Activity and sales slowed in the eastern spruce lumber market yesterday as many traders were absent attending the NAWLA convention in Columbus, Ohio. Demand was still prevalent, but typically on a fill-in basis from the reloads and less with the mills for truckload or carload purchases. Dealers were cautionary, keeping purchases close to the vest and not wanting to build or add on to existing inventories especially with the colder months looming. Spruce prices appreciated further with supply remaining tight and the eastern mills not showing much for additional offerings.