FROM this newspaper 150 years ago. - A farmer, who had lately become a widower, was aroused at midnight by the loud barking of his dog. On going to it, the animal displayed extreme terror, whereupon the farmer took his gun and proceeded to an inspection. All at once he saw a phantom, clothed in a white sheet rise behind the hedge. The farmer turned deadly pale and his limbs shook with dismay. He however managed to utter, "If you come from God, speak; if from the devil vanish!"

"Wretch," exclaimed the phantom, "I am your deceased wife, come from the grave to warn you not to marry Maria Andrews, to whom you are courting. The only woman to succeed me is Henrietta Barker. Marry her or persecution and eternal torment shall be your doom."

This strange address from the goblin, instead of dismaying the farmer, restored his courage. He accordingly rushed to the ghostly visitor, and stripping him of its sheet, discovered the fair Henrietta herself looking extremely foolish. It is said that the farmer, admiring the girl's trick, has had the banns published for his marriage with her.

From this newspaper 100 years ago. - Ripon in the olden days could tell many tales of ghosts and spectres, but the age is now too far advanced to trade on the credulity of the unsuspecting. A genuine ghost story was however started a few days ago and it was vouched for by the inhabitants of Hillshaw Terrace who had seen spectres flitting about on Ailsa Hill and heard unearthly groans. This hill is to the east of the Cathedral and is said to be a tumulus covering the remains of those slain in a battle in Saxon times. It is an ideal place for ghosts and goblins. The present practical jokers turned out to be lads who were making night hideous with groans while one in white raiment disported himself in the gloaming. They were captured and duly cautioned.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Stalling Busk, near Lake Semerwater, is the first village in Raydale, a remote off-shoot of Wensleydale, to receive an electricity supply.

Almost every house in the dale is wired in anticipation of a supply coming and some have TV aerials erected.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Floodlighting enhances St Cuthbert's Church, the architectural pride of Darlington, and discourages vandalism, argued councillors who favoured Darlington Borough Council financing floodlighting at the church when the Works and Health committee met on Monday.

Councillors against financing the floodlighting said the annual cost of about £3,000 could be better spent on providing necessary social support and that floodlighting made too great demands on financial and energy resources. The committee agreed to consult the Parochial Church Council to see if it could provide more money and the outcome will be considered at the next meeting.