NEARLY 1000 MARTIN COUNTY SERVICE MEN NOW READING THE ENTEPRISE IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD EACH WEEK. \ NEARLY 1000 MARTIN COUNTY SERVICE MEN NOW READING THE ENTEPRISE IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD EACH WEEK. w VOLUME XLVII—NUMBER 55 Williamston, Martin County, North Carolina, Friday, July 14, 194-1. ESTABLISHED 1899 Germans In General Retreat Before The Americans In France -$ Russians Are within Nineteen Miles of 1939 Border of East Prussia Apparently supported by the in creased flow of equipment through the port of Cherbourg, the Ameri cans are now doggedly pushing ahead toward the west base of the peninsula, late reports*stating that the Germans are in general retreat and that the fall of St. Lo is ex pected shortly. The Americans, now within two miles of St. Lo, are sur rounding the objective after driving three miles within twenty-four hours against a stubborn rear-guard action. un the eastern base ot (he penin sula, the British and Canadians are said to be making extensive prepar ations for a great push. Some com f pared the early movements there to those at Ei Alemein when General Montgomery laid the foundation for the great push that finally swept the Nazis out of North Africa. There’s been much bitter fighting on the peninsula during the past few days. Rommel lost more than 200 tanks in four days ,and about a dozen Frr.ich towns were liberated. Unconfirmed reports and rumors point to a break between the Nazi leaders and the German militarists. Some observers are predicting in ternal collapse for Germany, and it is certain that all’s not well within the barbaric state. Battered from three sides and on top, Hitler is in a bad way The Russian drive from the East is upsetting his strategy in i the North, and it is now possible that the Soviets will cut off the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lith unia, leaving German forces high and dry in Norway and other oc cupied areas. The Red Army, if it maintains the pace, is only six days from the coast and unless the Ger mans do a whole lot of moving and shifting right now, some 350,000 of their number will be cornered. Russia is now within nineteen miles of the 1939 East Prussian border, and the five Red Armies on the Central Front are still slugging ahead, some observers predicting a bloody picnic when the fight is car ried to German soil. The going in Italy is still slow but steady, the enemy continuing to of fer a stubborn resistance as he makes what many believe will be his last major stand attempt along the Gothic line. Observing the 155th anniversary of the fall of the Bastile, vast num bers of Frenchmen are striking at the Germans in or.e way or another or sabotaging the Nazi war effort. In many sections early today, Ger mans were being ambushed and wiped out, reports declaring that the underground effort now being ad vanced by the French is far more extensive and effective than the Al lied leaders had hoped for. There’s talk about Turkey enter ing the war or getting on the band wagon, her action to be determined on what’s good and best for Turkey, (Continued on page six) -ii * Expect Furnishings For The USO Soon —$>— Williamston’s USO Service Men’s Council has been assured that the furnishings for the hut will be ar riving within the next few days. The program has been somewhat cur tailed due to toe lack of equipment but Mr. E. W. Reinecke, consulting architect and engineer, on his visit here last Friday added new equip ment which was requisitioned at once. Mr. J. Robert Leggett has been engaged to operate the ?nack bar and soft drink counter. Mr. Leg gett is a verteran of World War number one and is a most helpful addition to the service being ren dered by the club. In compiling the report of ac tivities at the club it was found that two hundred and seven service men had used the swim trunks furnish ed by the club. The number re prc&enfcTT states ■ and ^ three men from England. The management of the Municipal Pool issues the suits and sterilize the same after use. This is perhaps the most popular service offered the men at present. Within the next few days the local club will be visited by the Reginal Executive and other high official of USO. Last week the Certificate of Re cognition from National USO was received. This will be framed and hung on the wall. -$ County Boy Awarded Air Medal In South Pacific -$ Edwin H. Carson. Jamesville young man, was awarded the Air Medal on June 24, it was announced a few days ago by Lt. Gen. Miiiard F. Harmon, commanding U. S. Army Forces in the South Pacific. The award was based on Stf. Ser geant Carson’s record as assistant aerial engineer from last December 24 to January 17. Enormous Amount of Sugar Rationed for County Canning Handling approximately 5,000 in- : dividual applications, the War Price! and Rationing Board office in this county up until late yesterday had released nearly 88,000 pounds of sugar for canning in this county dur ing the past few weeks. The special rationing business reached a climax a few days ago when *he office han dled more than 1,000 applications ir. two days. , While no questions were asked, it is now fairly certain, according to indirect reports heard here, that some and possibly quite a few of the claims for canning sugar have been unfounded. The most disheartening report heard was the one ruggest ing that some of the sugar was be ing used for the manufacture of il licit liquors, while in other cases a few par‘:cs were bartering the su gar after a black market fashion. (Only yesterday, two empty one-hun jdred pound sugar bags were found ! at an illicit still in this county. Beginning next Monday, an ad ditional ten pounds of sugar will be made available to each individual \^ .io proves he needs an additional allowance for canning. The applicant must also explain how the first al lotment for canning was used, and it is possible that the statements will be checked, in some cases, at least. The government wants the people to can and preserve, but it is finding it necessary to guard against unpa triotic and unfounded claims. Those persons who have not yet applied for any canning sugar, will be able to get the total of 20 pounds after next Monday. They will not be penalized for not having joined the rush to get the first allotment before July 15th, it was explained. People of County Still Buying More ‘E’ Bonds MEASUREMENTS j __j With the exception of about twenty-five, all tobacco farm ers in this county have submit ted their crop measurements in accordance with the tobarco pro gram for the current year. These few farmers are now being ask ed to employ some competent person to measure their lands and submit the measurements at once. The person must be ap proved by the agent’s office. If no measurements are sub initted by the farmer, lie will be issued a red marketing card, meaning that he must pay a pen alty on every pound of tobacco he sells even though his plant ings may be within his allot ment. The regular marketing cards will be made ready for distribu tion on or about August 18th. Those failing to qualify for the regular card will be asked to call for their red cards on or af ter the 18th of next month. Grand Jurymen rile Quarterly Report In The Superior Court Rwonmieiul Iinpro\ omentH For T. B. Sunatoriimi Al County Horae The quarterly report filed during the recent term of the Martin Coun ty Superior Court follows: We have passed on all bills of in dictments presented to us. We checked Justices of Peace Re ports and found them all filed with the Clerk of Court and fines .submit ted to the Treasurer, with the excep tion of George H. Leggett who has not filed report. We checked the Guardian Ac counts and found all reports have been filed. We visited the Register of Deeds Office, and found same in excellent condition. All records were found in good order and all bonds renew ed. YVe ■ the Clerk of Courts’ office and found it in good condition with all records in good shape. The Sheriff’s office and tne tax collector's office were visited and both were found in good condition, with all records up to date. We visited the county jail and found it in a very clean and well kept condition, except the chain on one window is broken and window cannot be raised. We recommend necessary repairs. We found five inmates, towit: 1 white man, 1 col ored woman, and 3 colored men. Due to the fact that the sun shines in windows of the jail early in the mornings and late in the afternoons, sive and almost unbearable, we re commend the installation of shades on these windows for the safety of (Continued on page six) Included In List Of Hoys Passing Pre-Induction Test -1 Levi Harrison, young son of Mr. and Mrs. Ephriam Harrison, RFD 2, Williamston, was included in the list of Martin County youths pass ing the pre-induction examination at Fort Bragg on June 26. His name was left out of the list through er ror earlier this week. Plan Eye Clinic Here August 9 For Adults A one-day eye clinic will be held here on August 9 for adults who are not able to finance the examination, it was announced yesterday by the welfare department office. Dr. Matthew S. Broun of Roanoke Rapids will conduct the clinic. \ Little Over $52,000 Short In Reaching Special "E" Quota Tim e Townships Have Now Raised All “E” and Nego tiable Rond Onolas With the goal in sight, Martin County citizens today were urged to get busy and carry the “E” bond sales over the top between now and July 31. It is fairly certain that the task can be successfully handled, but hundreds of “little” folks must rally to the cause if the county is to go over the top. It has been announced by Herman A. Bowen, chairman of the drive in the county, that if the “E” bond quo ta is met a Landing Ship, Medium, will carry the name of Martin Coun ty on a special plat*'. The ship is now being built and is to be completed within the next few weeks. To date, a total of $1,080,975.75 has been invested in bonds by Martin County people. This is an over-all figure, meaning that that amount includes money invested in “E” and negotiable bonds, or $230,975.75 in excess of the over all quota of $856, 000.00. In meeting that quota, in dividuals were asked to invest ap proximately $285,150.00 in “E” bonds. To date, “E’ bonds in the sum of $232,390.75 have been sold, leav (Continued on page six) Bandage Hoorn In Bear Grass Opens By Mrs. G. A. Peel, Chairman Reopening the Red Cross bandage . room in Bear Grass since delivery of more material I am asking everyone that can to help. The services are asking for 37,200 bandages before the end of this month and to meet : the demand we must have more vol- i unteers. Let’s do our part. We have done a big thing in helping and let’s do it again, even better than ever be fore. ! 1 know everyone is busy with hon\<- dutiv- v ■■■.*• got tired, but just think of our boys far, far, away. They can’t stop for a rest, and we : will keep moving; I know we will. Report and help. Volunteers for last month are as follows: Mesdames S. H. Mobley, Ilildrtth Rogerson, J. B. Rogerson, Russell Griffin, Claudie Rawls, Kneezer Harrison, Mary Clyde Har dison, Irving Terry, Effie Rogerson, 1 N. R. Rogerson, G. D. Wynn, T. O. Hickman, Dewey Leggett, Annie Rog- : erson, Ruth Hazel Harris, Mamie Rogerson, Leroy Harrison, Hessie Rogerson, Pete Mendenhall, Edmond Harris, Mamie C. Moore, and Bill ■ Bailey, and Misses Naomi Brown,; 1 JjJoiiH M Rogerson Elizabeth Bailey,,,, and Grace Knox. MESSY k — Many of the complaints di rected against rationing are ab solutely unfounded. For in stance, an applicant called for canning sugar. He submitted two books, got his twenty pounds. Three hours later he brought in two more books, had to wait his turn and fussed and fumed be cause others were ahead of him. If he had brought his four books at one time, it would have saved , him a trip to town and saved the rationing board workers that much time. One docs not have to • apply for the maximum amount allowed for canning, but every one is asked to make only one application. Second period appli cations will be received next j week, and the public is asked not i to make more than one applica- i tion during that period. i Judge Calvin Smith Calls Six Cases In The County’s Court Tribunal In Session Hour ainl A Half Clearing Smalt Docket Judge J. Calvin Smith held the Martin County Recorder’s Court in session about one and one-half I hours lust Monday handling half a J dozen criminal cases and a lone civil action. The docket carried no event ful ras<'S, but the court attracted a fair-sized audience. For the second week in succession, bastardy cases occupied a prominent place on the docket. Proceedings: The case charging Willie Allen Pugh with an assault with a deadly weapon was nol prossed. A continuance was granted until August 14 in the ci =e charging Ken neth Harrell with bastardy. Pleading not guilty, Moses Bunch was adjudged not guilty in the case charging him with bastardy. It was proved by the defendant that other parties were involved, leaving an illegitimate young’un without an idtentified papa. Charged with violating the liquor laws, Clarence Rogers pleaded guilty and was sentenced to the roads for ninety days. The road term was sus pended upon the payment of a $40 fine and the court costs. The court also provided that the defendant is not to have any intoxicating liquors in his possession for one year. Charged with drunken and reck less driving and operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license, Lucius Jones was fined $50 and tax i'd with the cost. The court also recommended that no operator’s li cense be issued the defendant for one year. The case charging William Rober son with drunken driving was con tinued for the defendant until the 14th of next month. In the lone civil action before the I'ourt, a consent judgment was en tered whereby the plaintiff!, Ta litha E. Barnhill is to get possession >f a store building in Williamston from W. J. Miller. The judgment ilso provides the payment of rent at the rate of $75 a month until the first of August when the defendant, (Continued on page six) June Marriages In Martin County Are Below the Average —<$>— Ihirleen Licenses To Marry Are Issued During The Period ■<$ The number of marriage licenses ssued in this county last month was (lightly below normal. June brides, n fact, were less numerous than n any other month so far this year, r’ossibly the shortage was centered n the grooms. Considering the arge number of young men drawn >ut of circulation by the war, Dan ,'upid did a very effective job last nonth in this county. Thirteen licenses were issued by iegister of Deeds J. Sam Getsinger, icven to white and six to colored inuples, as follows: White Henry Felton Rogers and Mary Slizabeth Leggett, RFD 2, William ;ton. Howell Warren, Jr., and Nadine alloy, hotb t\t W'Ui'.wiLvo, Willie Lonnie Haisiip of Rober ionville, and Mildred Lassiter, of Villiamston. William Watson Drown, of Green /ilie, and Mildred Lois Greene, of itobersonville. Vaderi B. Hairr, of Jamesville, and Eleanor Dare Jenkins, of Aulander. Ottis Coltrain, of Williamston, and L’iara Shaw, of Robersonville. James Norman Hollis, of Rober ionville, and Nellie Fay Downs, of iVilliamston. Colored William C. Strowd, of Hertford, tnd Mabel Elizabeth Williams, of lastonia. James Oscar fanning and Blanche dines, Doth of Williamston. James Palmer and Fannie Cherry, ioth of Windsor. Carey Robert Leary and Christo jel Woolard, both of Jamesville. Warren Reddick, RFD 2, Wiiiiam ;ton, and Viola Woolard, RFD 1, iVilliamston. Simon Brown, of RFD 1, Hobgood, ind Vivian Smith, of Scotland Neck. -* \o One Hurt In Cur And Truck Accident Yesterday No one was hurt when a 1941 Chevrolet driven by Frank Bell, Jr., colored, crashed into a log truck >wned by the Johnson Milling Corn sany and driven by William Cross, •olored, on a dirt road leading off highway 125 in Goose Nest Town hip yesterday afternoon. Bell, driving his father’s car, was ■minding a curve on the left side of he road, it was reported. Investi jating the accident, Cpl. W. S .Hunt if the Highway Patrol, estimated the lamage to the car at $150. Truck lamage was slight. ww Town Budget Calls for Increase Oi $5,49:>.0fl In Expenditures Is Noted For New Year Ouilr a Few Changes IVIaile Rut Over-all Bu«igel Is About the Same Acting upon the recommendations mace by the treasurer, the local town commissioners this week pro posed an $88,140.00 budget for the 1944-45 fiscal year, the proposal carrying a 20-cent reduction in the $2.20 rate in effect for the fiscal year, 1943-41. While the budget proposed quite a few changes, including appropria tions for new equipment in some of the departments, the total figures are only $5,495.00 in excess of the 1943-44 budget estimate. The budget is a bit confusing. For instance, it calls for a $5,495.00 in crease in expenditures, and yet pro vides for a 20-cent tax rate reduc tion. The reduction is supported in part, by an increase of $144,509 in assessed property values and an anticipated increase of about $2,000 in income from water sales. While the actual amount of general tax ation is less than it was last year, collections are expected to be great er. For instance, the $2.20 rate last year, levied against an assessed property valuation of $2,436,530, would have raised $53,603.66, but income from that source was ex pected to reach only $35,851.00 dur ing that year. In other words, collec tions are still being made, but they are being credited to 1944-45 in come. The proposed new rate of $2 per $100 assessed property valua tion, based on a total valuation of $2,581,039, is expected to raise $51,620.78, but the commissioners be lieve that $39,516 of the levy will be collected during the 1944-45 fiscal year. The rate reduction is further ex plained by the increased cash bal ance on hand. A year ago, there was $17,594.00 in the bank. This year there was $18,424.00 cash on hand. Lower interest rates also have their proportionate effect. Comparing the expenditures for Ihe past fiscal year with those pro posed for the new period, one finds the general administrative costs the same, or $15,150 for each year. These figures are listed in detail in the proposed budget appearing on page four of this paper. The fire department is calling for $6,600 during the new years. Total salaries are being increased from (Continued on page six) Officers Wreck Two Stills In the County Making two raids yesterday, bounty ABC Officer J. H. Roebuck uid Deputy Roy Peel brought in two iquor stills. One of the plants, equipped with i virtually new 50-gallon capacity :oppcr kettle, was found in Bear 3rass Township a short distance ’rom Sweet Home Church. The of ficers poured out about 350 gal ons of pure cane sugar beer. There s a possibility that someone was frying to use canning sugar for settling purposes. Hovering close to the sheltering wings of Cross Roads Church, a 40 jallon capacity tin kettle was found oy officers later in the day. The jistribution of canning sugar ap parently was not as well advanced n that section, the officers pouring rut about 150 gallons of stinking molasses beer. Both plants were cold. A few days ago, Clarence Rogers was carried into court for transport ng a gallon of white liquor in Williamston. Sam Moore of near Dardens was :aught pouring out about three f :iv- 'it "liquor and was book ;d for trial. OVERCHARGES Overcharges, made iu error and amounting to $370.08, were paid to the United States Treas ury by eight merchants in this county a tew days ago. The pay ments were made voluntarily, it was explained, and ran as low as $6.90 and as high as $287.50. The merchants explained that inexperienced help in some cases had figured the prices and made slight errors, that the over charges were unintentional. In the light of the facts prosecution was ruled cut, and the charges were not aired in public. It was learned, however, that solemn warnings were issued against price boosting iu all cases where ceilings are in effect, that the customer is entitled to recover the overcharge and a certain bonus. — -■— - . WOUNDED Pfc. Leroy Godard, young: son of Mrs. Jenny Holland Godard, RFD 1, Williamston, and the late Neal Godard, was seriously wounded in France on June 12. No direct word has been receiv ed from the youth during the past few days. Sgt. Martel Hardy Returns To County From War Theater Voiiii£ Man Had Niiitilicr Of Narrow Escapes Over Enemy Territory Returning to his home in Bear Grass a short time ago for a rest fol lowing fifty bombing missions over enemy and enemy-occupied terri tory, Tech. Sgt. Martel Hardy had several narrow escapes, the details of which could be had only after a rigid questioning. The young man, recognizing the heroic work being done by so many in this war, was a bit hesitant in telling about his own exploits, and even though the ex ploits nearly cost him his life, he dismissed them lightly and in the spirit that he had done no more than thousands of others had done and are still doing. The son of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Hardy, he is one of four brothers in the service. Pvt. Lance D. Hardy, a member of the medical corps, is sta tioned at the present time in New port News. Cpl. Hardy is in the Air Corps and is now somewhere in Kngland. Pvt. Calton Hardy is sta tioned at Fort Jackson. Reporting for duty at Fort Bragg, Sgt. Hardy was destined to do a bit of traveling right in the States. Hi' went first to Miami, then to Tex as and on to California, later going to Nevada and Nebraska for special training. By September of last year, he had about traveled all the coun try .'17 states to be exact—and then he moved across the Atlantic to con tinue his travels, stopping first at Casablanca the latter part of the month. Within nine days he and his bomber crew companions were in action. His missions carried him over Italy, France, Greece, Austria, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Albania, Ru mania and Hungary, lie was based in Italy from De^en^pr to June. Completing his fiftieth mission just recently he was given a 30-day fur lough.. “Every trip hud its close call," Hardy said, but on several missions his ship limped back home badly scarred. The crew was supporting the American land forces in the Anzio beachhead on one mission and two engines wee shot out, eleven gas tanks were punctured, considerable damage was done to the wings and controls and 157 holes were counted in the fuselage. The navigator’s helment was struck by a bullet, but he was not badly hurt and tlie others escaped without a scratch. It was a trying trip back to ' ibme base, Put the .- ,;m d (Continued on pace six) -:» I,tutil Hoy Undergoes An Operation in Delaware -$ Ensign E. S. Pec-1, Jr., underwent an operation for appendicitis in a station hospital at Fort Du Pont, Delaware, on Wednesday of last week, his parents were notified this week. The young man was at sea when lie suffered the attack and was re moved from his ship to a Coast Guard patrol boat and delivered to the sta tion hospital in a short time. Tiro Divorces Pending In Superior Court Of County -- Two suits for divorce, both based on two years of separation, were tiled in the Martin County Super ior Court recently, one by John Punting against Alleen Bunting and one by Lewis Bond against Pecolia Bond. Bandage Boom Asks (More V olunteers To Air! In l rgent Work r«-ss I iian Half of ('urrcnt Quota Has Bcf'ii Handletl in Chapter To Date Preparing only 17,660 of 37,200 bandages it was asked to fold and pack for shipment on or before the last of this month, the Martin Coun ty Red Cross Bandage Room last evening sent out an appeal to all women, urging them to volunteer their services and help handle the urgent task. Included in the 17,860 bandages are 2,500 handled by vol unteers in the Jamesville community. They are working on others there, and Bear Grass is now handling 1, 200. The room will be open on the second floor of the building next to the Guaranty Bank every afternoon and evoing, including Saturday and Sunday, until the assignment is handled in its entirety, Mrs. J. B. Taylor, chairman announced. The room is open each day from 2 to 5:30 and from 8 to 10 p. m. Names of the volunteers reporting since Monday morning are as fol lows: Monday afternoon—Mesdames G. P. Hall, W. C. Manning, Jr., W. E. Old, J. J. Manning, Lewis II. Peel, E. C. Stone, Hoyt Manning, Ben Courtney, K. E. Kimball, Frank Weaver, Roy Griffin, Elbert Sher man. J. P Borel, H. L. Swain, B. S. Courtney and Victor Champion, and Sgt. Effie Sparrow. Monday evening -Mesdames J. J. Marriner, J. O. Manning, Sr., Bill Myers, Elbert Sherman, Carl Mob ley, William Gurganus, Noah Hardi son, Garland Woolard, James Herb ert Ward, W. B Gaylord, Ralph Parker, Arthur White, John Ward, W. O. Griffin, John Goff, Tilmon Coltrain, Fletcher Thomas, B. S. Courtney, Hubert Biggs, Edwin Holding, and Mrs. Anna Harrison, Mrs, Cora Modlin, and Misses Clyde Hassell, Elizabeth Parker, Rosalie Hardison and Margaret Lilley. Tuerd y afternoon -Mesdames G. P. Hall, Elbert Sherman, G. W. Lewis, W. E. Warren, John R. Peel, J. S. Whitley, Travis Kitchin and Mrs. Pat Crawford. Tuesday night Misses Mamie C. Taylor, Addie Lee Meador and Mamie Clyde Manning and Mes dames Dillon Cobb, Joe Roebuck, Sam Zemon, Bill Howell, Abner Brown, J, J. Marriner, W. J. Smith, ' Larry Bullock, L. T. Carrow, Audrey Carter, Sara Simpson, W. T. Stin nelte, V. D. Godwin, Sr, W. J. Mil ler, Clyde Ward, Hobson Carter and Miss Mary Elizabeth Keel. Wednesday afternoon—Mesdames Tom Brandon, Luther Peel, C. C. Parker, S. C. Griffin, W. O. Griffin, 3am Zemon, Frank Weaver, Victor Champion and John R Peel. Wednesday night Miss Mary E. Keel, Mrs. Anna Harrison, Miss Lila Rose Gray, Mesdames J. C. Lyons, Pete Fowden, J. W. Watts, Oswald stalls, J. G. Woolard, Frank Hitch, Perlie Brown, W. T. Stinnette, H. H. Cowen, B. S. Courtney, Roy Gur (Continued on page six) Lions Clul) Expands Hitch-Hike Services The local Lions Club has recently added another project to its growing list of community and civic wartime activities. This feature is the plac ing of a bench along the right curb of each of the highv-ty leading .out of town, for the convenience of hitch-hiking servicemen, who some times have to stand long periods of time, waiting for a ride. Towering above each bench is a neat sign re questing the motorists to stop and pick up a serviceman. The club placed a bench on East Main Street, North Haughton Street, South Washington Street and East Jamesville highway, and these, along with the club’s pick-up station on West Main Street afford a conveni ent spot for the "thumbing” service men to use when trying to solicit a ride, regardless of which direction he happens to be traveling, All labor and materials for the cbiisdutHioi:, painting and location of these benches and signs were fur nished by the club and its members, with the exception of the sign paint ing, which was done by Artist John nie Philpott, whom the club em ployed. The work, handled most ly on Wednesday afternoons, was completed day before yesterday. The club wishes to especially thank and congratulate Lions Frank Weston, John Henry Edwards and E. T Walker, along with several oth ers, for their efforts and interest in promoting this project.—Reported. Home Economics Teacher For Local Schools Named -£ — Miss Verna Belle Lawery of Kins ton, accepted a position in the local schools this week. She succeeds Miss Ruth Britt, former teacher of home economics. Miss Britt resigned to join the Waves. It was also stated this week that F. B. Meaeham, teacher of agricul ture in the Robersonville schools, had resigned.