100 years ago

Some time before, a church choir in America had gone on strike and for a time there was much perturbation. They seemed to manage these things differently in America.

The congregation of the First Methodist Church of Battle Creek, Michigan, had had the novel experience of listening to a gramophone ‘choir’. The pastor, the Rev WH Phelps, explained to his flock that the choir had gone on strike at the last moment, and that he had not had time to procure substitutes. He went to a friend who kept a musical instrument shop and borrowed the gramophone.

The hymns, it was reported, were voted quite a success.

50 years ago

Vandalism in many of York’s uncontrolled public conveniences was proving a constant headache for the city engineer’s department.

The “black spots” were the conveniences in Melrosegate and Acomb, and other public toilets which were regular targets for vandalism were those in Bootham, Dennis Street, Haxby Road and Fourth Avenue. Damage usually took the form of broken windows, seats torn off and damaged, pipes forced away from their fittings and locks torn off the doors.

Most of the vandalism, said a spokesman, was generally done in the late evening, when the public houses were closed, or early hours of the morning. Only rarely was anyone caught in the act and there were few prosecutions. “There is just nothing we can do about it,” he said. “Meanwhile the bill for the repairs is having to be met by the ratepayers.”

25 years ago

Most people seeking jobs with York Health Authority would not be required to take a routine test for AIDS. But certain high-risk workers, such as community dentists, might need to have regular checks, members of the authority were told when they approved a policy on employment and AIDS.

The policy document, said Mr Stephen Griffin, district personnel manager, was being considered “with an eye to the future”. Mr Stuart Ingham, district general manager, told members: “The authority has no plans to routinely require employees to be tested.” Dr William Wintersgill, specialist in community medicine, said dentists were at risk. A test for AIDS might be required where the appointment of a community dentist was involved.

The situation could change quickly, said Mr Ingham, if there was a case of AIDS involving a member of staff. Mr Kurt Haslsinger, chairman, emphasised that the situation would be kept under close review.