Page 19 - Past Presidents' Club Book 1

20 The \ ational Supply and Machinery Dealers' Association

in enabling- the dealer to have his goods with the realization that
lie can sell those goods at a fair square profit without danger of
being cut. and for our firm I thank you for this invitation to meet
with you and say these few words. (Applause).
A M em her: We have with us a number of trade papers.
Mr. Schultz. (Applause).
M r. S chultz : I am sure the trade papers bring their
message e\ery week, and that is that we take a mutual ground,
stand between you, and bring you together. If we can do any
thing in that direction—and I think I am speaking for the Iron
Age also— we will do everything w'e can.
We have followed the Association from its inception, and
will be glad to work in the best interests of the trade whenever
wc can do it. (Applause).
P r e s id e n t S t r o n g : I see Mr. Stanley is present.
M r. S t a n l e y : I do not know what more I can add to what
Mr. Schultz has said. We will be glad to further the interest of
the Association.
P r e s id e n t S trong : I notice a gentleman present to whom
Mr. Fernley referred in a very complimentary way, and possibly
he mav give us something confirming or rejecting Mr. Fernley's
remarks— Mr. Pike. (Applause).
M r. P i k e : Mr. President and Gentlemen: I thought
sitting by my large friend here that I might escape observation.
I thank you for your invitation to Pike Manufacturing Company.
1 do not feel that our relations with the dealers have been so in­
timate that I can say anything of special interest bearing on the
matter of establishing prices on re-sale. Our line goes into small
articles, and it would be impossible to establish prices.
With reference to the suggestion of Mr. Fernley made a few
minutes ago as to having a representative present at the retail
association, and protecting our jobbing friends, I am glad to say
with a clear conscience, and in all frankness, that it has been our
experience (not only has it been most profitable but satisfactory)
to distribute our lines as far as we can through the dealer and
jobber.
It, perhaps, will not be out of place to mention one thing
which we have found it necessary to do, which, if realized by the