FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - At Thirsk on Thursday afternoon, a worthy Knight of the Thimble and a boon companion, in their cups, in spite of the north-east wind, determined to have a sail on the Mill dam.

Having no boat, a happy thought struck them that as the owner of the "Water Lily", a small craft, which is often seen on the Codbeck during the summer months, was from home, there would be no harm in taking her from her moorings and launching her, which they did.

Unfortunately, they were unable to find either the oars or paddles, and in their absence had recourse to a clothes prop. The boat was duly launched, and on reaching deep water, by the unbalanced state of the couple of occupants, was capsized, with the result that it immediately sank, leaving the two to make the best way they could to the nearest bank after being immersed quite up to the neck in fresh water, leaving "the Lily" to be hauled ashore by a crowd of young Norby urchins. Needless to say, the spectators enjoyed the scene.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The significance of Darlington's "ample historic background" in relation to the Festival of Britain is stressed in the annual report of the Darlington Society of Arts, issued yesterday. The report expresses the hope of the Society that Darlington will not fritter away the opportunity afforded by the Festival of taking a brave place among England's oldest boroughs. It continues: "In a previous report, attention was drawn to the town's ancient but pseudo-architectural make-up, and it is reiterated that Darlington is "no rose red city half as old as time. Its deficiencies cannot be bridged by a last minute raid on its tawdry stock of bunting. We must not add to its defects or even seek to camouflage them, but boldly scheme to purge and purify, and in such a way, money spent should be a permanent investment."

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - The leader of Stockton Council said on Wednesday that work provided by the Council under the Government's Job Creation Scheme should not be regarded as an easy option. This came after seven men, aged between 18 and 24, were dismissed when they were found drinking and playing cards while they should have been clearing old people's gardens. Mr David Smith, the recruitment and training officer, said: "It is a bit of a shame. We have ten schemes running at the moment, and before this incident, they were running perfectly." The men were in two squads assigned to tidy up derelict allotments in Blue Hall, Norton, and clear pensioners' gardens on Friday