The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-08
POST OFFICE FATE. AROUSES ENSLEy.
Contemplated Merger Be- lieved PosSible-Smyer
 Discounts Rumor
ENSLEY BUREAU l THE -AGE-HERAa.D | EDsley, Ala, Dec, ]


 
 ENSLEY BUREAU
 THE AGE-HERAt ID !
 Ensley, Ala, Dec.
 Whether the Ensley post office is to be merged with the Birmingham office by the Washington authorities is a question which is causing specu- lation and uneasiness in this city. The report was heard in Ensley Fri day that speculation was rife on that subject and that many person have expressed their concern over the probability of such step. The local office has been permitted to retain its identity since the entry of Ensley into the community of Greater Bir- mingham. Whether that identity is to be continued is a question which is causing the local interest.
 Speculation about the future of the EnSley office has developed through the evident indifference or lack of interest in numerous requests from the Ensley office to Washington for additional help in the local postal service. Although inspectors were sent here months ago and made an ex- animation and checked every ounce of matters going brought his office there has been no step taken so far I
 following a trip to Washington, R. g. Hickman, postmaster, Is said to have admitted to personal friends that officials would not discuss with him the need for additional help. AL though letters and urgent telegrams have been sent to the post office de- partment there has been no step taken to relieve the situation and no reply to the many messages sent.
 It was suggested Friday that this condition was probably due to an examination or investigation which may or may not be underway to ef feet merger of the Ensley office into the Birmingham system. All other municipalities in Greater Bir mingham have been so merged Ensley being the only exception so far as local information goes.
 It Is believed that if Washington. contemplates such move Ensley will move all her agencies to combat the proposition. Local officials of the post office department would not talk about the report here Friday.
 In the meantime a small force is trying to render Ensley postal serv- ice which with the coming of the holi- days Is expected to result in less ef- ficient handling of the mails than and carrier service in keeping with the volume of bousiness transacted here.
 Move Improbable.
 Postmaster R. B. Smyer Of the Bir- mtngham office Friday night declared he had heard nothing of a merger of the two offices, and classed the move as highly improbable.
 Certainly no such change would be made. without an exhaustive inves- ttgation, and none is contemplated" MT. Smyer stated.
 The Ensley post office Is operated separate and distinct from the Bir- mingam office, and is no more con- nected herewith than Is Mobile or Montgomery MT. Smyer explained. The fact that Ensley rendered her re- ports to the Birmingham office is of no significance Every office in the state of Alabama operated with Birmingham as the central supply and from where all supplies are ob- tained.
 BOOST CHEST FUND
 Cards were given to all employees of the Ensley division of the Ten nessee company Friday on which to make their donations to the Commu- nity Chest. The individual employees have been requested to sign the cards indicating the amount thew wish to give to the fund and return them to the proper officials. There will be no suggestions made as to any amount one is expected to contribute. It was stated that the company will break it's usual rule and deduct subscrip- tions from the pay roll in order to assist its employees to help a worthy cause. This is the first time since George c. Crawford has been presi- dent of the company that he has granted a similar request
 The civilian committee on the drive in Ensley have continued their work and expected to clear up all details during the forenoon Monday
 IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY
 During the next few days several business changes will be made in Ensley by well known houses, which, it Ia believed, indicate that as the end of the year draws near progress sive merchants of this community are making plans for better situa- tions that have developed during the past 12 months.
 It was stated Friday that the Hood-Whittle Furniture company, now located on Avenue c, between Eighteenth and Nineteenth streets. would occupy the alley building now being completed. This company has been in business here for a long time and Is widely known among pa- irons of furniture stores.
 In addition the Walters cafe, to be operated by Nick Walters, we'll known chef for the Tennessee com pany. will be opened within the next few days In the building arranged by Pegram & Meade on Nineteenth strets. between Avenues G and H MT. Walters will be in personal charge of the cafe, it was stated, and will cater to the highest class pa tronage of this community.
 There will also be opened during the next few days the new drug store to be operated by Nose Zivitz and his son on the corner of Avenue G and Nineteenth street. The interior of the store will be all white and from indication it will be a very att tractive place. MT. Zivitz said Fri day he hoped to be operating his store within few days.
 MEMS CLUB TO MEET The Meps club of the Ensley Methodist church will meet Monday night in the dining hall of the church. The meeting is a regular monthly affair and every member of the class is urged to be present promptly. President J. Ellis Brown ] hA