The Wilmington morning star., 1947-09-14
Just Beginning To Fight

of northern Fender and western Onslow
counties over repeated failure Of the state
to pave the highway between Burgaw and
Jacksonville burst into the open before Gov
ernor Cherry Friday with the result that
possibilities of relief are better than ever
before.
Although neither the Governor nor A. H.
Graham, chairman of the State Highway
and Public Works commission, promised
immediate construction, the hearing was sue
cessful from three important standpoints.
First, the officials did say that bids for the
23-mile hard-surfacing job would be let
early next year with the expectation that
actual work would be started by April.
Second, they pledged that the highway
would be maintained properly until it is
paved. Grading of the route was completed
this spring and it has been reported I'M
passable on numerous occasions. They also
assured the delegation of $50 irate persons
that proposed construction of a new bridge
over the Northeast river would not be allow
ed to interfere with the promised paving
job. ~. 81,
Third, and most important of all, the
Governor and Mr.. Graham were fully i'm
pressed with the determination of the large
sections c~itizenry not to rest until this
vitality needed improvement is effected. The
meeting in the Governors office was just
the beginning of the concerted fight by the
residents of the 1,200-square mile, seml-lso'
lated area to see that official indifference is
ended and the highway is surfaced. They
intend to keep a close watch on it's mainte-
nance and to keep an equally alert eye on
future highway lettings. If the state reneges
again, then Governor Cherry and Mr.. Ora
ham can expect to be hosts to another dele
cation as angry and determined as the first
one which appeared before them.
There is no question whatsoever about the
worth of the cause the good people of
Fender and Onslow are espousing so well.
Improvement of this road, designated as
N. C. SO, has been sought for more than Is
years. Time and time again, state officials
have promised that it would be hard-sur'
faced and on each occasion the plans have
failed to materialize. In fact, bids have been
rejected on two occasions with the excuse
that they were too high. Yet, we do not
believe these costs would have been greater
than some incurred on some other highways
in the state.
Tired of indifferences and alibis, the
citizens residing in the affected areas are
--I.L1.J L.. ~..1 ..-..1...A:.- - f,,1f;11roor%
of their requests. The contention that asphalt
surfacing projects are let only in the spring
and early summer was the only excuse Mr..
Graham could give for not beginning work
now. But it did not satisfy the large dele
cation. In fact, nothing will until the road
this attitude until it is placed in a condition
comparable to the good highways enjoyed
by the remainder of he state.
Meanwhile, there is no doubt that the
victims of this discrimination will keep
pressing their efforts for relief with a force
that cannot be denied unless Governor Cher
nv and Mr.. Graham want them to lose all
confidence in the intentions and ability of
North Carolina to meet its responsibilities
to it's citizens.
And the citizens of the two counties should
expect real support from Wilmington and
other communities of Southeastern North
Carolina, AS this severe handicap OF made
quate communications is removed from the
Maple Hill section, it should enjoy new
progress. And the benefits of its develop
meht will be felt by others, especially Bur
gaw and Jacksonville in this region. While
at first glance the fight may appear a To-
Called one, it isn't. 1t is another of those
undertakings whose ultimate good results
in greater trade and commercial contacts
go far beyond the boundary OF the area
most seriously affected.