December 1953 page 1

Editorial Page

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

This message is written to you with a sense of both pride and
humility–pride because I feel that 1953 has been a year of con-
tinuing achievement for both railroads...and humility because
I realize that the progress which we have made would not have
been possible without the combined talent and energy of every
member of our organization.

During the year we have taken giant strides toward finishing the
extensive modernization program begun several years ago. In South
Carolina we completed the remodeling of the mechanical shops,
enabling us to keep our fleet of diesel locomotives at peak per-
formance. In North Carolina we adoped a plan to convert the
division from electric to diesel operation during 1954 and to re-
model the shops at Pinoca. Last month an order was placed for
new diesel locomotives for the Durham & Southern to replace the
steam power we now have. That program likewise includes modern
shop facilities and attendant efficiency and better working con-
ditions. Our new rail program on the South Carolina Division which
was completed early this year has been extended to the North
Carolina Division. One-third of the main line mileage of this divi-
sion will have new 100 lb. rail by the end of the year.

Another step forward is the group hospital insurance plan which
we initiated last April. This insurance, provided for you at no cost
and for your families at nominal cost, has already proven its worth
and has served as a model plan for other railroads.

That success which we have enjoyed over the past years has been
made possible by your great ability and by the cooperative support
you have given to me and other officers of your railroad. I am very
proud of the former and deeply grateful for the latter.

To each of you and your families I extend my sincerest wishes
for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

[Signature of W. I. Rankin]

W. I. Rankin, President