Much of the success which has come to the Pulp and Paper Magazine must be attributed to the two editors who have given it their best services, namely Mr. A. G. McIntyre and Mr. Roy Campbell. As editors of the Pulp and Paper Magazine, they both have done much to further the best interests of the industry, and those associated with it.
Arrangements have been completed whereby Professor J. Newell Stephenson, now head of the Forestry Department of the University of Maine at Orono, will take over the editorship of the Pulp and Paper Magazine when it launches on its career as a weekly. Some facts regarding the new editor appear elsewhere in this issue.
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.