FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Members of Stockton Corporation assembled in business meetings under strangely different conditions this week.

On Tuesday, they had the installation of electric light in the Council Chamber but last night they had to fall back on the humble and almost discarded candle.

The scene in the old building will not soon be forgotten, for the members fairly groped their way into the Chamber, and took their places as best they could until a sufficient number of twinkling lights were served out to allow the business being proceeded with.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The need for a great spiritual revival to fight Communism was stressed by Lady Jane Stewart, elder daughter of Lord and Lady Londonderry, when she opened the annual sale of Holy Trinity church, in Darlington.

"Never in the whole of the church's long history has it had more vital task to do than it has now. Christianity is in great danger, for we face the deadly attacks of Communism and the anti-religious attacks of Karl Marx. We must try to bring about a great spiritual revival because we cannot fight Communism with atom bombs."

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - A denim dress led to an "embarrassing" incident, when student nurse Rosemary Dixon, of Great Ayton, decided to take her mother and father out for dinner at Gisborough Hall.

On arrival, she was told by bar staff that she could not be served because the dress material was denim.

Her mother, Mrs Davison, said the thought had never occurred to her, although she was well aware of the ruling on denim.

"My daughter looked very smart indeed and the dress was very expensive. We are regular customers at Gisborough Hall and are aware of the ruling - which I agree with, as far as jeans are concerned."