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Newspaper
Raleigh Register
Location
Beckley, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1948
Page
8
New York forecast suggests 1949 will be comfortable for consumers and merchants. The buyers market should return with easing prices and fewer shortages while incomes stay relatively high.
Chiang Kai-shek on the 38th anniversary of the republic said he has studied the war's course and weighs the people's wishes for an end to the civil conflict. He cautioned that the future of the nation and liberty hinge on the outcome, while acknowledging increased civilian burdens from fighting.
Budapest papers publish alleged Mindzsenty messages with American envoys about Hungary reform and minority issues. The primate’s arrest on charges of plotting against the government is reported as authorities clamp down while the Vatican excommunicates Catholics linked to him.
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce calls the coal stockpile situation the darkest cloud on the state economy as 1948 ends, noting the 70 million ton stockpile level parallels a rare peacetime peak. Retail sales rose 4.9 percent in November despite a nationwide downturn, while Fed data show West Virginia store transactions down one percent year over year though 11-month totals rose 14 percent.
Bing Crosby repeated as Boston Picture Herald top box office winner for the fifth straight year and was named international draw by British exhibitors. Betty Grable was runner up, Abbott and Costello third, followed by Cooper, Hope, Bogart, Gable, Grant, Tracy and Bergman. Beckley chamber to discuss hotel project with Hackenburg System and local officials.
Cloudy and windy with snow flurries today and tonight. Colder conditions Saturday with a warmer Wednesday near normal temperatures. Rain or snow likely late Sunday and again Wednesday with total precipitation around a quarter to a half inch. River readings show Greenbrier and New rivers high and mostly clear.
Chris Jarrell and Almeda Jarrell of Clear Creek sue Harper Land Company in Raleigh County Circuit Court for 1500 dollars claiming the firm stripped coal on their land under a lease in Clear Fork District and violated the contract.
The Chamber of Commerce announced all Oak Hill stores will be closed on New Year’s Eve. President B. Clower led the briefing while Register Star writer Joak Hill-H reported the plan.
General Douglas MacArthur announced in a New Year message that Japan may display its national flag again any place and at any time, marking the first public flutter of the Rising Sun since surrender. He urged nationalism be seen as subordinate to universal laws within the family of nations.
Beckley expects a new fire truck to arrive tomorrow or Sunday per Mayor G C Hedrick who said it was shipped from Elmira New York yesterday The mayor noted the floor for the fire station is being strengthened and a door enlargement will be delayed until spring Fire Chief Bernard I Martin said the truck will be quartered in the station while the first aid vehicle moves to the basement
Beckley resident Ruth Lafferty is scheduled for a hearing before Magistrate J. P. Meadows today on a charge related to stealing $160 from a soldier. She was arrested in Charleston yesterday and returned to Beckley on a grand larceny warrant.
PARKERSBURG WV Chairman Robert B McDougle of the State Republican Executive Committee said he sees no reason to resign after a Lincoln Club of Kanawha County resolution urged his ouster. He would consider stepping down only if asked by a committee to preserve party harmony.
Whitaker Chambers testified that a Soviet espionage network may still operate in the United States as late as 1945. The House committee urged continued pursuit of spy activities amid alleged Communist influence in government. The report cataloged stolen papers, Nevada and New York routes, and payments linked to Moscow.
A report surveys New Year’s Eve costs across cities. In New York a couple may spend 15 to 50 dollars for clubtable seating plus drinks, while other cities show similar spreads. Some areas favor at home celebrations due to liquor store sales. Oklahoma remains dry. Religious services also see attendance on New Year’s Eve.
The Associated Press reports a troubled world looking to 1949 with hopes for better days amid East West tensions and postwar shortages. Europe sees bans on New Year fireworks in Denmark and Italy, with concerns over prices and earnings dampening celebrations. Belgium plans free sugar rations starting Jan 1 and Poland reports end of rationing. Vienna to revive prewar trumpeters and church bells.
Charleston reports a joint legislative committee on government and finance will meet Monday at 1 p.m. in the Senate judiciary room to study changes in West Virginia’s purchasing law. Co Chairs are Senate President Arnold Vickers and House Speaker John E. Amos. The group follows a December 19 report by Hugh N. Mills proposing standard specs for heavy slate road equipment and stronger centralized purchasing powers.
Monroe Louisiana reports four children perished and parents burned in a kerosene heater explosion that destroyed their Riverfront home. The parents Willie and Mrs Kelly escaped with Patsy nine months old after futile attempts to rescue the others.
Senator Taft of Ohio fights a revolt by 13 self styled GOP liberals who seek Senator Lodge of Massachusetts as the new chairman of the Senate GOP Policy Committee. Senator Ives of New York describes Lodge as reflecting the party’s modern force while Taft predicts election by a substantial Republican majority at Monday caucus.
A 1948 New Year snowfall blankets Beckley area making highway travel hazardous. Police warn roads are dangerous as winter weather continues and motorists are urged caution amid ongoing snow.
A Roane County man, identified as Nicklos, was arrested by State Police and jailed in Raleigh County. Corporal Thompson and Trooper Hampton transported him to Charleston where he will be moved to Roane County for felony proceedings.
A Manitoba, Canada themed wind storm tale by L W Tupper of Patricia, Alberta, wins the Burlington Liars Club world championship for 1948. His yarn about 2,000 post holes blown away by a northwest wind allegedly carried the crown, marking the first non US winner since 1929. Other contenders included John Hopley of San Antonio and university athletic director J F McKale with notable mentions to Johnson City and Arizona.
Edward S. Krikac of Comstock Nebraska recalls a Marine in the Pacific who endured extreme heat on an island. His comrades reportedly forced his body into a locomotive firebox, with the heat said to power a 10-car train for 100 miles before exhausting steam.
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