The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1959-01-09

| preserved III IlOIley CdIllG ITOlIl
Italy. Almonds came from Spain.
Strange seeds-and even the bark
of tobacco and cotton as are still
feasible, and yet strengthening our
position by the growing of more
vegetables and fruits, as we'll as
continuing our phenomenal growth
in the production of poultry, pork,
beef cattle and dairy products.
Small unit farming should be
cherished and supported by every
possible means, both as an econo-
mic asset and as way of life.
We should continue to see our
industrial leadership aiding the
cause of agriculture, and the lead
ership in farming, giving support
to industrial development. For we
cannot have a well-rounded, we'll
balanced economy unless industry
and agriculture move forward to-
gether.
My argument is for a sustained
unity, for great leadership that
will carry on through the years,
and continuing tradition of CO.
operation among our people. If we
can bury petty differences and
factionalism, if we can marshal all
of our forces to one high purpose
literally nothing can stop us!
Of course, our development pro-
gram should have the backing of
our educational leadership, for our
hope for better schools and better
institutions of higher learning
rests and depends upon a grow
ing economy; also leaders in in
dustry and in agriculture as well
should be in the vanguard of those
advocating better schools, better
hospitals and all of those institu-
tions of public service that help
to foster climate for good living.
1t is natural for North Caro-
linians to differ and to debate the
issues of the day. We would not
have it otherwise, for it is in our
democratic tradition-the way of
life to which we are devoted.
Sometimes our differences, how
ever, are so sharp that prejudice
enters the picture and we tend to
divide into factions that are hurt
full to the future of our State. l
propose that we close ranks and
present a united front when the
overall welfare of our people is
concerned, emphasizing the things
that unite us. No, l do not sug-
gest that we do away with politi-
cal debate, for such debate is both
vital and necessary; but there are
two kinds of politics-that which
tends to obscure and mislead the
people and that which tends to de-
fine clearly the vital issues of the
day. We need only the latter.
There are people in our State
who are inclined to say that those
who favor the promotion of indus
try are neglectful of agriculture,
and that those who emphasize the
welfare of farming and farm FAM
lilies are not interested in the fu-
ture of our cities and towns. Be-
fore we give credence to such
superficial charges, we should
look deeper and see if there is
not a common purpose, common
denomination, if you please, actua-
ting both groups, which emissions
the welfare of our entire State.
For instance, it has been said
that w. Kerr Scott was purely an
agricultural" Governor and that
Luther H. Hodges is purely an
industrial" Governor. / think such
statements inadequately describe
both men, for both of them have
records of service to all the peo-
pie of North Carolina. SCOTS
Secondary Road Program is not
only helpful to farmers, but is
playing an important role in our
industrialization. Good farm-to-
market roads make it feasible to
locate industries in rural areas,
making it practicable for the labor
supply to be recruited over a wide
area, committing from farm homes
to factories. On the other hand,
Hodges industrial development
program is helpful to agriculture
because each new industry in
creases the market for agricultural
products, especially when the new
/, industry processes our own crops
For instance, we have a meat
packing concern in North Carolina
that will purchase annually five
millions dollars worth of hogs
within seventy-five mile radius
Of its plant. We have one baby
food products plant that will pur.
chase annually forty tons Of vege'
tables IN it's immediate area. Re
Gently new industry came to oul
State which under very moder