pounds will not only mean that in making carload shipments the Victor Co. will be able to fill the car to the minimum, but it will mean more carload shipments to distributers, hence a great saving in freight charges. It is estimated that if this recommendation is adopted by the various committees it will mean a saving of thousands of dollars in freight charges, all of which argue for larger net profits, for where you are now paying for LCL. first class rating on Victrolas and records on shipments aggregating 16,000 pounds and over you will save the difference between LCL and CL rating on shipments weighing of this size. While your committee can only presage, still evidence at hand tends to show that the recommendation will be favorably received. However, we should not be caught napping, therefore, your committee respectfully suggests that the association have a representative at the meetings of the official Southern and Western classification committee when this recommendation comes up for hearing. Your chairman has been reliably informed that the Western classification committee also the official classification committee will docket this recommendation for a hearing at their next meeting which will be held in Chicago and New York respectively. Respectfully submitted, traffic committee: L. C. Wiswell, chairman; W. F. Davisson. G. A. Mairs, E. N. Upshaw, H. L. Royer. ARRANGEMENT COMMITTEE'S REPORT A. A. Trostler, chairman of the arrangement committee of the association, as a matter of regularity filed his report, but the excellent work of that committee in arranging the details of the convention was so evident that a report of its activities, except as a matter of record, was superfluous. Mr. Trostler's report read in part: "The function of the arrangement committee is largely working out the details of conventions. Your chairman, with his fellow members on this committee, has not left a stone unturned to make this — the tenth annual convention — our banner one, and hopes that when this convention is over it will prove so. The many requests for reservations and other information pertaining to this convention, prompts me to make the above statement.