County Commissioners Debate Ending Home Demonstration Work in Stanly County, 1922

The Albemarle Press, Thursday, August 10, 1922

Commissioners Give Heed to Petitions Against Farm and Welfare

Commissioners met in regular session, all members being present: R.G. Mabry, chairman; W.T. Crowell, R.G. Foreman, and Geo. P. Palmer, clerk ex-officio.

Petitions were filed that there is a tremendous and overwhelming majority against the home demonstration agent and welfare officer. It appears to this board that there is not the co-operation that should be between the said home demonstration agent and welfare officer, and the people of the county to realize the greatest good therefrom. It is also apparent that the law contemplates that counties with no greater population than Stanly has, this office shall be filled by the county superintendent of public instruction. It is, therefore, upon motion of R.G. Foreman, seconded by W.T. Crowell, and unanimously voted by the board of county commissioners that the appropriation for home demonstration work and for public welfare work be discontinued on and after the 15^th day of August, 1922, until further ordered by the board.

However, this board desires to go on record that it firmly believes with the proper co-operation of the people of the county with the officers who may fill these positions that great benefit would ensure to the people of the county by their continuance, but at the present time and under the present conditions the dissatisfaction so hampers their work that in the opinion of the board, they are rendered almost impotent, and if the need for the services of these two offices is felt in the county, this board holds itself in readiness to perform its duty and render the people such assistant as they may require.

In view of the fact that the farmers in our county are facing the most critical situation of recent times, and realizing the need of assistance, we feel that it is absolutely imperative to continue the work of the farm demonstration agent, and we sincerely trust that the farmers throughout the county will co-operate with him more heartily in the future than they have in the past.

A large number of interested people were present at the hearing and forcible protests were made by Dr. T.A. Hathcock of Norwood, ex-chairman Mabry of the board of commissioners, Mr. Will Green, and a number of others against the abolishment of these offices. Dr. J.I. Campbell favored the retention of all but the welfare officer, and affirmed that he was opposed to the continuance of this office at the expense of taxpayers of the county.

We have heard no question as to the right of the commissioners to take the step they have in regard to the home demonstration agent; but there is much speculation as to its action in regard to the welfare officer.

Mr. Z.V. Moss was elected at a joint meeting of the board of commissioners and the county board of education on the second Monday in July of last year for a term of two years. It is contended by those who have studied the situation that the board of commissioners have no right within themselves to discontinue the appropriation for this purpose, since the law requires joint action of the two boards in the choice of the officer. Mr. Moss has another year of the term for which appointed, and present indications are that he will continue to serve the county, and the action of the commissioners may form the basis for a legal decision hearing upon the case.

The following claims were ordered paid:

J.C. Smith, coroner and juror, inquest of Elizabeth Crisco, $18.60.

Dr. J.N. Anderson, salary as quarantine officer for June, $6.

Dr. Homer smith, services as speed cop for July, $100.

Mrs. A.P. Randall, burial expense of Mrs. N.J. Mabry, pensioner, $20.

Albemarle Telephone Company for rents and tolls at court house for July, $15.

Albemarle Press for advertising, tax complaints, $1.

Z.V. Moss, salary as welfare officer for July, $75.

J.C. Dunlap, registrar and judges second primary, Center Township, $12.

Burroughs Adding Machine Co., upkeep of adding machine under contract, $13.10.

J.A. Little, C.S.C., stenographer, judge juvenile court for July and repair on typewriter, $47.35.

The Selig Co., supplies for court house, $130.50.

W.J. Underwood, upkeep of county home for July, $365.69.

J.J. Morton, sheriff, capturing four stills and other expenses, $143.12.

J.M. Burris, jail expenses for July, $129.46.

Stanly News-Herald, printing court calendar and for printing other matters, $21.40.

G.W. Stinson Furniture Co., for burial of Biyyie West, pauper, $15.

N.C. Sanatorium, expense for P.M. Russell at Sanitorium from July 12 to August 12, $47.72.

City Treasurer, water and lights at court house for July, $18.02.

Hall’s Pharmacy for medical supplies for County Home for July, $10.95.

The Observer Printing House for 9,390 tax receipts, $53.85.

Miss Keller, salary as home demonstration agent, $50.

Miss Keller, demonstration fund, $15.

O.H. Phillips, salary as farm agent, $85.

W.J. Pickler for 6 1-5 bushels wheat and 6 1-8 bushels oats, toil for threshing at County Home, $10.85.

The usual monthly pauper list was ordered paid, which amounts to about $145.

Ordered by the board that Rhoda Canupp be placed on the support list at $3 per month.