The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1951-05-18
Hill County REA-
Continued from page one)

are able to provide as group those
services which they cannot afford
alone, and he indicated both state
and national levels of government
are of assistance where local people
are trying to help themselves.
Mr.. Adams closed by saying REA
is an object lesson in democracy and
that local managerial leadership such
as that supplied by the Hill county
coop is democratic and not Dictator
ial.
Mr.. Adams spoke to the group at
an out-of-doors dedication of the
new building while a large number
of visitors and members stood on
the street and others filled the large
lobby and the offices inside. Major
portion of the days activities was
before a huge crowd in the Central
High School auditorium where Gov.
Bonner gave the main address. He
was followed on the program by
Chris Benson, Montana field repre-
sentative of REA, who outlined the
rural telephone program.
With only 20 per cent of their
farms supplied with telephone serv-
ice, Montana rural people have great
need for more telephones, Mr.. Ben
son said, because distances in the
state are vast He indicated the
backlog of requests for phone IA
cilities is considerable. RITA, the
new agency working on rural tele-
phone program under REA, makes
loans to cooperative phone associa-
tions and furnishes technical assist
ance. Benson told the people. He re-
minded them "If you want telephones
you've got to work to get them"
The strong attitude prevailing
among the farmers for rural cleo
tricity and telephones was indicated
by the hearty applause punctuating
the remarks of all the speakers when
they touched on various phases of the
long struggle to bring those services
to rural people.
COOP, A HEAVY TAXPAYER
During the program visitors learn
ed that the Hill County Electric Co
JPCl dblNt petlI bt1%AtS amounting W
more than $12,000.00 in 1850. 1t
was pointed out that the co-opera-
lives repayment promises were I'M
usually good since S75,00000 has
1een paid in advance on the govern
nent's loan. The Importance of the
Iavre-Shelby transmission line was
Officials of the coop
distribution system estimate there
will be a saving of about one-fourth
o one-third in the cost of electricity
o farmer-patrons when the coop
looks into the government line that
will bring low-cost power direct to
arm people from the federal plant
t Fort Peck.
Harold Ebaugh is manager of the
o-op and has had that position since
rganization of the enterprise five
ears ago. Peter Wallum is presi-
ent of the association. Sven Twedt
vice president. Both these men
re Hill country farmers and have
erved on the board of directors from
ne beginning of the organization.
'ther officials are Max Neuwerth,
and directors,
ert Inman, Jr., and Noel Anderson.
Constructed along distinctive, hor-
.ontal lines the new headquarters
uilding of this non-profit venture
a worthy addition to the city of
avre. The coop serves 1865 con-
lmers with 1900 miles of line in the
)ur counties of Hill. Blaine, Chou
.au and Liberty. In addition to of
,es for the manager, bookkeeper and
hers, the building has an attractive
ectric demonstration kitchen. An
nple warehouse for supplies and ma
rial and garage for service
ucks are important features of the
ructure.
Oral Halter, mayor of Havre, was
nong the welcoming speakers and
id he wanted the farmers to know
ty people realized the Importance
agriculture. Stan Robinson, pres
ent of the local Chamber Of Com
cree, also addressed the group.
nv force n craatinU that forca