Dismissing Hard Working County Ag Agent Is Mistake, Says Luther Hardison, March 15, 1921

In regard to the dismissal of the County Demonstration office by our Board of County Commissioners, I consider this a great mistake. I realize fully the need for economy at this time, but taking all things into consideration I do not think it wise economy to dismiss Mr. Holliday, or the agent anyway. In observing what our sister counties have done and what our own county has done in the way of farm progress since the installation of the Farm Demonstration Agent we are compelled to see what great work has been accomplished.

It was my privilege to help put Mr. Holliday in office with a salary of $45 per month. He worked as diligently and earnestly at that salary as at the recent one of $75 per month he has been receiving form the county. Is there another official in the county who has worked for our people in all kinds of weather and under all conditions as interestedly and perseveringly for the same money as has Mr. Holliday?

Then when Mr. Holliday was called, be it far or near, he responded cheerfully and gave aid and advice to the best of his ability. In personal experience I have learned that if I had followed his advice more closely, it would have meant better crops and more money for me. This is true of a great many farmers in the county and some of the men now denouncing the office of County Demonstrator are farmers hwo have received help in the past from this said agency. If Mr. Holliday had accomplished no other result but the permanent pastures established among us, his wold have been a great work.

I trust that the County Commissioners will reconsider the matter of dismissing our agent and let us have him back for we need help in solving present problems as never before. The farmers pay the bulk of taxes paid to public officials in our county and it seems but fair that we have a mmeber of this board for our representative and guide.

Respectfully,

Luther Hardison, Jamesville, N.C., March 9, 1921

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, N.C., March 15, 1921