Monday, June 13, 2005

100 years ago

The innovation of holding motor races on Filey sands had prompted Mr Arthur Kempe, a well-known gentleman in York, to suggest the utilisation of the city's Knavesmire for similar purposes. He wrote to the Press saying, that having regard to the great increase in the motor industry in England, the lack of proper space and tracks for speed and reliability trials and motor races in our country, and the great interest in this booming sport, he would suggest the idea of utilising land around Knavesmire for the construction of a motor track. This could be done without injuring the racecourse, by keeping well to the outside and crossing the private road. A splendid run, with sweeping easy corners, could be constructed, or if this did not meet with approval a straight one through could be arranged, although he thought the former preferable.

50 years ago

The City Licensing Bench granted television and wireless licences to 26 York public houses. The police, however, raised objection to piano licences for four premises, and the magistrates refused these. A representative for the Licensed Victuallers' Association said the application was for an extension of music licences to cover, in most cases, television. The police did not object to television and wireless licences, but in respect of the Crystal Palace, Holgate Road, Red Lion, Merchantgate, Bowling Green Inn, Lowther Street, and Sea Horse Hotel, Fawcett Street, objection was made to piano licences. The chief constable said that in his opinion the premises were unsuitable for piano music, as rooms did not comply with the regulations. It was stipulated that the height of the rooms must be above 10ft. In three instances the height was nine feet six inches or under, and while the Crystal Palace had a room complying with the height condition, it was otherwise too narrow.

25 years ago

The inflation rate had reached 21.9 per cent, its highest for more than four years according to Government figures. But sources indicated that the wave of inflation might have reached its peak and they were optimistic that it would soon start to decline. The recent figures were blamed on increases in electricity and gas, motoring, housing, and certain foods - especially bread and meat, and buying outside meals. There were only a few increases coming through in the pipeline, notably power, petrol and newspapers, so the Government was confident that the rate would begin to fall sharply. A real decline in inflation would depend in the moderation of wage demands by "organised groups of workers", indicated Government sources.

Updated: 12:25 Saturday, June 11, 2005