FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - At the Great Bridge Court, on Wednesday, in one of the prosecutions instituted by the Tees Fishery Board for offences against the fishery laws it was stated that a woman had been stopped by a policeman. PC Gamble, suspecting the woman of having a salmon concealed under her shawl had his mind relieved when the removal of her garment disclosed the presence of a baby. The recital of the incident created much laughter in court.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - A most important report concerning the rail service needs of Teesside was presented to the Teesside and Durham Chamber of Commerce. On the general question of improved services the whole of the people are concerned, and not merely in the restricted area of Teesside. Teesside has vital interests in communication with London and it has long been a source of irritation that geographically it is unfortunately situated for express services to London. Perhaps a quicker and more frequent branch line to Darlington would lessen cause for complaint. Whatever the solution, activity from the Chamber to address railway difficulties is growing increasingly urgent and important.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - A Rainton man who has lovingly protected a tiny apple tree in his garden from stray cricket balls for the past three years has been caught out by youngsters who have raided practically the entire first crop. Since planting it, Mr Joe Lofthouse has made a habit of fielding near the tree whenever his grandchildren played cricket in the garden. But all his efforts have proved fruitless as young thieves have stripped the tree of all but four apples. His wife Margaret said Mr Lofthouse was disappointed and might just as well have let the grandchildren knock the apples off the tree with their cricket ball.