From this newspaper 100 years ago.

A lady friend was put into a comfortless end-carriage of a crowded night train, to travel 400 miles to the South West of England.

The North Eastern Railway carriage was dark and cold, such as one might see in an out-of-the-way district in Southern Europe.

The middle compartments of the carriage were first class and empty, whilst the only passengers on board were put in compartments above the rattling wheels.

A hot water can was not to be had for love nor money, although it was a freezing and windy night. In this primitive, comfortless state, the lady had to make her long journey.

I venture to think there is not another railway company in England that would start its passengers under such niggardly and unfavourable conditions. Such a state invites competition from other companies. It is a disgrace and the sooner it is set right, the better for the railway company and passengers.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Minister of Agriculture, Sir Thomas Dugdale, of Crathorne Hall, met farmers of the Stokesley district NFU at their annual dinner.

Sir Thomas was detained in London at the last minute so the dinner was well under way when he arrived at Stokesley town hall.

However, there was no mistaking his pleasure on arrival. He was among friends, many of whom he had known since boyhood, and they were intensely proud to welcome him as Minister of Agriculture.

He referred to chairman Mr Henry Atkinson, of Mill Farm, Crathorne, and last year's chairman Mr Percy Dickins, of Wellington farm, Ingleby Cross, who sat with him at the top table.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Members of the newly-formed Darlington arts association start looking next week for a building to make into a centre for various arts groups.

Nearly 40 organisations in Darlington have expressed a desire to join the association, including drama, dance and music groups, plus the Chrysanthemum and Dahlia society and Darlington and Teesdale naturalists field club.

The initiative for setting up the association came from the Northern Arts boards and Darlington council. The aim is to encourage and develop the arts in all forms and to make people aware of all the regional arts facilities in the town.

Darlington council is promising to help provide a meeting place and possibly give some financial help to a programme of events