100 years ago

A fortnight having elapsed since the promulgation of the new order requiring Germans in this country to register themselves with the police, the authorities had now declared to enforce the order to the full.

Many Germans in London had neglected to register because they thought long residence in England rendered them immune. This was not so, and unless they became naturalised British subjects they would be liable to the penalty of six months imprisonment or a fine of £100.

Moreover, if a German alien was found more than 5 miles away from his registered address without a special permit he could be arrested. These special permits were usually granted by the police for a period of 24 hours. Special facilities were given those German aliens who had business premises in London and lived in the suburbs beyond the five-mile radius.

No action had yet been taken against Austrians and Hungarians, who were being allowed several more days in which to register.

 

50 years ago

A call for speedy action against dangerous toys had been made by the Consumers’ Association. Alongside a picture of a “horrifying object” – a soft toy which had come apart revealing long spikes of wire – the August edition of Which? the association’s magazine said: “We do not often campaign, but we believe strongly that whatever needs to be done to stop things like this falling into our children’s hands should be done, and should be done quickly.”

The toy, a pixie-like doll, had come to pieces after one hour’s play by a one-year-old, and the magazine said: “There is no need for us to point out what might have happened if the child had gone on playing with it any longer.” Children are not protected against monstrosities like this when they are imported, as this one was, pointed out the association.

 

25 years ago

Harry Corbett, the creator of the glove puppet Sooty – subject of the world’s longest running TV programme – had died, aged 71. Mr Corbett, who had launched Sooty in 1952, had died in his sleep at his home at Child Okeford, Dorset.

Mr Corbett, originally from Guiseley, near Leeds, had bought the puppet for 7s 6d (37½p) on Blackpool pier to amuse his sons. At the time he was earning £15 a week as an electrical engineer.

After an amateur talent show on television, the BBC offered him a run of six fortnightly programmes for a fee of 12 guineas a show. Mr Corbett gambled on giving up his job, and Sooty became a runaway success. The puppet’s friends, Sweep and Soo, were brought in – operated by Mr Corbett’s wife and son.