February 12

A Bill had been passed by both Houses empowering the Government to take possession of all meat supplies in the State for the use of the Imperial Government during the period of the war.

The Premier stated that a cablegram had been received by the Governor from the Imperial authorities stating that large purchases of meat had been made in view of the largely-increased demand by the army and the purchases by the French Government authorities.

The Home Government also desired to prevent an excessive advance in prices in the United Kingdom of the existing Australian supplies. The passage of the Bill through both Houses was unanimous and was marked by much enthusiasm.

50 years ago

Breathalysers were on the way. Medical experts had recommended the level of alcohol in the motorist’s blood, beyond which prosecution for driving under the influence should be automatic. The level corresponded to three pints of beer, three double whiskeys, or almost a bottle of wine.

The experts’ decision was contained in a report due to be approved by the Council of the British Medical Association shortly. It would then be published and submitted to the Government. Experts had convinced the Government that there was no point in introducing breathalysers unless a limit was laid down. The problem had been to decide the reasonable level.

In an earlier report prepared for Mr Ernest Marples, the previous Minister of Transport, the BMA recommended a lower level than was currently suggested. The only question remaining was how the alcohol level was to be measured. Breathalysers and blood tests were understood to be recommended in the latest BMA report.

25 years ago

Cheering, flag-waving crowds chanting “Viva Nelson Mandela” danced with joy outside York Minster to mark the release of the jailed black nationalist leader. The Minster’s bells pealed and hundreds of people cheered in an emotional celebration of Nelson Mandela’s release.

Members of the York Anti-Apartheid Group had less than 24 hours to organise a demonstration to celebrate his release. “It is absolutely tremendous news and we are obviously delighted,” said the group’s secretary, Danny Golding. “We think this is only the first step in the struggle for freedom in South Africa.

It is important that the pressure on South Africa is kept up until the government agrees to abolish apartheid for good,” he said. Hugh Bayley, the York Labour Party press officer and a member of the anti-apartheid movement for the previous 20 years, said it was a very emotional moment.

“Britain must keep up the pressure on South Africa until the country changes to a democratic system where everybody has got the right to vote, not just the white and mixed race people,” he said.