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BUSINESS CONDITIONS IN 12TH DISTRICT
Banking developments in the 12th district, as in the United States generally, were of dominant importance during late February and the first half of March.- No outstanding changes in the general business or financial situation had been apparent during the first six weeks of the year, although the failure of two rather large and several smaller banks in January had been followed by withdrawals of deposits from other banks. About the time that the force of this adverse influence appeared to be coming to an end, however, widespread publicity given to the Michigan banking moratorium and to other unfavorable banking situations began to have an effect in the 12th district, and immediately following announcement of banking holidays or restrictions in other eastern states on February 25 a substantial run on California banks developed. This relatively heavy run lasted for three days -February 27, February 28 and March 1-when it was brought to an end by a proclamation of the governor of California closing all banks in the state for a three-day period. This action in California was followed by runs on banks in other far western states and by March 3 emergency banking restrictions had been placed in effect in all 12th district states. Withdrawal of currency during the week ending March 1, while at a re. cord rate, was SO short-lived that its effect upon district banks deposits was relatively small. Currency payments by banks to depositors were about 30 million dollars during the week ending March 1, compared with deposits in those banks of considerably more than three billion dollars at the beginning of this year. Banks met the unusual demand for currency by borrowing from the Federal Reserve bank of San Francisco and by drawing upon their reserve balances, which had been built up during the first half of February through transfers of funds from other parts of the United States.
Reopening of banks under licenses issued by the secretary of the treasury and by state authorities commenced on March 13 and proceeded
20 most 12th district banks had resumed customary operations, although a good many were either in the hands of conservators or had been closed for liquidation. Currency which had been withdrawn prior to the closing of banks on March 2 was redeposited in large amounts between March 13 and March 20 and considcrably more gold coin was turned in to the Federal Reserve bank of San Francisco than had been withdrawn from January 1 to March 4. 1933. Redeposited currency was sent in to the reserve bank to repay borrowings and to increase reserve balances. Volume of production was slightly smaller in February than in January. Department store sales and intercoastal trafic through the Panama canal increased, but the number of cars of freight loaded on district railroads during the month decreased. Other trade measures changed little. Petroleum production during February approximated that of the preceding month. The cut of lumber declined contrary to the seasonal movement and the volume of engineering construction decreased sharply. Employment conditions remained about the same in February as in January. Commodity prices declined slightly during February, but advanced considerably during and immediately following the banking holiday in March. Non-statistical reports inicate that the banking restrictions during the first half of March reduced business activity. particularly retail sales volume.
The engagement of Miss Edna May Bradbury and Willis Cruse has been anounced. Miss Bradbury, laughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lou Bradbury. was the incentive for a surprise party one recent evening given by a number of friends. During the evening she was presented with a shower of gifts for her new home.