From this newspaper 100 years ago. - Mr Arthur Barningham, the son of Mr J Barningham, of Bowdon, and nephew of Mr Thos Barningham, formerly of Darlington Steelworks, performed a courageous act recently. Mr Barningham is a third engineer on the ss Austrian, and while the vessel was lying in the Boston harbour, one of the firemen fell overboard. Immediately, Mr Barningham dived under the ship after the fireman, and remained in the water for fully half-an-hour, trying to rescue the unfortunate man. His efforts were unsuccessful, but he was warmly commended for his heroism.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - In spite of the increase in entertainment tax, the directors of Darlington Football Club have decided to make no increase in the price of season tickets for the coming year. This is part of their campaign to secure more support for the club.

The prices will be: East Stand seats £4 4s; West Stand seats £3 3s; East Stand £2 10s; ground £1 10s; boys 15s.

The directors point out that last season was disastrous, and they seek local support and confidence to enable them to develop a first-class team. Their new manager, Mr Bob Gurney, is tackling the problem of team building, a difficult task in these days of high transfer fees.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Miss Scylla Riley-Lord, chairman of Darlington magistrates, said on Tuesday that the police had been put into an intolerable position during picketing outside the Darlington office of North of England Newspapers.

The Bench heard ten cases and seven people were fined a total of £140 for obstructing the highway and ordered to pay £70 costs. The charges arose from incidents on the night of June 24-25.

Miss Riley-Lord said: "It is not for us to enter into industrial disputes. What is very evident on these occasions is that free passageway has been obstructed.

"We all look to the police in times of emergency and we don't like intelligent people putting them in the situation we have heard described today."

Chief Supt Ken England said the arrests were made after picketing got out of hand. "Helmets were flying about and young ladies were knocked to the floor. I was concerned someone was going to get seriously hurt."