Watch The Label On Your Paper. At It Carriea The Date Your Subscription Expiree THE ENTERPRISE Advertiser! Will rind Our Col umns A Latchkey To Over l.tOC Homes Of Martin County. VOLUME XLIY?NUMBER 2 If illianitlon, Martin County, North Carolina, Tuetday, January 7, I'f ll. ESTABLISHED 1899 Insurance Group In Martin Countv J Has A Good Year Elwt Geo. C. Griffin To the Office of Secretary An?i Treasurer Meeting in annual session at the courthouse last Saturday. Martin County Farmers Mutual Fire Insur-| ance Association policy holders heard a very favorable report on their or ganization, elected new officers and lined up their business program for I the new year. The meeting was well j attended, the 75 or more policyhold- | ers coming in from all parts of the county to participate in the business program. Calling the group to order. Presi dent Sylvester Peel asked Rev. W B. Harrington to open the meeting with a prayer. After the minutes were read by Acting Secretary Roy Coltrain and approved by the group. President Peel briefly reviewed the work of the organization, declaring that the association was prepared to taVp parp of any that a steady growth had been maintained throughout the year, and that the affairs of the organization were in excellent condition. Turning its attention to the an ual election of officers, the meeting at the suggestion of Sam T. Everett and seconded by W. B. Harrington, re-elected Mr. Sylvester Peel presi dent of the association by acclama tion. Mr. Peel has ably served the association as its head for seven years. Joseph S. Griffin, who still maintains that the office is of little importance, was re-elected vice president, the election being by ac clamation following the nomination by S. T. Everett. Sensing the absence of a faithful secretary-treasurer, James L. Col train who had ably served the or ganization for 28 years, the meeting quietly went about the task of nom inating and electing a successor. C. C, Coltrain, in a fitting talk, offered the name of Tom Roberson, well known farther of Farm Life The nomination was seconded by S. T Everett, Joseph S. Griffin nominated George C. Griffin, another well known farmer and member of the Martin County Board of Education from Griffins Township. A second to the nomination was given by J. C. Gurkin. A close voted followed, the group casting 32 for Mr Griffin and 27 for Mr. Roberson, several with holding their votes. Short and ap propriate remarks were offered by the officers, each pledging his best efforts in handling the trust and promoting the interest of the organ ization. The meeting named the following directors: S. T. Woolard, W. M Green, S. T Everett, Joshua L. Col train, Juseph S. Griffin, W B Har rington and LeRoy Taylor. The fol lowing township supervisors were named: Jamesville: C B Fagan, F. f Stallinofi and Ren F. Lillev: Wil hams. W. W. Griffin and Walter J. Gardner; Griffins: J J. Manning. L. H. Roberson and Pleny Peel; Bear Grass: Joseph S. Griffin. Edmond Harris, and Calvin Ayers, William ston: James Bowen, W. S Peel and M. A. Price; Cross Roads: J. A. Aus bon, Henry D. Peel and Henry Peel; Poplar Point: W. S. Whtie and Le Roy Taylor; Hamilton: Ed Purvis, T. B Slade and W. S, Rhodes; Goose Nest: W R Everett,VR A Haislip and W G Keel. Calling for a $10,000 treasurer's bond, the meeting accepted the sure ties offered by Messrs. S. C. Griffin and J. C. Gurkin. S. T. Everett was named a delegates to the state meet ing to be held in Raleigh the latter part ot th'? month and Prg.iHt?nf Sylvester Peel was named an alter nate. The meeting ruled that all delin quent members should be reinstat ed when assessments are met with in a reasonable time after they are due. Paying a fitting tribute to the memory of James L. Coltrain, Rev. W. B. Harrington made a motion that resolutions of respect be prepared. The meeting named Mr. Harrington, (Continued on page six) Six County Boys. Enter CCC Camps Six Martin County boys left here yesterday for Civilian Conservation Corps camps, the office of the coun ty welfare department stating that two openings in the ranks could not be filled. It was the first time since the New Deal agency was establish ed that this county could not meet its quota. Briefly stated and with some few exceptions, of course, there is no excuse for any Martin County youth of acceptable age to be walk ing around declaring he can't find something to do, for the Civilian Conservation Corps offers them splendid training and fair pay. The names of the boys leaving yesterday for Washington to enter the Civilian Conservation Corps are, J. Earl Hale, of Wilhamston R E D. 3; William Pate, of Williamston R.F.D 3; Herman Andrew Dicker son and William Lawrence Bearham, both of Williemstcn R.F.D. 2, all white; and Johnnie Gray Mayo, of Williamston K.F.D. 1, and Hubert Nelson, of Parmele, both colored. Series of Robberies Solved by Officers INCREASE Iv Continuing their test listings. Martin County's property assess ors. working in a group, last week completed their survey in five townships. Late reports from the group and from one of the township boards point to an increase in values. One report stated that certain timberlands on County Commis sioner R. L. Perry's farm had been valued at $50 an acre, or about $15 higher than the val ues recorded in the first three test listings. Starting their work in this district yesterday, the W illiamston Township Board of Assessors reported unofficially a gain of 10 per rent in listings handled on 22 farms. The board of assessors, work ing as a group, arc scheduled to complete their work in the coun ty tomorrow, starting at Rober sonville at 8:30 o'clock. Respected Citizen Dies At Her Home In County Monday FiiiictuI Service* ai Everett* Tlii* Afternoon Fin Air*. Dora Clark Mrs Dora Britton Clark, highly respected citizen of this county, died at her home in Cross Roads Town ship yesterday morning at 10:30 o'clock following a long period of declining health. Suffering with dia betes, Mrs. Clark was taken worse on Christmas day. her condition becoming gradually worse until the end. Seventy years old last Novem ber. she was unusually active for her advanced age and despite fail ing health until her last illness. The daughter of the late Mack and Bessie Dudley Britton. Mrs. Clark was born in Cross Roads Township where she spent her entire life, liv ing peaceably with her neighbors ian-like life. She was a good wo man, a large number of friends and acquaintances holding her in the highest esteem. She had been a de voted member of the Primitive Bap tist Church at Bear Grass,for a long number of years. In early life she was married to James L. Clark, who died in April, 1933. Two children, born to the un ion. preceded their parents in death. Following the death of Mr Clark she managed her farm, and found pleasure and comfort in the care and handling of the simple duties there. She held the respect of both the old and the young. She walked humbly before her Maker, gaining much happiness in her simple but beauti ful way of life even in her advanc ed years. She leaves one brother, W. H. Brit ton, of Cross Roads Township Funeral services are being con ducted from the Christian Church in Everetts at her request this af ternoon at 2 30 o'clock. Elders B. S. Cowin and A. B. Ay ers and Rev. J. M. Perry will con duct the last rites. Burial will be in the old cemetery of the Clark fam ily in Cross Roads Township, near her old home. Patriotic Streak Found In Negroes Young colored men in this coun ty are bubbling over with patriotism according to a recent report coming from the draft board office. Thirty young men have already volunteered their services. Draft Board Clerk Marion Cobb said today Colored young men were slow to show their colors for home and country but after James Earl Hy man and Walter Louis (Lightnin') White volunteered and were induct ed into service others flocked to the Colors. Apparently getting together over the week-end for a discussion of the situation, groups would re port and offer their services the fol lowing Monday morning. The names of the volunteers: James Earl Hyman, inducted: Wal ter Louis White, inducted; James Oliver Andrews, Daniel Williams, John Slade, Charlie Ben Williams, James Edward Woolard, Henry How ell, Jr., James Curtis Brown, Leo Butler. Bonnie Lee Peele, Lee An drew Griffin. James Davis, William Cleve Bell, James Morris Balance, James OIlie Purvis, Wesley Moore, Harry Bell, Jessie Walston, Eugene White, Frank Williams, John Dee Galnor, Robert Lee Patterson, Ben son Swarner, Willie James Rober son, Columbus James, Samuel David Slade, William Louis Reddick, Her bert Louis* Peele, Arthur Mclntyre. Four of the above group are sched uled to leave for camp on the 27th of thia month. A large reserve will be left, and it is believed that few men will have to be drafted from the colored registration thia year. Crime Ring About Broken In Section Over the Week-end Se\eral \rre!?leil in Cnniiec lion with KoMmin Jumtk*> \illr l.i?|iior Slorr The main spring in an active and far-reaching crime ring operating in this section of the State during re cent weeks was believed to have been sprung if not broken with and following the arrest of Steve Crom well. daring criminal and escaped convict. In a round-up of alleged criminals from Norfolk to Fayette ville. at least two persons involved in the robbery of the Martin Coun ty Alcoholic Beverages Control Board store at Jamesville were ar rested. Cromwell. critically shot while attempting to rob the Norfolk Southern station at Belhaven early last Saturday morning, is said to have admitted the robbery of the Log Cabin filling station on the Hamilton Road twice in recent weeks. Cromwell, admitting the rob bery of the Creswell liquor store in Washington County a few days before Christmas, denied having a part in the Jamesville store robbery However, in a direct statement to Roy Peel. Martin County jailer, Cromwell explained that he knew about tin' robbery, knew how much liquor was stolen and other details. The robberies in this county, in cluding those at the Log Cabin sta tion and the Jamesville store, were solved when Sheriff C. B. Roebuck and Jailer Roy Peel talked with Cromwell on what may prove his death bed in a Washington hospital where he was carried after he was shot in the stomach and legs with a shotgun in the hands of a deputy sheriff in Belhaven. Cromwell den ied any connection with the series of robberies reported in Parmele. Everetls and Wilfiamston during the holiday season. "Apparently operat ing in two groups, the robbers work ed in two states, it is believed with Norfolk as their possible headquar ters. Cromwell, talking freely with during a long stay in the Martin County jail two or three years ago, 'stated that he was not in the coun ty on the night of December 12 when $200 worth of liquor was stolen from the Jamesville store. "I went to Norfolk that night to steal an au tomobile." Cromwell was quoted as saying i....i. /< ?Jell t\ VrUl.tllll, 1)1, "1 nm IOIIV, UIIU. Dennis Gray Woolard, 28, of Beau fort County, ari'ested along with a woman, Billie Hammons, of Vir ginia, in Fayetteville last Saturday night, are believed to be implicated with the Jamesville store robbery. Caison was jailed here Sunday but was later transferred as officers continued to close in on the ring. Bug Veachey, also implicated in the robberies allegedly handled by the ring, was urrested in Norfolk where it is believed much of the stolen li quor and other stolen properties were stored for distribution to re tailers. Officers are releasing very little information in connection with the ring, and it is not known whether there were more than five or six im plicated. It was learned, however, that the officers from several coun ties in two states, the State Bureau of Investigation and members of the Highway Patrol are working on the case. Soon after Cromwell was trap ped and shot at Belhaven, patrol men were instructed to block all highways in this section. The rob bers moved south, however, and were arrested at Fayetteville No hearings have been scheduled in the case, but normal charges of robbery will be brought against at least two of those now in jail by Sheriff C B. Roebuck, it was learn ed from the officer today Late reports state that three other men, including two Willoughby bro thers, had been arrested for inves tigation in connection with recent robberies in this section of the State. Extensive Plans For Inauguration Extensive plans are being advanc ed for the inauguration of J. Mel ville Broughton as Governor of North Carolina in Raleigh on Thursday of this week. The city is making plans for entertaining 50.000 people that day. The houses of the legislature will meet that morning in their respect ive chambers and then enter the march from the governor's mansion to Memorial Auditorium where a joint session of the assembly will be held at noon and where the inaug ural exercises will be held. Soldiers, army and high school bands will feature the parade. Messrs. Hugh G. Horton and Clar ence Griffin, with definite instruc tions to work for better secondary roads in this county, left this morn ing for Raleigh to begin their work as member* of the legislature. Deejier Mystery Surrounds Grave Balkan Situation Itriliftli Nch (lain Kiulil \Kaiu?l Italian* ? ? In Africa The war situation centering around glorious Greek victories dur mg the past few weeks, ts taking ott a grave outlook and the mystery of developments there continues to grow deeper With conflicting re ports coming out of the powder keg territory, no one seems to know which way the wind will blow dur ing the next few days or weeks. It is apparent that Germany is already aiding tlu- embattled Ital ians in their fight against the Greeks in Albania, but there is some talk of a new attack which may or may not be directed first against Bulgaria and then against Greece and latef possibly against Turkey. One repor. states that Russia has agreed to the passage of German troops through Rumania Other reports state that Russia and Turkey will offer nppn it ion to such a move. If Turkey and Russia do offer opposition, it is be lieved another turning point will have been reached in the conflict. Rome and Berlin authorities were t that event, but the possible loss of Greek bases would offer a problem in combat ting Nazi planes In Libya today, the Italians evac uated an air base, leaving four planes! Others were destroyed, and the British are well advanced in a big push against Tobruk, second im portant Italian base in Libya. The rapture of Bard 1 a last week-end pushed the total number of Italians In their war the Greeks are scor ing additional successes, one report stating that the gallant warriors were mopping up" as they went. British ships pounded again the port of Va leria today, but the relentless ad vance of tin- Greeks is facing in ri eased opposition by the Germans possibly by tomorrow. London today reported its sec ond longest day-fight air raid of the war, but no great damage was re ported in the four sections of the (Continued on page six) Yoiiii^ Men Leave For Army Service Sixteen Martin County white men left here tins morning for Fort Bragg where they will enter the army rrayeling by special bus. the coun ty young men were joined here by ithers from ?Perquimans. Chowan, ryrrell and Washington. Loaded to ?apacity, the special bus moved out *t 11 o'clock with only one stop oq its schedule before reaching Fort Bragg The boys had dinner in Wil son The young men were traveling light, none carrying a suitcase and nnly two or three wearing an over coat. The group, made up entirely of volunteers, was given a farewell By the draft board including R. II. Doodmon, chairman; Dr. Jesse Wurd und J. H Ayers, members; Wheeler Martin, appeal officer, and Marion Cobb, board clerk Names of the boys leaving, the county this morning follow: Iteber Reddick Taylor, Charles Elbert BullOCk, William Jesse Rob iTson, Marvin Theodore Roberson, Robert Claborru?Harris, James Oliv er Wynn, View Vister Nicholson, Paul Cleveland VanLandingham, Dennis Harding Whitehard, Nathan Hednck Mobley, Claude Elmer Jen kins, Jr., John David Warren, Jos pph Elmer Griffin, Grover Ramon Moore, Julian Albert Roebuck, Hil ireth Rogerson. COMMITTEE 1 limine sight of the needs of the valiant Greeks during the Christmas holidays, local peo ple this week formed a relief committee and renewed ap peals for cash contributions. Prior to the holidays, a total of 110.73 had been contributed to the Greek Relief fund locally. Rev. John W. Hardy, L. T. Powden, W. C. Manning and George Hfetsos have been named on the committee to promote a continuation of the relief drive. Donations will be received by the banks, members of this com mittee or The Enterprise and duly acknowledged. Board of Commissioners Asking Of North Carolina Legislature A New Deal For Secondary Koads City Board (Jrders Foreclosure (If Property for Past I yueTaxes Holding their first meeting of the. calendar year last night, the local town board of commissioners order ed foreclosure proceedings mstitut- \ ed against all properties for taxes due and unpaid for certain years. No specific years were mentioned in the order which will likely be limited to taxes considerably in ar rears. The amount of such taxes w'as described as being "not very large".) Very little business was placed be fore the board for consideration at the session last night H. M Hurras was named list-taker, but no amount j for the service to be rendered was. stipulated at the meeting. A claim for damages alleged to have result -; ed when her funeral car struck a protruding manhole was denied Ber issa Slade. an investigation reveal ing that a spring was broken on the car. that the machine would have passed over the object had it been in repair Voting by secret ballot, tlie board favored four to one the laying of a sidewalk on the. north side -of Mar shall Avojuie at?the lyone ,"f "Mr-< . 1 S C Peel. Mrs iv? 1 pointing out that the walk would bt so clusi? her home, asked that the pavijng project be stopped in th? Marshall Avenue block at hi r home Mayor J I. Hassel 1 and Coin in la - sinner l?. P landsh > were ordered ! to arrange for tie purchase of a second-hand or new car !<>i the jm> lire department Appearing, before the, hoard Prop erty last taker 11 M Burra> .t-ke.l for a ruling on listing farm proper ties m town No farm land in town will be listed for town taxation", but homes and tenant houses in the sub urbs and on farms will be placed on the books in line with cither town properties. Gymnasium Projects Approved By Board hecreation Houses For Farm Life and Bear Crass School Patron* Offer Free l.miilior \iu\ \*k For \\ P V Help To Handle Project* Projects calling for the construc tion of gymnasiums at Farm Life and Hear Grass wore tentatively ap proved by the Martin County Board of Education in regular session here yesterday. Prospects for the two projects are considered good, but no immediate actum?ee to- bo expected, according to a report coming from the office of the board late yester j day. Appearing before the regular meeting of the board, delegations! from the two communities ably ' presented their claims Their appeals were well received, Member John Eubanks stating that if the people of those communities Were interest- j ed enough to appear before the hoard and make liberal offers in i support of the projects, I am going to make a motion that we approve the proposed building program and urge the full cooperation of the! board in advancing the projects." Headed by II U. Peel, T O Hick man, Sam Mobley, Henry White, J. ! I). Wynn, Joseph S Griffin, Edmund Harris and others, the Bear Grass delegation pointed out to the board that enough lumber or approximate ly 75,000 feet had already been ; pledged by the school district pa j trons. "Wo will offer enough extra | timber to pay tin- mill man for saW- ; ing," one of the spokesmen explain- j ed. The Farm Life delegation, head ; ed by P. E. Getsinger, Russell Mar tin and Frank I.illoy, stated that 20,- . 000 feet a! lumber had already been offered by the patrons of the district and that the amount could be boost ed ti? meet the necessary needs. The projects were approved sub | ject to a working agreement with j the Works Progress Administration, j Few new contracts are possible with the Wl'A at the present time, but I the board is making plans to carry the proposals before the organization as soon as the new fiscal year opens. The projects will not cost the county any large amount of money since the patrons have agreed to furnish the lumber. Four of the six high schools in the County now have gymnasiums. The proposed projects call for the con struction of buildings similar to those at Jamesville and Oak City which cost approximately $7,000 The build irigs are 50 by 80 feet. The board, in session less than two hours, studied reports coming from the vocational departments in the county schools and made certain recommendations. No other business was discussed. Messrs. J. I). Woolard, George C. Griffin, H. C. Norman, Leslie Harduson and John Eubanks were present for the meeting. If oman'* (II it Ik To Hold I In l(ff{iilor Mpftinfi Tomorrow Members of the Senior Woman's Club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30. This is the first meeting of the new year and all members are urged to attend. Due to the fact that there is no active P.T.A. in Williamston, this club is working on a gn at many projects ordinarily handled by the P.T.A., and the cooperation of the people here is requested. V 1*1 *1 NATIONS lour h ii nil red anil six .Mar tin County farmers have applied for their benefit payments un der the 1940 soil conservation program to date. Miss Mary Car starphen, chief clerk in the of lice of the county farm agent, said this morning. By the end of this month the office will have handled the remaining 1,200 ap plications, according to present plans. The applications are being forwarded to Raleigh and thence To Washington where checks will he prepared for distribution some time beginning the latter part of February. Landlords and tenants, advis ed direct when to report, must sign the applications. Commissioners 0! County 1" Regular Meeting ^ esterday Wtion On 1'rlitiiiii l or \|i|ioiiilmriil of Con*lul>lr In .liiiiii'?\ illi' The Marl in County cummissioii i i held a long but uneventful ses sion licir yesterday, the body re maining in session until after dark discussing vaiious problem' as they relate to tuberculosis, taxation and so on. The official minutes Of the meeting covered less than a page, the hoard limiting final action to a few minor details F. A B.unlnll qualified as con stable of Cross Roads Township when his >?<