100 years ago

IT WAS war in Europe, today, not peace. Such was the message which came from Vienna.

The message, it was true, was somewhat cryptic, but its meaning seemed only too plainly to be that Austria-Hungary had determined upon war-like measures against Servia.

The sequel, it was conjectured, might be that European catastrophe to which Sir Edward Grey had referred so gravely and dramatically in the House of Commons the previous afternoon - the catastrophe of the Great Powers, divided into the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente, engaged in an armed conflict.

A report stated that eight Austrian Army Corps had been mobilised, and all reservists had been ordered to start for their respective regiments within 24 hours. In Paris the newspapers declared that all preparations for mobilisation were complete.

It was generally felt that the last word lay with Germany, as it was thought Austria would do nothing without the consent of the Emperor William. There was considerable naval activity off the Yorkshire Coast. Men of all ratings on leave had been recalled by telegram to their ships.


50 years ago

SCARBOROUGH people must receive greater consideration than in the past over noise from motorcycle racing on the Oliver’s Mount Circuit, said Alderman N Walsh at a meeting of the Town Council.

Alderman Walsh pointed out that three motorcycle meetings and one hill climb for cars were being allowed.

“Last year was a shocker and we were told this was due to the way of the wind and various other conditions over which no one has any control. On the Esplanade details of the various heats were heard being announced over the loudspeakers.

"The noise at North Cliff Avenue was “terrific,” and it also was carried to Alexandra Park. I cannot be convinced that the dispersal of noise over all these areas was due to weather conditions and the way of the wind.”

He did not want to stop the racing but thought that the noise of the loudspeakers might be toned down.


25 years ago

FILM censors were introducing a new age category for films - and the American box office hit Batman would be the first to receive it.

The ‘12’ category from the British Board of Film Classification would cover movies not considered suitable for children aged 11 and younger. Batman, starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson, which would open on August 11, would be the first film to carry the new classification nationwide.

The scheme had been operating on trial in the London Borough of Westminster since March. Five categories would now be available for public cinemas - U, PG, 12, 15 and 18.