Newspapers / The Roanoke Beacon and … / Feb. 20, 1931, edition 1 / Page 1
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pilllllllillllimilllllllllllllllllllMIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIINI!MIIII^ = A home newspaper dedicated | = to the service of Washington = = County and its 12,000 people. |j ilHIIIIIHmilimilllimiHIMMIIMIHIIIIHIMIIMIIMimiMIIHIlir THE ROANOKE BEACON ★ ★★★★★★★★★ And Washington County News ★ ★★★★★★★★★ Jiiiimmiimiimmiimmiiiimiiiiiiiimimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim = Advertisers will find Beacon § and News columns a latch-key to i 1,100 Washington County homes. niiiimiiiimMiimiMiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiimiiiimiimii! VOLUME 42—NUMBER 8 Plymouth, Washington County, North Carolina, Friday, February 20, 1931. ESTABLISHED 1889 THIRD OF PUPILS ENROLLED ARE NOT PROMOTED Superintendent Gives Ten Causes of Large Number Of Failures County Superintendent of Schools J. VV. Norman has recently compiled statistics showing the number of children enrolled in the schools of Washington County for the 1929-30 term who were not promoted to the next higher grade for one cause or another. The figures will probably prove astonishing to the average ci tizen. as approximately 33 per cent of the total number of children enrolled were not promoted. However, this in cludes not only those students who failed in their studies but those who moved from one section to another, and those who dropped out for any cause after enrolling. It is also pro bable that some children are counted twice, where they moved from one school to another in the county, as they would in that case be enrolled twice while they would only be pro moted at the school they were attend ing at the close of the term. There was very little difference in the percentage of failures among white high school and elementary stu dents, the figures being: High school, 85 out of 358 enrolled, or 23.7 per cent; elementary grades. 354 out of 1,399 enrolled, or 25.3 per cent. Colored high school children had a very low percentage of failures, only 13 out of the 86 enrolled failing to make their grades. In the elementary department a far different story is told, Out of the 1,495 colored pupils enrolled there, 582, or 39 per cent, were not promoted. Mr. Norman pointed out that the > total cost of operating the schools last year was $104,472.59, or approximately $31.29 for each of the 3,338 students enrolled. 'This would mean that the county spent $34,763.19 to teach the 1,111 who failed, and the county su perintendent inquires “Is it worth itr” He is using these figures as one o fthe main arguments for regular atten dance of children after they are en rolled, as absences are responsible in many cases for failure to be promoted. Superintendent Norman listed 10 of the principal reason for the failure j of students, as follows: 1, irregular at-j tendance; 2, lack of interest; 3, poorly prepared for the grade; 4, out of school, on account of sickness; 5, indifference of parents; 6, pupils fail to prepare lessons; 7, tenant farmers moving and children lose by changing schools; 8, inattention on class; 9, insufficient working materials; 10 outside interests interfere with preparation of lessons. DEATH OF MISS MARY NURNEY Aged Woman Died Here Early Tuesday; Final Rites Wednesday Miss Mary Nurney, aged 80, died ' Tuesday morning about 1:25 at the home of Mrs. Speller Pinkham here, where she had made her home for j the past year. Miss Nurney had been in failing health since shortly before J Christmas, when she suffered a fall,' "never completely recovering from its | 'effects. She had been confined to her hed for some time and her death early Tuesday was not unexpected by j friends and relatives here. Miss Nurney was born in Plymouth on October 18, 1850, and was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs.! David Nurney. She was the last of her family, her two brothers and one sister having preceded her to the grave by a number of years. Her nearest living relatives are four nephews, Messrs. W. T. and Clyde Nurney, of of Plymouth; Silas Everett, of Nash County; Charlie Nurney, of Newport News, Va.; and two nieces, Mrs. Ida Batts and Mrs. Mollie Griffin, both of Nash County. Miss Nurney, up to recent years, was very active in affairs of the local Baptist church, of which she had long been a member. Funeral services were held in the church Wednesday after noon at 3 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. R. Cantrell. Interment was made in the family plot in the old Baptist cemetery here. Roper Storekeeper Catches ’Possum Robbing His Store Instead of the usual two-legged thief that breaks into stores and raids the stock, J. W. Chesson, of Roper, dis-1 covered an opossum Saturday night that evidently has been stealing eggs, meat, etc. from his place of business since last November. Attributing the loss to rats and mice, several people in the store were astonished Saturday night, after hearing a noise, when they found the 'possum. The animal had evidently made his home under the store for the past months and was getting along fine on the provender he found there. Mr. Chesson has the animal in a box and expects to even tually tame him. First Loading of Poultry To Be Made Here Here Monday The first of the 1931 coopera tive poultry shipments will be made in this county next Monday, when a car will be placed on the siding at the A. C. L. station here, it was announced this week by County Agent R. E. Dunning. The car will be here for only one day. Prices for the loading next Mon day have not been released, but will be announced Saturday, the agent stated, adding that he would post the schedule on the bulletin board at the courthouse just as soon as he received them. That the prices will be lower than last sea son is almost certain, but the size of the reduction can only be guessed at for the present. The schedule of prices will be furnished by the State Division of Markets. It is expected that prices will at least two to five cents lower than last year, when colored hens com manded 22 cents a pound at the first loading. Mr. Dunning is advising owners of poultry to cull their flocks at this time and get rid of the non-pro ducers or ‘boarder’ hens. The agent hesitated in securing a car this season due to the expected low prices, but on account of a report ed shortage feed and low prices prevailing on local markets, it was decided to schedule the car at once. It was announced that cars would be obtained at 30-day inter vals provided the amount of poul try offered justified it. Four Buildings Are Destroyed by Blaze Town Council Will Hold Meet Tonight ———■» The Town Council will hold its regular meeting to night, with a number of im portant matters to be consi dered by the members. City Clerk Moye W. Spruill said yesterday that he had receiv ed replies to his requests for schedules of water rates of several towns in this section about the size of Plymouth, and it is considered likely that the town fathers will give much time to this subject, with the possibility of a change being made in the rates announced here recent ly. A number of citizens have made protests against the schedule as announced and are asking for lower rates. TOMATO SEED IS DISTRIBUTED Early Planting Advised by County Agent; Expect Over 1,000 Acres -® John W. Darden, who is charge of the interests of the Crockett canning organization here at this time, received a shipment of tomato seed Monday and has been busy since delivering the seed to growers in the section who have agreed to sign contracts. He stated that up to Tuesday noon, lie actually had about 250 acres under contract, with at least 1,000 to 1,200 promised. Growers from 1 itt, Bertie, Martin, and Hyde have indicated their willing ness to give the crop a trial this year, in addition to the large number in this county who expect to raise tomatoes. Mr. Darden is notifying growers that the seed is here, and contracts are be ing signed when the seed is delivered. Although early planting is advised, County Agent R. E. Dunning said this week that the seed could be planted on up to the first week in March. 1 rans planting is not feasible in this section before April 25. he says and plant beds can he sowed at any time within the next two weeks, the earlier the better, of course. ■-«> Sunday Services At Episcopal Churches -e Grace Church, Plymouth Rev. Arthur H. Marshall, rector. j Mr. Frith Winslow, Sunday school superintendent. Mrs. Robert Johnston, organist. Miss Louise Duvall, president Y. P. S. L. Sunday school at 10 a. nt. Young Peoples’ Service League at 7 p. m. “Conte thou with us, and we will do thee good, for the Lord baht spok en good concerning His church. St. Lukes Church, Roper Mr. Edgar Spruill, Sunday school superintendent. Mrs. J. A. Chesson. Organist. Sunday school, 10 a. m. Monday To Be Holiday At Bank and Post Office -(V- ■ — Washington’s Birthday, February 22, falling on Sunday this year, next Monday, the 23rd, will be observed as a holiday by the local hank and post offices throughout the county, it was learned today. No other observance is planned in this section, so far as could be learned, and all other busi ness establishments here will be open as usual. JUST OUTSIDE OF CITY LIMITS; NO HYDRANT NEAR Three Dwellings and Small Store Burned; Owned by Colored People Fire Monday morning destroyed three dwellings and one small store at the southern end of Madison Street, just outside the city limits, providing a spectacular event for several hun dred onlookers who gathered short ly after the Idaze was discovered. All of the buildings were occupied by co lored people, and the furnishings of three of them were saved by the crowd, assisted by the city fire depart ment, which was unable to do any ef fective work in extinguishing the blaze because of lack of water, there being no hydrant nearer than three blocks. Tlie fire originated in a two-story frame dwelling house owned and oc cupied by Noah Moore and family, and before the alarm was sounded the house was a mass of flames, all of the furniture being consumed. Moore's young daughter and his wife’s sister were sick in bed at the time, the latter on the second floor. When she dis covered the fire the stairway was blazing and her escape cut off in that direction. She was rescued by neigh bors, who placed a ladder against the house and took her from a window. A small store, also owned by Moore, was burned, much of the stock being removed, however. Another one-story dwelling, owned by Moore and oc cupied by his brother. James Moore, was the next to go, all of the con tents of which were saved. There was no insurance on any of this property, and Moore’s loss was estimated at about $1,500. I I i 1 The fourth house to oe consumcu uy the flames was owned by Sophie Moore. Practically of the furniture was removed by volunteers, and it is un derstood that there was $1,000 in surance on the dwelling. The alarm was turned in by Mr. Riddle, who saw the blaze break through the roof of Moore's home, and by the time firemen arrived the house was falling in, with two of the other dwellings already in flames. Several outbuilding were also destroyed, and Moore also lost all of his chickens and a nice hog. The firemen used water from the booster tank on the big truck to keep the flames from spreading to several other houses in the vicinity, several of which caught fire a number of times. Bucket brigades were also organized and kept the near-by build ings drenched. RECORDER HAD ONLY ONE CASE Walter Ranson Fined $25 For Assaulting Fireman; Appeal Is Noted Only one case was tried before Re corder Edward I-. Owens here d ues day, and while it was for only a minor offense considerable interest was attached to it and there was a fairly good-sized crowd of spectators present. Walter Ransom was charged with assault and with interference with a fireman in the performance of his duty. The case grew out of the fire here Monday morning, it being alleged that Ransom ordered some small co lored boys to stop carrying water to the fire truck, and when one of the firemen, Miller Warren, asked him what he had to do with it, he replied with a curse, a fight following. The defendant demanded trial by jury, which brought in a verdict of guilty as charged. Judge Owens assessed him with a fine of $25 and the costs, to which judgment appeal was noted. Bond was fixed at $100. COUNTY MERGER PROPOSITION IS TAKEN LIGHTLY Consolidation of Washing ton and Tyrrell Among Those Proposed -«> The report of the Brookings Insti tution, which has made a thorough study of county government in Nortli Carolina, was recently submitted to Governor Gardner, who authorized the study. Besides recommending a num ber of changes in the form of county government, the institution -uggests the consolidation of a number of North Carolina counties in the interest of economy, among them Washington and Tyrrell. While the consolidation program re commended is regarded very lightly in most circles, and there is little pros pect of its adoption at any time in the near future, the report has caused quite a bit of comment, particularly in the sections that would he affected by consolidation. People in this section generally laugh' at the proposal to merge Washington and Tyrrell, and the plan has very few supporters in either of the counties, it is believed. The selection of a county seat would prove an almost insurmountable obs tacle even if the plan was favored. The Brookings Institution, in mak ing the report, says that the division of the State into counties was made at a time when physical conditions were very different from now. "At that time means of communication were undeveloped, and the task of traveling from one point to another was fre quently a matter of considerable dif ficulty. Since then, and especially dur ing the last few years, the road sys tem has been greatly- improved and the introduction of the use of the auto mobile has greatly facilitated move ment. It must he evident from this that there no longer exists the same need for the division of the State into as many districts as are now represented by the 100 counties. That a very ma terial economy in the expense of local 1 government could thus Ire effected by 1 lessening the number of areas must be evident.” Other recommendations made by the institution include an amendment to the State constitution to make the hoard of county commissioners solely responsible for the administration of county affairs, and to provide that the register of deeds of each county shall he appointed by the board of commis sioners. In fact, it is suggested that all county hoards and oflicials, except sheriff, he appointed by the commis sioners. The county accountant of each county would he designated as the clerk to the board of commis sioners. The register of deeds would he charged with the duty of promptly informing the tax supervisor of any recorded transfer of taxable property. Where county finances permit, the ins tallation of a system of indexing by family name in the register of deeds office is recommended, and the ins titution would centralize the purchas ing of each county government and, where it is more economical to do so, require the county purchasing agent to make purchase through the proposed State bureau of purchase and con tract. Reaction to the report was very prompt and almost unanimous throughout the State, the governor re- ( ceiving many letters of condemnation | of the suggestions, particularly with ^ reference to the consolidation of coun ties. So far, none of the leading poli ticians of North Carolina have dared to lend support to the propositions, and while some of the suggested re forms in government may he adopted : it is generally felt that the consolida tion idea is a dead issue already. Besides the . Washington-Tyrrell merger proposed, other suggested con solidations in this section included Chowan and Perquimans, with Eden ton as the county seat; and Pasquo tank, Camden, and Currituck, with Elizabeth City as county seat. Appointment of County Attorney Is Postponed — George \V. Hardison, chairman of the county board of commissioners and county accountant, stated yesterday that it was not likely a county attorney would be appoiticd to succeed Jerry A. Sawyer, who was killed in an auto mobile accident two weeks ago, until the next regular meeting of the board of commissioners Monday, March, 2. So far there are no active candidates for the office among county attorneys and no hint has been dropped a> to the probable selection of the board. In the meantime, Mrs. Sawyer is proceeding with the collection of 1928 taxes, the task at which her husband was engaged at the time of his death. She has desk space in the office of the county accountant, and as she had 'helped Mr. Sawyer in the preliminary work of collecting for the tax certi jficates, she had no difficulty in taking ^up where he left off and continuing the work. I Louis Philip Hornthal, Sr., Dies At His Home Here Wednesday Salvation Army Reports on Past Month's Relief Work The report of the Salvation Army for the month of January shows that a total of 53 families were supplied with food during the month, 139 garments were dis tributed, 29 pairs of shoes were donated to the needy, 1 family was furnished wood, books were sent to 5 people, medicine to 6 people, and milk supplied by the local dairy was distributed among 12 families. It was pointed out in the report that the number of families supplied with groceries includes families supplied more than once. Envoy and Mrs. Brewer, in charge of the post here, took oc casion in their report to express their thanks to the people of Ply mouth and Washington county for their cooperation and liberal do nations to the work. During the month the Army workers also held one cottage prayer meeting and made 34 visi tations among the sick of the com munity. They are still receiving requests for aid, although it is not believed conditions are as bad as they were two months ago, when the Salavtion Army entered upon its work in the county. GET READY FOR FISHING SEASON IN THIS SECTION Sound Fishermen Already At Work; Small Catches Reported So Far -» While the fishing season has not really opened up along the Roanoke River yet, fishermen along Albemarle Sound are already making shipments of shad, herring, and jack, although the quantities caught so far are small, comparatively speaking. The season does not really get in full blast on the sound until about the middle of March, while it is usually about two or three weeks later than that on the river. Fish caught at this time are usually boxed ill ice and shipped to northern markets, where they bring fancy prices early in the season. Later on, the catches, consisting mostly of herring, are "pickled" and shipped in kegs. Shad usually brings a better return when sold fresh, and few are salted. It is understood that the Hampton Fishery, located about two miles from here up Roanoke River, will begin seining about March 23. A few her ring and shad are being caught now in the river by drift nets in this section, while on the creeks and farther up the river fishermen use skim nets. The fishermen on the sound use pound nets for their catches. A large num ber of perch are being taken from the creeks, hoop nets being used principally. The fishing industry occupies a prominent place as a source of in come in this section, and all types of business enterprises benefit when the catches are large or prices good. For that reason the coming of the fishing season is awaited with interest by practically every one in this section. Lenten Services At Episcopal Churches The regular schedule of Services during Lent will be as follows Grace Church Plymouth N. C. Every Wednesday evening at 8 o' clock. Every Friday afternoon at 3:30. St. Lukes Church Roper Every Thursday Evening at 7:30. It is most earnestly urged that all members of these Churches avail themselves of the opportunity to at tend these services during this season jf Lent as much as possible. -» Roper Boys Win Two More; Girls Lose One -® The Roper Boys’ team last week ,von two more games, defeating Farm Life School of Martin County Wed lesday in a one-sided contest played lere, 22-2 and downing the Bethel luint in a fast game at Robersonville Friday, 19-21. The local boys have tow won eleven straight games with out a loss, and have been invited to participate in a tournamianet to be held in Ahoskie March 6th and 7th. While the boys were winning, the Roper girls were not doing so well, losing their first game of the season to Robersonville at that place Friday night. The local girls had previously won 8 games, including one from Rob ersonville a few weeks ago. The score last week was 37 to 9. -« Open Bids Last Week for Edenton Postal Building -» The government received bids la>t week for the erection of a new post office building at Edenton. Bids were entered by 24 contractors, the highest one being $70,250, while the lowest was $51,950, made by 1). J. Rose & Sons Co., of Rocky Mount. Fourteen bids were from North t arolina firms, while 10 out-of-thc-State contractors entered bids on the job. Now, What Chance Has a Mere Man? We are “lifting" the follow ing item from “Home and Club News,” Miss Pratt Covington’s column on the back page, because we ffel it is worth a more prominent position in this paper to il lustrate the variety of pro blems the home agent is call ed on to solve: “Last Saturday a club mem ber brought her husband in to the home agent’s office and said that they were hav ing a little difference about getting a certain shade tree cut down in their yard. The wife wanted it cut, and the husband didn’t. What was I to do? Well, Solomor may have been wise, but two wo men against one man will do just as well. The tree is being cut down this week.” ‘FLU’ PREVALENT IS OF MILD TYPE Many Cases Are Reported In County; Very Little Pneumonia -® Although it has not reached the stage of a serious epidemic, there are a large number of people in Washing ton county suffering from a mild form of influenza at the present time, ac cording to Dr. T. L. Bray, county health officer. Dr. Bray stated that he had more patients right now from this disease than at any other time in several years. I he malady, however, is not of the malignant type, and there are very few cases of pneumonia, which is most to he dreaded in connection with influenza. There are three types of the disease, according to the physician the one prevalent in this section being mostly of gastro-intestinal variety, which is accompanied by stomach dis orders and severe vomiting. Dr. Bray advises avoidance of crowds as much as possible as a pre ventative measure and said that the surest and quickest way to beat in fluenza when stricken is to call a doctor immediately and abide by his instructions. PHEASANT EGGS ARE ASKED FOR -$ Game Warden Hopes to Get Several Settings for This County -® County Game Warden Harry Stell was this week receiving applications from Washington County citizens who wish to get a setting of ring necked pheasant eggs from the State, birds from which are to be released in the section after they get large enough to take care of themselves. Mr Stell hopes to place at least one setting in each of the four townships of the county. The eggs are furnished without cost by the State for propagation purposes only, and those who receive the set tings are obligated to release the birds after they attain a certain age. Mr. Stell said that the method of hatching recommended is to put the setting under a bantam hen. It is not yet known how many settings will I be sent to this county. Mr. Stell has already made application for a num ber of Mexican quail to be distributed in the county this spring, and it is hoped to record a decided increase in the game population of the county be I fore the next hunting season opens. I FUNERAL IS HELD THURSDAY FROM GRACE CHURCH Prominent Local Business Man Succumbs After 10-Day Illness -% Louis Philip Hornthal, 59, promi , nent in the business life of this sec tion for many years, and former mayor | town councilman, and member of the Plymouth scho. 1 board, died at his home on West Main Street here Wed nesday morning at 11 o’clock, after an extended illness from Bright’s Disease. Mr. Hornthal suffered from the malady • r several years, although he was net confined to his bed until about 10 days ago. Since that time his : condition had grown steadily worse, and liis death Wednesday morning was not unexpected by members of the family and friends in the town. Mr. Hornthal lived practically all of hi.' life in Plymouth, having been born here November 17, 1871. the son of the late L. H. and Martha W. Hornthal. After attending public school here, he I studied at business school' in Balti more and New York City, returning to Plymouth and entering the mercan tile business with his father. He con tinued in this business until 1904, when the firm was dissolved, after which he conducted a sales stable here for a number of years. It was in the peanut business where Mr. Hornthal was best known, how ever. in the capacity of buyer, first for the firm of Bosnian & Lolunan and during the last 10 or 12 years With the Planters Nut & Chocolate Co., Suffolk, he was known to practically every farmer in Eastern North Caro lina engaged in the production of this crop. He had a wide reputation for fair-dealing and was generally recog nized as one of the most efficient buyers in the industry. in auuuioii luiimidiimui' a pM'iin nent place in the business life of the section, Mr. Hornthal took an active interest in the upbuilding of the town and county. He served Plymouth a» mayor and councilman. the graded school district a> a member of the board of trustees, and the township as justice of the peace. In all matters for the betterment of the community, he could be depended upon to lend his support and take a leading part. Mr. Hornthal was married on Jan uary 31, 1894, in Suffolk. Ya.. to Miss Florence Hadlee, of Woodville. Ber tie County, who survives him. There are also five children living, as fol lows: Mrs. A. L. Booth, of Rocky Mount: Miss Martha Hornthal, of Ply mouth; Mr>. \Y. B. Watts, of Wil liamston; Mrs. Z. G. Lyon, of Ply mouth; and Louis Philip Hornthal. jr.. of Plymouth. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thurs day afternoon at 4 o’clock in Grace Episcopal Church here, of which he was a member. The rites were con ducted by Rev. A. H. Marshall, rec tor: assisted by Rev. Theodore Part rick, of Raleigh, a former rector of the local church. Interment was made in the family plot in the church yard. A large concourse of friends and neighbors attended, and the floral of ferings were very beautiful and elab orate. Active pall-bearers were: Leslie T. Fowden, Dr. J. S. Rhodes; L. R. Gurganus, J. K. Reid. J. \Y. Norman, F. G. Harrison, T. 'I'. Gardner, W. R. Hampton, and J. H. Smith. Honorary pall-bearers included O. H. Lyon, I)r. W. F. Warren, J. G. Staton, Dr. D. T. Taylor, sr.. J. G. Marshall, Clarence Latham. Z. Y. Norman, Geo. W. Hardison, J. Walter Starr, J. W. Watts, I). O. Brinkley. R. A. Willi ford, B. R. Barnhill, F. G. Carstar phen, M. \\ . Norman, Dr. Claudiu> McGowan, and Dr. J. F. Sfnithwick. Boys To Build Log Cabin For Sunday School Class --<s>. The hoys of the Methodist Sunday school class taught by Mr. T. C. Burgess are making plans for build ing a log cabin just back of the church building. The cabin, which is to be 25 by 20 feet, will be used as 'a classroom and for other gatherings held by the boys. Mr. Burgess *aid Monday that they planned to start work on the cabin within a few days. The work will be done by the boys themselves and they are showing much interest in the project. Home Agent Announces Schedule for Next Week -« Miss Pratt Covington, county home demonstration agent, yesterday an nounced her schedule for the coming week, as follows: Monday. Plymouth; Tuesday, Zion: Wednesday, Beach Grove; Thursday. Piney Grove; Friday, Plymouth; Sat urday, curb market.
The Roanoke Beacon and Washington County News (Plymouth, N.C.)
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Feb. 20, 1931, edition 1
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