| THE ENTERPRISE IS READ BS OVER 3,398 MARTIN COUNTS FAMILIES TWICE EACH WEEK YOU ME LIII—NUMBER 1 I THE ENTERPRISE IS READ BS OVER 3,SS« MARTIN COUNTS FAMILIES TWICE EACH WEEK ESTABLISHED 1899 JojriLQJfisiakln. • Regular Meeting Here Last Night; -—«►— i\ili< «* IiiAlrnctrd l *> Cilt'; Lict'iis*' N iolalors to Tin* Courts It's cither buy town motor ve hicle license tugs or go to court, | the local board of commissioners ordered in regular meeting last night. It was explained that there had been some misunder standing about the old law requir ing the purchase and display of town license tags on motor ve • hides. It seems that some mem bers of the police force directed those vehicle owners who had not bought town tags to do so, and in those cases $1 penalty would 4 have been in order. The meeting last night instructed list police department to cite violators and submit a duplicate copy to the derk. If the licenses are not bought, then the case will be ear ned into the courts. Nearly 700 of the approximately 800 ve il ides in town are now displaying the new town lags. Hearing a petition in which fifteen or more citizens pleaded for the elimination of unneces sary noises, the hoard is expected to take action against operators n| motor vehicles operating with out mufflers or with “gutted mufflers. Loud telephone bells maintained by taxi operators on the streets are to be muffled or removed. Unnecessary noises are to be wiped out by police order. 0 Approximately 1.200 feet of cy clone fence is to be purchased and placed around the lot at the water plant for the storing of National Guard Company equipment, the fence to #ost around $1 a foot. Extra parking space for filling stations was denied, the officials explaining that if one business operator is allowed lree parking f in metered zones, others would he ClltltU'O TO n. A pica for keeping the side walks open around filling stations and in front of the town hall was heard, but no action was taken at the meeting. The treasurer reported that i $53,725.92 of the $75,394.22 tax 1, vy foi 1949 had been collected, j and that the town had a cash bal (Continued on page eight) fugitive Sought Refuge In Jail Tired of running from the law. Hubert Fisher from Kalamazoo iast Friday reported to Sheriff M. W. Holloman in this county, told his story and asked to be locked up. The officer accommo date 1 the 32-year-old white man, and contacted Michicgan authori ties who asked that the man be held. Later a message was re ceived from the parole officer, explaining that Fisher had only two months to serve, that he was not worth sending a man for. Fisher, with S3 in his pocket and still neat in his one suit of clothes, left the jail Monday aft ernoon. Fisher said that he was wanted in Michigan and oilier states lui forgery, explaining that he had specialized in check flashing up until last September. Asked why he wanted to give up, he declared that it was hard for him to hold a job. that he had to keep moving before his record eaugnt up with him. He had nr comment to make on the receni turn of events, and started on hi: way. ROUND-UP Seven persons were round ed up and jailed in this coun ty last week-end, officers ex plaining that, as a whole, all was fairly quiet on the crime front during the period. Alt seven were booked for single crimes, including forg ery, drunken driving, shoot ing fireworks, trespass, as sault, drunkenness and inter ference with an officer in the performance of his duty. Three were white and the ages of the group ranged Horn i< to 34 vea*», Leading Sweet Fata to Farmers In .This County Listed among the leading young sweet potato farmers in Martin County are the 4-H and FFA boys pictured above. The picture was made by Extension Service Pho tographer Mattox during the two-day farm school held in the courthouse week before last. Included in the picture are top winners of the recent sweet potato growing con test. They are, kneeling, left to right, William ilaraison of Jamesville, Lewis Gurkin and Gerald Cirilfin, both of Farm Life; standing, Gilbert Ange of Jamesville, Jack Woolard of Williamston, Fred Griffin of Jamesville, Ward Perry of Williamston, C. A. Martin of Jamesville, Billy Woolard of Williamston, Glenn Hyman and Dallas Cox of Oak City, and David Gurkin of Farm Life. Tug Boat ] J amesville WAY SHORT1 __^ All the reports are not yet in, but it is fairly certain that the infantile paralysis drive will fall way short of its goal in this county. According to information released by Chairman L. B. Wynne Monday, less than $2, •J00 had been raised and re ported at that time. Only a few schools are yet to report, the chairman said. It is possible that the fund will be increased by late mail contributions, it was explain ed, but it is likely that the total amount this year will fall $1,000 or more below the 4,300 raised last year. Mrs. Nora Downs Died Suddenly al Home On Sunday Funeral Service In Hassell Church Tuesday After noon al H O’Clock Mis. A. E. Downs, beloved citi zen of the Hassell Community in | this county, died at her home there early last Sunday morning I of a heart attack. Apparently ir I her usual health, Mrs. Downs was ' feeding hci^ chickens when sht i suffered the* attack, death follow ling a short time latei. Mrs. Downs, the former Mis: Nora Purvis, was born in thi; I county 63 years ago and was : | life-long member of the Hassel Christian Church, serving faith fully in the Woman’s Council am in other church activities. Af fectionately known as “Mis Nora’, she was a friendly am helpful neighbor, never tiring ii the service of those in need. Fund al ad vices are being eon ducted in the church this after noon by her pastor, Rev. Olin Fox assisted by Rev. James M. Perr; of Robersonville, and the Rev. 2 B. T. Cox of Farmville. Inter rnent will be in the Hobersonvill Cemetery. Surviving are five daughters .■£ 'i '•.u "" Mr-'. r 3urned At Saturday I .«— Fire Slips Away As Firemen Fight It At Jamesville l oss Unofficially Estimated At $80,000 Willi $10,- | 000 Insurance in Force - • — Just about the time volunteer j firemen from Williamston were : about to whip it down, a big $80.- | 000 fire quietly slipped away and drifted down the; Roanoke at Jamesville last Saturday night shortly after 9:00 o’clock, The firemen, pumping water out of the river, were left helpless and there was nothing to do but stand and watch the burning tug boat 1 drift down the stream and out of sight around a bend about a mile away. The lines, holding the tug to the bank, burned in two, and it was impossible to fasten an other line and hold it in reach of ! the firemen. A second tug was sent to pull the burning boat back, but it caught fire and backed away, holding a safe distance until the fire subsided and then pushing the steel hull to one side of the river where it sank almost out of sight. Jamesville volunteer firemen were first called and they were hooking up a small pump when an air tank started leaking, the hiss ing sound, taken as a preliminary w;arning of an explosion in the tug boat oil tanks, deserted the ; equipment without delay. As soon ;' as the hissing sound subsided, a i1 second attempt was made to starl 1 the pump. Just then a second tank i spilled air, and a second retreat 1 followed without the execution ol • an order. i During the meantime, Wil I liamston’s fire department wai i called and a 750-gallon capacitj pumper was dispatched then - about 9:00 o’clock. Pumping wat ■ er from the river, the firemen al , most had the fire under contro i when the boat slipped from it: . moorinb and drifted out of reach The tug had moved hardly mori ; than 200 yards down the strearr when the oil tanks exploded , sending flames hundreds of fee’ '* r. t n i hr /nr ■ .lCa9.tio.ued on page-debt}* • Native Oi County Died Monday In Durham Hospital -*, Fnnt-rttI Iu Whilovill*’ I'**1 J(>s^ !N. Coburn Tut** . Jones is building one on Beech Street and t'hesley Jones is also building on the same street. K. J. Brock is starting a two story brick-stone house on East Vance Street, and work is progressing rapidly on a garage apartment for Miss Edna Barnhill on Liberty Street .just across the way from the Kipleys. Funeral ln_Loca! Church Sunday ior Mrs. David N. Hix --- Native of \\ iilianiston Died Vl II this countv and aught school in Bear Grass and Everetts for several years. She was married November 15, 1929. | to Mr. Hix, principal of the Ever etts and Williamston schools fori i number of years before going to ! j Oxford six years ago where he j was principal of the high school ' I before being elected superintend- ; lent of Granville County schools1 j two years ago A friend to everybody, she was j held in high esteem in her home and adopted communities where she figured prominently in religi ous and civic activities. She de voted her life to her family and I friends, lending a sympathetic I understanding and a helping hand ' to those in need. Her life exem i plified all that was good and j \ j noble, and was so unselfishly 1 iv !>' i I Surviving besides her mother ; and husband are a daughter, Nan Icy Carolyn; four sisters, Mrs. S. 1, Copeland of China Lake. Calif . Mis Philip Waters of Windsor, Mrs. Finley Hatch of Norfolk, and Mrs. Ray Ferris of Novelty, Ohio; and four brothers. George Hatton, John Hatton, Eli and Ed gar Gurganus, all of Williamston. WhCeler M Ward, making his home with the family since he was ten years old, was regarded as a brother by her. Mrs. Hix was a member of the Methodist, church, and Rev. E. R. ■ Sluiller, pastor, and Rev. Sam A. i (Continued on page eight) Action Delayed On New Health Center State Commission Gives Approval To $50,000.00 Project -• < oininmiiiniurH Appropri ateil $1,000 for S>vcrl I’oliilo S|»<‘eialisl Advised that the North Caro line Medical Care Commission had approved a new health contei * for this county, the Martin Board j of Commissioners in regular ses sion Monday discussed the plan * hut delayed action until f u 11 he I studies can be made, It is proposed to construct a hi it K building Cl by 00 feet to house the Martin County Health i unit, the project to cost an esti- j mated $50,000. It was explained | that the county’s share of the cost would be about 21A percent , | of the total, or about $15,700. According to i ports, the com j mission found the present health offices inadequate, that more , ! space is badly needed. No final action by the officials , of this county is anticipated un 1 til site costs and other details arc determined. In keeping with an expanded . sweet potato program in the coun ty, the (ommissioners agreed to . appropriate abopt $1,000 for a po - tato specialist’s salary. Pitt Coun i ty, a short time ago appropriated s that amount, and Edgecombe is ■ expel ted to cooperated Sneakiny ..[ (Continued on page eight) trrrslfd In Jaineaville I or Iris/musing Sunday -- “Red" Ray, 40-year-old color ed man, was arrested in the yard at the Lillie Beil Currie home in Jamesville Sunday night by Of ficer O'Neal and placed in the county jail. Said to have been drunk, Ray was charged with trespassing. Wm. W. Roberson Died At Home In County Thursday -• Lust Kite* Held for Farmer In Fimerul Home Hero Sunday Afternoon William Wiley Roberson, well known farmer of Jamesville Township, died at his home in the Tar Landing section last Fri day evening at 7:00 o’clock. He had been in declining health, I death following a stroke suffered i a short time ago. A son of the late William Wiley ! and Susan Roberson, he was born m Jamesville Township 00 years ago on May 30. 1000, and lived and farmed there all his life except for a few years spent in Norfolk. While he made his home in Nor folk he was in the U. S. Maritime i Service, and traveled to a num I her of ports' in various parts of the world. He was married to Miss Ma.uit'e (CetU.su ued oa pafi-fc eight) Explains Wage-Hour Law In Address Here CHECK FLASHER After forcing several checks in local business establish ments last week, A. .1. Cox, 35-year-old Beaufort County man, fell into the hands of the law at Tarboro last Sat urday, and will be returned to this county for trial just as soon as he pays his obli gations off in Edgecombe. I.oral firms, including B. S. Courtney, Western Auto and Thrower Hardware and Appliance Company lost lit tle or no money, but he made a fairly sizable haul in Plym outh. one report stated. Cox made a purchase at the hard ware store, and asked to in crease the amount of the cheek for change. Manager Thrower ruled that out and before the goods were de livered, it was learned that no such account as that list ed by Cox was carried in the local hank. Cox used the name of A. J. Clary and A. J. Cherry on the checks. Commissioner 0! Labor Speaks In Couniy Thursday -—— IN (‘H1 I,aw Affrrls Onlv Tliosc Vi ho liumilc (.nods In Inlorslali' ('.oiiiiiirt*«'4‘ "The Amended Federal Wage and Hour Law" was the subject of an address last Thursday in the Martin County courthouse by Forrest II. Shuford, Ni rth Caro lina Commissioner of Labor. In his talk Commissioner Shu ford discussed the Congressional ! amendments to the Wage and Hour Law which became effective on January 25. The floor was then thrown open for Questions from the audience which the State official answered in detail. The Federal Law applies to those workers who (11 are in in terstate .commerce, (2) those who produce goods for interstate com merce, and (3) those whose work , is closely related or directly es sential to the production of goods for insterstate commerce Shuford Delegation Claims Disseniion Charge Is Without Merit -- !\o Decision On I'ln* Oak Oily Srliool Plan Like ly Ik'foic March il Efforts to block a plan approv ed by the Martin County Board of Education ana too Building Committee of the State Board ol Education and culling for the con struction of a Negro high school in Oak City were virtually aban doned, temporarily at least, last ^ week when a delegation of twelve Negroes from the county appear ed before the State Board of Edu cation and vigorously denied the charge that W. C Chance, Pur mele school principal, had “pro- i muted dissention instead of har mony between the races", that Chance had taught that “any show of friendship by whites to Negroes should be regarded as hypocritical, that whites merely were 'using' Negroes when they extended a helping hand.’ Heading a delegation of thirty from the county, Kev. Spencer Burnett of the Oak City commun ity appeared befuic the Building Committee of the State Board of Education in Raleigh last Wed nesday and supported the Oak City plan, lodging the charges against the Parmele school man and declaring to the education board members that “he (Clfanee) is trying to mislead you gentle men.” The Parmele school man car ried his appeal to Govei nor Kerr Scott in a special conference some time ago. It could not he learned ; with whom other conferences' were held, hut Chance, aeeom-1 (Continued from Page Three) Oak City Clinic Being Reopened Closed for some time, the clinic in Oak City is being reopened by the Martin County Health De- 1 partment, it was announced last week-end by Health Officer John W. Williams. Wilbur Barrett has reconditioned the offices formerly occupied by Di. E. E. Pittman and the clinic will be open each first and third Thursday, for the pres ent time. The prenatal clinic will he held there on the third Thurs day, it was explained. Dr. Pitt man will be in charge of the baby clinic when he returns. The Oak C ity commissioners are paying the rent on the offices which will make it mole conveni ent for those above the town who have been going to Hamilton. Tiie health department will keep the Hamilton clinic open each Friday afternoon and pre natal examinations will be made every third Tuesday. Dr. Hem Tiiipr,,,J.> v hUfUtc diiv I ician in Hamilton. expiiiincu. "Many employee!; of local ser vice anil retail establishments have the mistaken idea that the new 75-cents an hour minimum wage and other provisions of the Wage and Hour Law apply to them,” Commissioner Shuford said "1 want to emphasi/.e that this law generally does not cov er workers in these local service and retail business, such as cloth ing, grocery, hardware, variety, department and drug stores; laun dries and dry cleaning plants; res taurants, soda shops, barber shops, hotels, service station ,, and the like." Shuford explained that the Wage and Hour Act, like various other types of federal legislation, follows the provision in the Con stitution which gives Congress the power to regulate interstate com merce. Local business, or intra state commerce, is outside the scope of the Act, he staled. As a simple illustiation of the difference between interstate and (Continued on page eight) Two Road Wrecks In This County Hilton Biggs, young white man, was painfully cut on the head when the 1940 Ford sedan driven hy Nathan Mizelle, turned over on a dirt road not far from Cross Roads Monday morning at 7:30 o'clock. Mizelle was not .hurt. Damage to the car was estimated at $300 b,y Patrolman M. F. Pow ers, the investigating officer. Mizelle said he was driving along about 40 miles on hour and hit a bump in the road. He lost control of the car and it went in to a ditch and turned over. Driving his pick-up truck east on Highway 04 not far from Gardner’s Creek last Thursday. D. Andrew Griffin had to stop quickly to avoid crashing into a State motorgrader. Robert Ed mond Robb of Columbia, S. C\, driving behind Griffin, could not stop immediately, and drove his 1949 Chrysler into the rear of the pick-up truck, doing about $7,i damage to his ear and about $5 or $10 damage to the truck, ac cording to Patrolman E. P Sim mons who investigated the acci dent. No one was hurt. SCHEDULE f J In ;i recent meeting, Wil liamston Boosters fixed a schedule of holidays for local business establishments. Beginning April 19, local stores will observe the hall holiday schedule each Wed nesday afternoon until the Wednesday before the open ing of the tobacco market. Easter Monday, July 4 and Thanksgiving Day were in cluded in the list of all-day holidays. The Christmas holi day schedule will be fixed liUer-.' _ . .iH