County to investigate cross burning

Nansemond County Commonwealth Attorney Paul Everett said yesterday he would investigate reports of a cross burning about midnight Friday by a group of 100 persons at Nurneyville, rural community about six miles from here.

Everett said he had not determined whether members of the group wore masks and unless they did, he said, the gathering probably could not be considered illegal. A witness said they wore white robes.

The demonstration was seen by several people gathered at a filling station on the North Carolina Highway south of here at the intersection of that road with route 647.

State Trooper J. L. Collins quoted a witness as saying 15 or 20 cars drove into the side road near the filling station and the passengers, wearing long white robes walked into the field and set fire to a cross.

One man, the witness said, stood in front of the others, who formed a semi-circle, spoke to the group and led them in singing. Their words could not be distinguished.

Most of amount held needed now

Suffolk’s school building needs for the next 10 years will aggregate $1,509,000, according to a recent report made to Governor Tuck and the State Board of Education by G. Tyler Miller, State superintendent of public instruction.

Of this amount, $1,409,000 is said to be needed immediately and an additional $150,00 is needed in two to five years, or from 1951-1953. The reports on school building needs were submitted by local school officials.

According to the report released by Mr. Miller, $281,000 of the funds needed immediately could be raised locally and an additional $30,000 could be financed locally toward the $150,000 which will be needed in the next two to five years.

The report from Nansemond County did not show distribution of estimated costs by periods, but the total estimated costs by periods, but the total estimated costs were put at $2,666,760.

Personnel of Suffolk National Guard

has jumped six-fold

&uot;Rags to Riches&uot; is the story of the Suffolk National Guard unit, Battery &uot;A&uot; of the 691 AAA Battalion, self-propelled.

The unit has grown in little over a year and a half from 14 enlisted men and five officers. Also, the battery’s headquarters have been moved from the old auditorium above the city market to the modern armory near Peanut Park.

Lt. Colonel John B. Chesson, the Battalion commander and Colonel Myers, Senior Ground Instructor for the Virginia National Guard held an activation ceremony on June 23, 1947, which gave birth to the present guard unit.

Of the 16 men who took part but half remain headed by Battery Commander Captain Jack A. Howell. Other &uot;charter members&uot; are First Sergeant John D. Parr, Jean Woodward, Robert Russell, Brad O’Berry, Cecil Williams, Edward Willoughby, and Hazlett Piland.

Inspection set for local guard

An inspection of the armory and training program of Suffolk’s National Guard unit will be conducted on December 20, Colonel Carter R. McLennan, district executive of the Virginia Military District, has announced.

In addition to a check of records and equipment of the units the type and adequacy of training will be inspected by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Morgan, according to McLennan.

Among the 50 or more items which will be rated by the inspector are such general subjects as the personal and administration of the units, the services of supply for each organization, and the adequacy of training and equipment.

Such details as &uot;appearance and fit of uniforms&uot; will get the attention of the inspecting officer, Colonel McLennan stated.

Auxiliary hears Christmas story

Mrs. E. T. Batten conducted the devotionals and presented the program assisted by Mrs. J. D. Rawles who gave her interpretation of famous paintings and Mrs. T. R. Jones who told the Christmas story &uot;The Clock,&uot; when the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Holland Christian Church met on Tuesday night at the home of Mrs. J. G. Holland. The meeting was called to order by the president. Mrs. W. E. Norfleet, and prayer was offered by Mrs. H. V. White. The treasurer, Mrs. J. D. Rawles, reported the annual Thank Offering for this year amounted to $42.45.

Mrs. G. G. Holland, chairman of Friendly Service, reported that a Christmas box had been sent to the Fort Berthold Indian Mission. Mrs. Victor Hedgebeth presented a menu for the supper to be served at the meeting next month when the members of the Holy Neck Missionary Aid Society will be invited to hear the foreign mission study book reviewed by Mrs. Wilkerson Holland. The society voted to purchase a T. B. Bond. Also, for each member to have a &uot;Secret Chum&uot; for next year.

Following the meeting refreshments were served by the hostess assisted by Mrs. William N. Holland. Mrs. E. T. Batten, Mrs. H. V. White and Mrs. J. R. Darden.

The next meeting will be held on January 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the church.