The talking machine world (Jan-June 1918)

86 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD June 15, 1918 ANNUAL MEETING OF PORTLAND, ORE., ASSOCIATION Many Subjects of Interest to Talking Machine Trade Considered at Gathering of Portland MenE. B. Hyatt Unanimously Elected President — Other Officers — Shortage of Records Discussed Portland, Ore.. June 4. — Early closing of the talking machine houses in Portland on Saturday evenings during the summer months was decided upon at the regular monthly meeting of the Portland Talking Machine Dealers' Association which was held at the Imperial Hotel Wednesday evening. May 29. at which twentyseven dealers were present and at which the Victor. Columbia, Edison, Brunswick and Sonora machines were represented. As to early closing it was decided that in June all talking machine dealers would close their stores at 7 p. m. and during July. August and September at 6 p. m. Paul B. Norris, manager of the Wiley B. Allen Co. talking machine department, called the attention of the dealers to the fact that it could only be suggested to dealers not belonging to the association to observe this rule, and that they would have to decide for themselves relative to early closing, although he maintained that the propriety of a suggestion could not be denied. Taylor C. White and C. A. Alphonse were appointed a committee to get signatures of those agreeing to the early closing plan irrespective of what non-members of the association might do. Interest on deferred payments was one of the principal topics of the session. With the exception of the furniture stores and department stores — all of which handle talking machines— all dealers in talking machines have adopted the interest plan. H. E. Burr, who has charge of the talking machine department of Gadsby's Furniture Store, thought it very probable that the firm would adopt the plan of the talking machine houses. W. Matney of the Meier & Frank Co., thought the management of that big department store would also fall in line. James Loder, manager of the phonograph department of the Bush & Lane Co., sug gested that the furniture and department stores might co-operate if' they were asked to do so and were invited to -join the association. E. B. Hyatt was unanimously elected president of the association at the annual election, which was one of the features of the meeting. Taylor C. White was elected vice-president and C. A. Alphonse secretary. W. L. LeVanway, who has been acting secretary for two months, has joined the signal corps and will leave Portland in a few weeks. He will be much missed by the association, as he has been one of its most valued members.' On announcement of his enlistment, the entire membership rose silently and stood at salute in tribute to the young patriot. Shortage of records came in for interesting discussion and revealed a rather serious condition in the trade. It was brought out that word from the factories of the Columbia, Victor and Edison people was that the labor shortage was acute and that many women are filling places formerly held be men. L. D. Heater, manager of the Columbia branch in Portland, said that in the London factor} of his firm there are only two or three men left and they are old men unfit for war. He pointed out that it is impossible to supply goods in England, despite England's reduced purchasing power, so said it could be seen readily how hard it must be to meet an ever-increasing demand in this country. Dealers on the Coast are inclined to look for a serious shortage in the fall, especially as the Government will use more cars for wheat and troop movements. The question of sending out records on approval was again brought up and it developed among the dealers that almost all had discontinued the practice, save in the cases of wellknown customers who really wanted to btfy after hearing the records at home. It was brought out that the custom had been abused, but E. B. Hyatt showed a card which he pastes on all records taken out on approval which he thinks has solved the difficult. This card reads: Extra Special When records are taken on approval and none retained, a minimum charge of 50 cents will be made to cover cost of bookkeeping and clerical expenses. Mr. Hyatt said this relieved them from a great deal of trouble from people who would get records for use at parties and return them the next day without purchasing any. C. Guy Wakefield, of the Wakefield Piano C. ; H. E. Burr, of Gadsby's Furniture Co., and W. A. Matney, of the Meier & Frank Co., were elected members of the association. TELLS OF BUSINESS GROWTH Chas. Staffelbach, Who Visited New York Last Week, Reports Big Pathe Business Being Done by the Hellrung & Grimm Co., St. Louis Chas. Staffelbach. manager of the Pathe division of the Hellrung & Grimm House Furnishing Co., of St. Louis, Mo., Pathe jobbers, was a visitor to New York this week, spending some time at the executive offices of the Pathe Freres Phonograph Co., and also visiting the Pathe booth at the music show. In a chat with The World Mr. Staffelbach commented upon the fact that his company is closing a remarkable Pathe business, the sales of Pathephones and Pathe records so far this year showing a substantial increase over the entire year of 1917. He states that Pathe products are gaining rapidly in popularity throughout his territor3r, and that his house is planning to institute an aggressive Pathe campaign in behalf of this line, which will include active and intensive cooperation with the Pathe dealers. He placed a good-sized order while in New York, and judging from all indications his optimism will be reflected in a banner Pathe business this coming fall. PERFORMANCE alone interests the purchaser. 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