From this newspaper 100 years ago.

1901 has been a year of deep sadness and some hope. The War and the illness and death of our beloved Queen Victoria have created much gloomy news. Yet at the close of the year, we are beginning to see gleams of light.

Commerce has been better than pessimistic prophecies led us to expect. There were exceptional floods, droughts and gales, but, on the while, there is much for congratulation.

One of the major events abroad was death of the Ameer of Afghanistan, which until recently would have undoubtedly created intense anxiety in the Empire.

Happily, our relations with Russia and Afghanistan, and our defensive arrangements in the North West Frontier have combined to make a change of ruler an event of less import than at any time in the last sixty years. The Ameer has been peaceably succeeded by his son and no change in policy has occurred.

The British race has unquestionable many reasons for congratulation and for looking forward with hope and confidence.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. Farming in 1951 has changed beyond all recognition to that which we knew before the Second World War. A revolution has taken place in the fields.

The Agriculture Minister Lord Woolton this year asked farmers to produce the maximum amount of food at the minimum price. At the same time, he warned of the dangers of cheap food from overseas. After years of ever-changing policies, farming's greatest need today is stability. Schemes which constantly alter the framework of agriculture have no lasting success.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. The festive season struck a discordant note in Ripon, where shoppers complained they could not hear themselves speak because of loud piped music in the market square.

Music has been a city centre feature for some years but it had a less than festive reception this year.

Coun J Thompson complained about both the noise and the type of music. He claimed some people could not even hear themselves speak.

Mayor Coun Micheal Falkingham defended the music, saying only a minority of people had complained. However, the volume was turned down.