FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - In the mortality returns of the great towns for last week Stockton's death rate was the lowest, only 11 per thousand. This speaks well for the sanitary state of the town, and one that it hoped will continue. As likely to contribute to such one may note that the Stockton Corporation swimming bath will be re-opened for the season on Monday...It is largely used by the public, and also by numerous schools of the town. With the high rates of the town it is too much to expect that at an early date, but at some not remote time perhaps, the town will possess a set of Turkish baths.

FROM this newspaper 50 years ago. - The custom, started in 1731, of holding a churchwardens' dinner at the 13th century Three Horse Shoes Inn, Wensley, after the annual church meeting, will be observed on Wednesday. According to the rules, any one introducing business relating to the vestry meeting will be fined half-a-crown. Possibly this rule was introduced to limit the amount of liquor consumed. When beer was a penny a pint the limitation would of course, cause no difficulty, but at 1s 6d a pint observance of the rule would mean total abstinence.

FROM this newspaper 25 years ago. - Anyone in North Yorkshire who is prepared to offer a holiday for a deprived child this summer; can make a suitable arrangement through the WRVS. The WRVS children's holiday scheme is nationally enjoyed, and helps to provide many children with a holiday they would not otherwise get. It is designed to help young children from five to 15-year-old whose families cannot afford them a holiday, children from one parent families whose parents have to keep working or youngsters deprived of a holiday through illness of parents or relatives. Those willing to help with the holiday scheme would be able to receive a small payment on request