THE PRICE OF PAPER.
A somewhat serious crisis has arisen here in the relationship between the newspaper publishers and the news print manufacturers. A few days ago a meeting of the Canadian Press Association was held in Toronto at which the whole paper question was thoroughly discussed and a representative committee delegated to visit Ottawa and register before the Minister of Finance their protests in regard to the shortage of paper in Canada, and the mounting prices of the same. In Ottawa they were met by representatives of the Pulp and Paper Association, and the whole situation was carefully considered before the Minister and also by the two organizations as separate bodies.
The newspaper men complained that they were unable to secure new contracts for any length of time, and that the prices asked for the supplying of white paper were prohibitive and if paid would mean the collapse of many newspapers. They urged upon the Government that an inquiry should be instituted into the cost of manufacturing news print in Canada and, following that, such steps be taken by the Government as it should find necessary to safeguard the supply of news print for Canadian publishers. The publishers suggested to the Government that either an embargo or export duty be placed on white paper or that the Government fix a maximum price above which manufacturers would not be allowed to charge Canadian publishers.
In refutation of the publishers’ statements, the news print manufacturers pointed out that the attack on the part of the publishers had come without warning and that they had not consulted or tried to negotiate with the news print manufacturers. They further pointed out that the cost of everything entering into the manufacture of paper had advanced in price, that old trade channels had been upset, and that there was a great deal of uncertainty regarding the future cost of paper making materials. The manufacturers agreed to call a meeting of all their members and thoroughly discuss the matter and later meet the publishers in a last effort to arrive at a satisfactory solution. It is understood that the manufacturers are asking an increase of from 25% to 33% over the figures now prevailing, and if the publishers do not see their way clear to accept these terms the manufacturers will then ask for a Government inquiry into the cost of paper making, feeling satisfied that such an investigation would vindicate them in the stand they have taken.
There is no doubt but that manufacturers of news print are being unjustly blamed for a condition of affairs over which they have no control. They are not arbitrarily increasing the price of white paper. Everything entering into the manufacture of news print has advanced in price; labor is scarce and commands higher wages; dye stuffs have advanced to almost unheard of prices; in copper wire paper men are competing against munition makers while a similar story can be told in regard to every ingredient entering in their finished product. In addition to that a sudden and unprecedented demand resulting from improvement in business and a presidential election in the United States has made the consumption of paper exceed production. Further, the war has interfered with regular channels of trade and has shut-off the whole of continental Europe from the markets of the world with the result that publishers who formerly depended on Europe have turned to Canada and the United States in an effort to have their needs supplied.
The situation is undoubtedly embarrassing and may possibly work hardships to some publishers, but the whole of the world’s business fabric is confronted with extraordinary conditions. It is as unreasonable to blame the manufacturers of news print for the advance in the cost of white paper, as it would be to blame the bridge builder or the man who erects skyscrapers for advancing the price of steel. In the last analysis it is the war which is to blame. The advance in the cost of news print is not an arbitrary procedure, but rather the result of world conditions over which the paper makers have no control.
THE GATHERING IN NEW YORK.
The over-worked words, co-operation and service, best describe the spirit of the recent gathering held in New York, under the auspices of the American Chemical Society. The affiliated organizations such as the technical section of the Pulp and Paper Association met at the same time, and their deliberations were permeated with the same spirit as characterized the chemical organization.