FROM this newspaper 150 years ago. - Mr Thomas Hikley of the Lobster Inn, Coatham, near Redcar, a few days ago, at one shot, killed 78 larks, bullfinches and other small birds with a common shoulder gun.

From this newspaper 100 years ago. - On Monday morning, one of Mr Reed's travellers from Darlington was driving a horse down the old Lancaster Road from the moors to Richmond and whilst transacting business with Mr R Pickersgill, a farmer, of Brookes, the traveller had occasion to leave the animal for a short time. The horse, doubtless startled, broke away and galloped down a steep hill to Sandbeck, where there is a peculiar bridge. In its mad flight, the animal jumped the bridge, and falling amongst the stones below was immediately killed. The same bridge has been the scene of accidents in the past.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Northallerton South End Methodist Church held an Everybody's Birthday Party in the schoolroom on Thursday.

The event was organised by the menfolk, and it replaced the men's weekend. It raised about £35 for church expenses.

To come to the party, people had to pay a penny for each year of their lives, and nearly 100 were present at a meal, waited on by men in costume. Also in costume were Mr H Wilkinson, and Mr C Brown, as Mr and Mrs Fiddletwaddle, and Mr W Topping, chairman of the organising committee, taking the part of their daughter supposedly celebrating her 21st birthday.

Among the speakers was Mr E Thompson, organising secretary of the event, which took over three months to prepare.

After the meal entertainment was provided by various members and Mr Temperley, of Coundon, who played his cornet.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - There are caravans standing at Stokesley on a site near the Thame Bridge in front of a notice by the North Yorkshire County Council forbidding either caravans or camping, Coun George Marsay of Stokesley told Hambleton Planning Committee on Thursday.

He spoke of their disgusting condition because of the lack of sanitation and said nearby buildings were being used as toilets. He had informed the police who had said that they were not involved.

The committee decided to inform the county surveyor and ask him to have the caravans removed from land which is a layby owned by the county highways department.

The committee also decided to take enforcement action for the removal of a caravan stationed at Woundales, Borrowby. Mr Daley said this caravan had been allowed for a temporary period with conditions which had not been complied with and though the occupant had been requested to comply with conditions he had not done so.