North Carolina Newspapers

Advertisers will find Beacon and News columns a latchkey to 1200 Washington County homes. VOLUME XLIX—NUMBER 7 The Roanoke Beacon * * * * * * » and Washington County News ******* Plymouth, Washington County, North Carolina, Friday, February 18, 1938 A home newspaper dedicated to the service of Washington County and its 12,000 people. ESTABLISHED 1889 Chemists Say Pulp Mill Is Not Polluting River Recoverv Process in •/ Use at Plant Reduces Hazard To Minimum Recent Story Appearing in Daily Paper Discounted By Local People -® O. H. Cox, general manager of the North Carolina Pulp Company here, indicated in an interview this week that there was no foundation for the charges of polluting the waters of the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound, alleged to have been made at a gath ering of fishermen and directed a gainst the local pulp plant. An article appearing last week in a State daily under an Edenton dateline stated Federal and State game and conservation department officials were designated at a meeting there to enter "vigorous protest” against the “believed possible pollution of the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound by the excretions from the great new pulp plant” at Plymouth. It was fur ther stated that two of the men left Edenton to ‘‘talk things over with the pulp plant officials at Plymouth. Mr. Cox said this week that not only had no one approached him about the matter but that samples of water taken from the river below the pulp plant were constantly being an alyzed by the firm’s chemists with no indications being found that anything injurious to fish was coming from the plant. The manager of the plant also pointed out the elaborate recovery system in use there was designed to prevent possible pollution of the river. This recovery system is one of the most costly features of the entire plant. Through a process of distil lation and refining, it permits chemi cals used in pulp manufacture to be used over and over again, instead of being emptied into the river. W. R. Hampton, member of the State Board of Conservation and De velopment and owner of the Hamp ton Fisheries, located just above the pulp plant, said this week that he knew of no protest being filed against the firm through state department channels. It will be recalled that before any construction work was begun on the local plant, officials of the Kieckhefer company conferred at some length with the State Department of Con servation and Development, outlining the processes that would be used here, and it was agreed at that time that ample safeguards were provided to protect river and sound fishermen against loss through pollution. The whole story is regarded locally as little more than a case of over ze^lousness on the part of the Eden ton correspondent. -$ Large Crowd Greets New Baptist Pastor At First Service Here —®— Rev. Paul Nickens Comes To Local Church From Durham A large crowd greeted Rev. Paul Nickens at both the morning and evening services here Sunday, when he began his pastorate at the local Baptist church, succeeding the Rev. R. H. Lucas. The new minister served as assist ant pastor and educational director of the Angier Avenue Baptist church in Durham for some time. He graduated from Wake Forest College last June. Mr. Nickens is married, and will leave here Sunday afternon for Dur ham, where he will meet his wife and bring her back to Plymouth with him. They will live in the Ayers Apartments. Five-Ounce Egg Laid by Rhode Island Red Hen Alfred Brinkley, son of Captain and Mrs. Tom Brinkley, was this week displaying an egg weighing 5 ounces, laid by a Rhode Island Red hen of his. This is much larger than the usual egg and is the fifth from the same hen. The hen weighs 7 pounds and is one of a flock of 200. -® Man Injured in Fall At Plant Improving Reports today were that Benny Hardison. 25, who fell from a ladder to the ground at the plant of the North Carolina Pulp Company here Sunday, was steadily recovering from injuries received in the 20-foot drop. Dr. T. L. Bray, who attended Mr. Hardison, said a kneecap was broken and his head injured when the lad der on which he was standing gave way under his weight. | HOLIDAY TUESDAY I -—-■* At least three places of busi ness will be closed in Plymouth next Tuesday in observance of Washington's Birthday. These are the post office, bank, and the ABC stores. “Business as usual’’ will be the watchword at other local estab lishments. Schools will remain in session, but special programs have been prepared in most of them to celebrate the birthday of the nation's first president and Revolutionary war hero. Slot Machine Owners Must Get Machines Out by Next Friday —®— Federal Jude I. M. Meekins Dissolves Injunction Pro tecting Devices -® Nothing will be done about the op eration of slot machines in Washing ton County until February 25, at which time they must all be taken up by their owners, according to Chief F. W. Brown and other officers. Federal Judge I. M. Meekins Tues day of this week dissolved his injunc tion which has protected the ma chines, and declared that the “silent salesmen” devices must be taken up within 10 days or they will be sub ject to confiscation. In the meantime, he said, the ma chines may be operated simply as candy vendors without the use of the "tokens” employed when the devices were alleged to have been used for gambling. Judge Meekins said his investiga tion had convinced him the “silent salesman” is "a gambling machine as defined by said (Flannagan) law, and therefore cannot be operated.” Acreage To Irish Potatoes Will Show Big Drop This Year Records at Office of County Agent Indicate Drop from 900 To 345 Acres -- The irish potato crop will be great ly reduced in Washington County this year, it was indicated by County Agent W. V. Hays this week. Records in his office at present indicate that not more than 345 acres will be planted, against an estimated aver age of from 900 to 1,200 in the past few years. The main reason for the big reduc tion is that the A. G. Walker Estate at Creswell will not operate their farms this year, the county agent said. Heretofore around 1,500 barrels of potatoes were planted by this one firm alone, enough for about 500 acres. Another reason is the comparative inactivity of contract producers this season as compared with last. The county has a total allotment of around 900 acres, Mr. Hays said, but the removal of the Walker farms 500 acres from this leaves only 400, and it is hardly likely this figure will be exceeded. Individual quotas are being furnished county farmers by the agent’s office, and as a rule the allotments reflect about a 20 per cent decrease under last year. Quotas for other counties in the Albermarle area were announced re cently as follows: Tyrrell, 2,797 acres; Pasquotank, 3,361; Camden, 3,337; and Currituck, 1,368. Junior Circle of Methodist Society Will Meet Monday The Junior Women’s Circle of the Missionary Society of the Methodist church will meet Monday night at ihe home of Miss Nellie Prances Beasley, with Mrs. Frances M. Dar den as joint hostess. Members are asked to advise the hostesses if they are unable to attend. Whiskey, Peanuts Bad Combination For Loral Negro An examination by Coroner Jack Peele, Patrolman Tom Brown, and Chief of Police P. W. Brown failed to reveal any evidence of foul play, so it was decided that Herbert Brooks, 27, died Saturday night as the result of too much whiskey and too many peanuts. Patrolman Tom Brown stated the belief of officers was that the negro went to the home of Will Moore, negro, near town, and died in a barn, where he had been eat ing peanuts. His body was discovered several hours later by Moore, who report ed the death. An inquest was deemed unnecessary. Young Man Shot by Brother at Cresivell -<e>- * Word today indicates that Hallet Comstock, 21, of the Creswell section, was recovering from injuries received Saturday afternoon, when he was shot through the right knee alleged ly by his brother, Winifred Comstock, 17. Officers were told that the two brothers were fighting when Wini fred went into the house and brought out a gun and fired at Hallett. Dr. J. M. Phelps attended the in jured man and then he was sent to a Rocky Mount hospital. -<g> Article in American Banker Is Favorable To Branch Bank Co. —— Says Gains Made Last Year One of Most Sensational Among Nation’s Banks -$ The following article is from a re cent issue of the American Banker, and reflects credit upon the manage ment of the Branch Banking & Trust Company, one of the leading units of which is the local institution: “The Branch Banking & Trust Co., of Wilson, N. C„ is one of the South ern banks which is showing excellent program. During 1937, its deposits increased $2,213,173 and amounted on December 31, 1937, to $20,255,903. The Branch Banking & Trust Co. made one of the most sensational gains in the list of the country's largest banks. It now ranks as No. 266, compared with 295 at the end of 1936. ‘‘The statement of the Branch Banking & Trust Co. shows a con dition of high liquidity. Cash and U. S. obligations amounted to $14, 977,279.23, compared with the depos its of $20,255,903. In addition to the cash and government bonds, it had on December 31, 1937, Federal Land Bank bonds of $913,005.52; F. I. C. and F. H. L. Bank debentures of $1, 239,756.55; North Carolina bonds of $357,663.97; and municipal and oth er marketable bonds of $2,291,146.82. Thus the bank had $19,778,852 of highly liquid assets, compared with deposits of $20,255,903, showing very nearly 100 liquid assets to cover its deposits.” -<s> Funeral Saturday At Home Here for Mrs. Paul Basnight -<s> Wife of Local Poilceman Dies Friday After Illness of Two Weeks -<s> Funeral services were held last Sat urday afternoon at the home in the suburbs of Plymouth for Mrs. Be atrice Ange Basnight. 25, wife of Paul Basnight, Plymouth policeman, whose death Friday came after a two weeks’ illness with pneumonia. The Rev. Duff Toler, of Choco winity, Free Will Baptist minister, conducted the services, assisted by Rev. N. A. Taylof, local Christian minister. Interment took place in a family cemetery at Ange Town. Surviving Mrs. Basnight is her hus band and one daughter, Joyce Bas night, 4 years of age. Troop of Scouts Organized In Roper;Has 11 Members A troop of Boy Scouts has been organized at Roper, with J. K. Bid dle as Scoutmaster. Mr. Biddle is a former star scout and local business man who enjoys working with boys. The troop committee is composed of Barton Swain, L. E. Hassell, and Rev. M. L. Ambrose. The troop hopes to have its charter in a few days, as well as badges and insignia for the boys. Nine boys have already passed the | tenderfoot tests, and two are eligible for the rank of second-class scouts, and they will receive their badges as soon as the charter and credentials arrive. The troop was organized with James McAllister as junior scout master; Joe White, scribe; Sid Has sell, patrol leader; and Elmo Am brose, assistant patrol leader. Other members of the troop who are show ing much interest are: Bryan Ches son, Aubrey Dixon, jr., Worth Ches son, Alva Hooker, John Davenport, William Pickette. Plan Extension Scout Group to Include All Washington County Lions Club To Aid in Raising $300 Necessary for Area Registration -® Expansion of the Boy Scout move ment here to include all of Wash ington County and extension of the program to reach boys in Roper, Creswell, Mackeys, Cherry and wher ever there are enough for a troop is now the plan of regional officials. This would set up a district similar in operation to that in Rocky Mount, Wilson, Williamston, and other towns in Eastern Carolina. All of these groups, along with the local one, are in Region Six, East Carolina Coun cil, No. 426, with headquarters in Wilson. It has been suggested that Dr. A. Papineau be named chairman of the Washington County group. Associat ed with him will be an organization and extension chairman, finance chairman, camping and activities chairman, health and safety chair man, training chairman and advance ment chairman. It will cost the people of the coun ty a minimum of $300 annually to get the organized program of scout ing, which includes monthly visits by J. J. Sigwald, of Wilson, executive, and George W. Thomason, assistant. So far $110 has been raised from 20 local persons. The balance will be secured next week, it is believed. The Lions Club has promised its aid in raising the required minimum of $300. It is expected that efforts will be made later to get the district a hut or some place to camp. The Plymouth troop is now meeting in the basement of the courthouse. Everyone in the county is urged to contribute something toward the an nual quota so that boys all over this county will be afforded an opportun ity to enjoy Scouting. Ronald G. Smith, 32, Dies Result Injuries Received 2 Years Ago Suffered Broken Back in Au tomobile Accident at Lynchburg, Va. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon for Ronald G. Smith, 32, who died at his home here Monday after a lengthy illness. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland Smith and was injured 27 months ago in an automobile accident at Lynchburg, Va., suffering a broken back. At the time of the accident he was working as a hotel clerk in Lynchburg. The Rev. C. T. Thrift, pastor of the local Methodist church, conducted the services, assisted by the Methodist minister from Ayden, where the young man was buried. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith is survived by three brothers, Joe, Raymond, and Bill Smith, all of Plymouth. Elbert Peel Speaker At Church Meeting —$— Attorney Elbert Peel was the prin cipal speaker at the laymen’s ban quet of the Christian church held in the annex Monday night. Short talks were made by W. L. Whitley, Robert Bowen, and W. C. Chesson. A quartet composed of the Rev. N. A. Taylor, M. G. Darden, Tom Darden, and E. H. Liverman sang several selections. During the business session, Mr. Taylor mentioned that there seemed to be more church strength and in terest now than at any time since he uas been here. -e Bridge Luncheon at Local Country Club Next Tuesday The ladies committee of the Plym outh Country Club has issued about 75 invitations to ladies to attend a bridge luncheon and fashion show on Tuesday, February 22. There is expected to be a large number present from the community, and those who attend will have an opportunity to see the new styles modeled. PARALYSIS FUND I ‘V__' A total of §109.75 was contrib uted to the National Foundation To Fight Infantile Paralysis by Washington County during the recent drive, it was learned to day from George W. Hardison, county chairman. Remittance has been made to headquarters. It was disclosed that the Plymouth community, as the largest, contributed most during the campaign. Mr. Hardison asked that his appreciation be expressed to those who contributed to the fund. Number Prominent Officials in State Government Will Attend Meetings To Consider New Road Local Volunteer Firemen To Have Banquet Friday Members of the Plymouth Volun teer Fire Department will turn aside from their roles as firefighters Friday night and enjoy a banquet in the community hall, with their wives and a number of invited persons as spec ial guests. There has been no definite program outlined, and probably about the only speeches will be one of welcome to the councilmen and other guests and probably a reply. The object is so cial reasons. Sherwood Brockwell, state fire mar shall, visited the local fire headquar ters last week, looked over the rec ord and advised the firemen that they had one of the best low net fire loss records reported last year. The records of the local firemen show a net fire loss of only $250 in Plymouth for the calendar year. This is record of which they should be proud, according to Marshall Brock well. During the year the firemen an swered about 30 calls at all times of the day and night. Their quick re sponse to alarms and their training in using equipment has been largely the reason for the low nnt fire loss. Swine Sales in County Over $115, OOOin 1937 FARM BUREAU MEET I Members of the Washington County Farm Bureau will have an opportunity Friday night to hear two interesting speakers if they attend the meeting sched uled for the agricultural build ing at 7:30 p. m. The speakers are Haywood Dail, of Greenville, former offi cer in the Pitt County Bureau and Jack Criswell, of Raleigh, extension worker who will talk on the 1938 farm program. All farmers are invited to attend. Professional Cast To Give Comedy-Drama At School March 3rd “His Son’s Father” Third in Series of Programs From Northwest Assemblies -<§> The third in a series of education al and entertaining programs from the Northwest Assemblies will be pre sented in the auditorium Thursday morning, March 3, at 11 o’clock, it was announced today by Principal R. B. Trotman. This comedy, "His Son’s Father,” is presented by a professional cast and has played in over 1,000 schools. It is the story of a young college grad uate who thinks he knows it all and tries to run his father’s business. Troubles come fast, and he learns through bitter experience that his father’s old-fashioned ways are more effective than his own stream-lined ideas. The play emphasizes the necessity of study, patience, perseverance, and stresses the fact that success can be achieved only by real effort and prac tical experience. It illustrates excel lent morals and at the same time is full of fun. It is a fine “ego deflater.” P.-T. A. Anniversary Observed in Creswell The Creswell Parent-Teacher As sociation celebrated the 41st anniver sary of the National Congress of Par ents and Teachers, with Miss Smith telling why the first congress was called in Washington, D. C„ in 1897, by Mrs. Alice M. Birney and Mrs. Phoebe Hearst. A birthday cake 41 candles was presented by Mrs. Betty Davenport. A tribute was sung after a reading by Miss Eloise Gibbs on the history of France. 608 Farmers Made Sales Thru Local Cooperative Group —<•>— flog Raising Rapidly Devel oping Into Major Crop For This County Sales of swine through the Plym outh Mutual Livestock Association last year amounted to $115,665.03, according to County Agent W. V. Hays, whose office kept the records. During the time there were 608 farmers who sold through the asso ciation a total of 6,234 hogs on con signment. The total weight was 1, 184.284 pounds, representing about 100 carloads. This association is made up of farmers in Washington and Tyrrell Counties, with three directors from Washington and two from Tyrrell. Mr. Hays here and H. H. Harirs, at Columbia, county agents, assisted with the sales. The original plan was to sell every month, but increased interest has jumped the sales to twice monthly. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad has agreed to enlarge the pens. Bidders and buyers of the hogs fol low: D. M. Roberson, Will lam.stem; Swift & Company, Rocky Mount; Schluderbery and Kurdle, Baltimore; Wilmington Provision Co., Wilming ton, Del.; Cudahy Packing Company, Albany, Ga.; and Kingan & Com pany, Richmond. A buyer from Ar mour & Company was at the last sale and is expected to bid on future sales. Bids are received on the hogs, by wire and in person, at 11 o'clock on the day of sale. Bidders arrange with the bank to pay any draft pre sented by the association for the swine sold. The bookkeeping and clerical work in connection with the sales is done (Continued on page six) Eastern Star Chapter Here Being Planned —®— Local women who have a father, son, or brother who is a Mason and who wish to join the Order of the Eastern Star, which will be organized here shortly, are urged to get in touch with Frank C. Spruill immedi ately. It was decided that rather than at tempt to revive the old charter, a new chapter would be organized, taking the old name, “Buncombe.” Mr, Spruill hopes to get the char ter organized and the 60-day dispen sation period ended before the grand organization meets in June, so that a charter can be secured. Agriculture Students To Buy Chicks Cooperatively By W. D. STARR The agriculture students of Plym outh are planning to buy certified chicks cooperatively this season. Any one wishing to secure these chicks can notify W. D. Starr or any mem ber of the agriculture class. By purchasing these chicks from a North Carolina State approved and accredited hatchery, we are assured of their being free from disease that usually result in large death rates. You also save 1 to 3 cents per chick by buying together. We must know that we are getitng quality chicks, as well as economical ones. Poultrymen and chick buyers should anticipate the number of chicks they will need during the com ing season and the date on which they desire delivery. In too many cases poultrymen fail to anticipate the number needed or date of delivery until the season is so far advanced that the breeder can not supply the demand. North Carolina poultrymen should buy their chicks in this State. A sur vey made shows that livability of N. C. chicks is by far greater than other chicks. Even though the purchase price may be higher in North Carolina, it is readily admitted that good quality North Carolina State blood-tested chicks actually cost no more in the end. Assurances Received From Several Who W ill Be Here March 2 Plans Going Forward To Pre« sent Strong Argument for Paving Turnpike Road Assurances have been received by John W. Darden, chairman of the committee on arrangements, that a number of high-ranking state offic ials will be on the program at Bel haven and Plymouth on Wednesday, March 2, when the need for an all weather surface for the Turnpike road will be discussed. The officials who are coming for the one-day session will gather at Belhaven at 10:30 and will come on through Wenona at noon, where they will be served lunch, arriving here about 3 o’clock, when a short program will be given. Among those who have notified Mr. Darden that they will be here are Frank Dunlap, Raleigh, chairman of the State Highway Commission; D. Collin Barnes, Murfreesboro; and Er nest V. Webb, of Kinston, district highway commissioners; and W. Kerr Scott, State Commissioner of Agri culture. In Belhaven a short session will be held, with Mr. Darden presiding; and short addresses will be made by May or J. W. Hines, Belhaven; J. D. Paul, Washington, speaking for the Pungo section; W. W. Watson, chairman of the Hyde County Board of County Commissioners; Fred P. Latham, farmer, Belhaven; John Winfield, principal of Pungo High School; George Wise, shipper and fish dealer, Stumpy Point; and L. D. Midyette, of Aurora, chairman of the Beau fort County Commissioners. There will be a general discussion of the need for a road through the Turnpike to give the Blackland Ex periment Station at Wenona trans portation facilities and also to make the road better for school bus oper ation and use by the general public. After lunch at Wenona, for the of ficials only, the group is expected to arrive at the courthouse in Plymouth at 3 o'clock for the second part of the meeting. Short talks will be made here by Mayor B. G. Campbell, E. H. Liver man, farmer and merchant; Carl L. Bailey, attorney;.A. L. Owens, busi ness man and farmer; H. H. McLean, superintendent of schools; J. M. Clagon, chairman of the Washington County Commissioners. In no place where the state offic ials are to speak will they be asked to pledge their aid in securing this much-needed road, but they will ap pear on the program for greetings and are free to take up such sub jects as they may desire. Number Cases Tried At Tuesday Session Of Recorder’s Court Assault Cases Predominate at Weekly Session; Two Found Not Guilty -® A settlement by consent brought about a nol pros in the case of J. S. Shugar, 48, white, in recorder’s court Tuesday, where he was arraigned for allegedly taking personal property, including a wheel cart, from Mrs. P. C. Simon. C. R. Gaylord was found not guil ty of assaulting Charlie Jackson with a gun. Jackson was shot through the foot by a gun in the hands of Mr. Gaylord. The case against Rosalie Patrick, 41, white, charged with assaulting G. W. Patrick with a hoe, bottles and a hammer, was also nol prossed. Not guilty was the verdict in the case against George W. Patrick, 45, white, charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting Mrs. A. R. Patrick. An appeal was noted in the case of William Fenstemker and W. W. Ker ney, fined $25 and costs in the court Tuesday of last week for removing certain crops from the premises of S. F. Darden. Announces Services At Baptist Church —$— The Rev. P. B. Nickens, pastor of the local Baptist church, announces the following services for Sunday: Preaching Sunday morning at the 11 o’clock hour on the subject, “The Mind of Christ.” Sunday school will begin promptly at 10 o’clock. Prayer service will be held on Wed nesday evening at 7:30. The date and time for choir practice will be announced later.