FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - At a meeting of the Pocklington Rural Council, Mr T B Bainbridge moved a resolution calling attention to the reckless speed at which motor-cars were frequently driven. He said that it should be made compulsory for every car when approaching or passing any horse on any road, to slow down at the most to a speed of six miles per hour. Mr Bainbridge argued that the high speeds at which cars were being driven rendered the use of the highways absolutely dangerous and posed a grave threat to motorists and walkers alike. He suggested that in any Bill dealing with this matter, the question of acceptable speeds should be fixed and a means of identification of offending cars be considered.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - A strong plea was made to parents by the headmaster of Richmond Grammar School to supervise the reading matter which fell into their children's hands. On day-to-day reading matter Mr T G C Woodford encouraged young boys to read newspapers and periodicals as much as possible. But he cautioned against the appalling standard adopted by certain parts of the press. Mr Woodford said: "Where sex and crime constitute the main appeal in any paper, magazine or periodical, I beg you to consider very deeply the wisdom of allowing your children access to it." He continued that the undesirable content of many publications could not help but have an undesirable influence on impressionable youth.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - A thousand people may ultimately be employed by the Carreras Rothman cigarette factory, McMullen Road, Darlington, which turns out 40 million cigarettes a day. Since the firm came to Darlington in November 1976, £14m has been invested in the factory and one in five of Darlington's working population has at some point applied for a job in the factory. Director of operations, Mr Leslie Breffit said: "What has been achieved here is a real success story. We are happy to be here and to stay here and we hope to be employing up to 1000 people here ultimately."