100 years ago

HIS Holiness Pope Pius X had died at the Vatican, Rome, in the early hours of the morning.

About a week before, the Pope had contracted a slight cold in the bronchial tubes, accompanied by some fever, but his condition at first had given rise to no anxiety.

Having passed a bad night, it had then been decided to issue a bulletin twice a day.

The first report had been that there was no ground for disquiet; the second that, though the fever had abated, respiration was a little difficult. Then a recent bulletin had stated that the patient was worse by reason of the development of bronchitis and increased fever.

During the day his condition had become critical and he had passed away soon after midnight. To the end the Pope’s mind had been comparatively clear.

In a lucid moment his Holiness had said: “Now I begin to think the end is approaching. The Almighty, in His inexhaustible goodness, wishes to spare me the horrors which Europe is undergoing.

The Rome newspaper said that the Pope was a victim of the war. During the previous few days he had dictated innumerable telegrams in an attempt to stop the horrors of the European conflict.


50 years ago

MALCOLM Robinson, of Clifton, wrote: “Why all this nonsense about York and its facelift? I say ‘Well done’ to the architects of today! The Yorkshire Insurance Company’s office block looks wonderful; so do the new motor showrooms in Rougier Street.

"I like the modern flats, they are far better than the old terraced houses people lived in (or should I say, were forced to live in) in the past — no hot water, no bathroom, poor lighting, rats, and many other things. Many people would like York to remain in the past. I say, ‘Good show York, keep it up. Put up your flats; let’s have more good buildings, and a better way of living’.”


25 years ago

THE University of York had been quick to reassure people that a deadly disease affecting ducks on the campus lake was not dangerous to people.

The statement had come after fears were raised that a botulism toxin which had killed off many ducks might affect children attending canoeing classes on the lake.

At least 40 carcasses had already been found and the total was climbing every day. The university bursar, Mr Roger McMeeking, said the university had been advised that public warnings were unnecessary.

He said the disease, called avian botulism, was confined to ducks and had nothing to do with human botulism. The outbreak was being blamed on low water levels and hot weather, which had led to the deadly bacteria multiplying in the ducks’ food source.