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Newspaper
Raleigh Register
Location
Beckley, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Jul 10, 1947
Page
2
Beckley faces fire protection gaps after a July Fourth mishap left the city with one small truck to guard about 18,000 residents and extensive property. Officials plan a temporary solution by mounting equipment on a chassis at a cost under $20,000, aiming to allow three trucks and restore service until a $20,000 new unit arrives in about a year.
The Register credits its long effort to urge miners and workers to buy land and build small farm homes to strengthen the economy. It notes many miners left town to start anew in rural areas, finding happiness in their new surroundings. A miner-farmer, A. A. Locklay, who bought 100 acres on Maple Fork a year ago, reports success and soil building practices on his farm.
Locklay and his wife with three grandchildren have planted 6000 trees on hillsides and raised 2000 cabbages 3500 tomatoes 1000 peppers 3500 strawberries 700 blackberries an acre and a half of raspberries and a half acre of beans plus some livestock. The paper notes others may adopt similar efforts but urges balance. This venture diversifies income beyond coal and could support neighbors when mines close.
The article refutes the myth that higher living costs require lower weekly income now. It notes the average work week is 40.4 hours, down from war-time 46–47 hours, with hourly pay rising from 92 cents in 1944 to 1.21 today. Weekly pay remains higher than wartime levels, with coal miners receiving at least 1.63. From 1944 to 1945 peak weekly pay reached about 44 dollars, while April this year shows 44.50 and May projections rise toward 48.86 per week.
A fragment argues that blaming the United States for Spain’s perceived coolness is absurd and notes that decades have passed since the Maine incident. calls to recall a slogan about Remember the Maine.
A Beckley column muses on flying saucer rumors with jokes about Russians Army testing and coffee powered space cups. It recounts local raspberries near Abraham, road conditions, and a joke about Governor Meadows planting patches to ease road worries. Two men discuss coal strikes and six day weeks, with a nod to underground workers missing daylight.
Hal Boyle recounts a two day absence after riding a flying saucer with Balmiston X-Ray O'Rane the Martian pilot. They tour Europe to collect odd treasures, nearly collide with a jet, glimpse Orson Welles, Magellan's gold tooth, and return to Brooklyn where Boyle takes control and ends the tale with a nod to Hollywood.
John L. Lewis hailed a contract with coal mine owners as the Nation evaluates how the pact stacks up against the new labor act. The arrangement bypasses the NLRB, limits disclosure of union finances, and sets 30 day rather than 60 day notice to end the contract. It also changes the check off for dues to require individual worker consent in writing, raising questions about enforceability should a strike threaten national welfare.
George W Bright of Beckley voices support for universal military training with conditions. He urges banning sale of whiskey and beer in camps and posts where draftees will be stationed and eliminating immoral enticements seen in WWII. He warns against appeasement and urges proactive preparation.
Washington commentary on the Marshall Plan shows strong European enthusiasm but warns of home-front danger. Senators fear a congressional veto could push Europe toward Soviet influence, while others push for a public, forceful State Department explanation to Congress year. A high ranking policy advocate may explain American aims directly to lawmakers to avoid a failed plan and a Soviet-dominated continent.
In a turn of social and emotional wit, Martina navigates a cautious friendship with Dan Holloway after a dramatic car wreck. Anne Amory notes Dan’s fame from radio serials while Graddy Hueston observes the evolving bond. Dan hints at Nora Byron as a potential fiancée, leaving Martina hopeful yet unsettled as the story promises more.
The Associated Press reports a mixed view on revival of alcohol bans. Temperance groups claim drying trends with local option gains. opponents cite limited progress. Local referendums show varied scope, with a few states fully dry and others still wet.
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