I have recently been informed, through Senator Simmons that $40,000 has been allotted for the construction and improvement of R. F. D. roads in North Carolina. I believe this is in addition to the $10,000 already allotted.

I have applications from Randolph, Harnett, Pender, Madison and Avery counties for a part of the appropriation. I also have the previous application from Carteret and Craven counties. As a suggestion I would say that a portion of this fund could be extremely well allotted for assisting the building of the link of the Central Highway from Morehead City to Newbern, and another across Burke County. This latter, I am sure, would stimulate other townships besides Morganton to issue bonds.

Considering what Madison County has done in passing a $300,000 bond issue and being a very sparsely settled county, they have a fair claim for consideration. If it were not for the fact that the State is going to assist them with convicts in the construction of a portion of the Central Highway, they would have to my mind one of the best claims for some assistance. The western part of Harnett County also deserves consideration, inasmuch as certain people there are subscribing funds with which to build a public highway; and, if their funds could be supplemented by some from this fund, it would not only be very much appreciated by them but it would assist Harnett County in coming to a decision in regard to appropriating sufficient funds for building roads.

Randolph County is considering a bond issue, and if it does this, I believe they should be given careful consideration in regard to their receiving a part of the appropriation. Then again, if they do not pass the bond issue, the chance of getting some of this money might be a spur to cause them to vote favorably on it at the next election; which might also be said of Davidson County.

Avery County is also entitled to consideration, inasmuch as it is a new county, which is doing its best to advance, and is taking a good stand on the question of "Good Roads". I believe if the $10,000 were allotted to that county, it would be the means of the County Commissioners issuing 50 to $75,000 of bonds for the construction of highways.

Looking at the question in its broadest sense, it seems to me that the counties that need this money most, either because they have very little and can raise very little for road work as compared to some other counties, or the expenditure of some of this money will be the means of obtaining considerable money, are in the order of importance as follows:

1. Portion of the road in Carteret and Craven counties on Central Highway.

2. A portion of the Central Highway in Burke county.

3. A section of the road in Avery county.

4. Pender County needs some assistance, and I believe this is just an opportune moment to turn them into good road construction.

5. Randolph and Davidson counties I would put together. If one deserves it, the other does, although the counties themselves are well able to take care of their roads and build them. They are not poor counties in any sense of the word.

6. Harnett County (the western part), where certain of the landowners are building public roads at their own expense.