100 years ago

THE Rome correspondent of the “Echo de Paris” stated that the military attaché of a great Power had made the following statement to him:

“A principal cause of anxiety to Germany will soon be a want of ammunition. Lead, and especially copper, which are necessary for the manufacture of cartridges and shells, will soon be scarce, thanks to the strict watch kept by the English Fleet, which prevents all importation of copper into Germany.” “It has already been observed on the Belgian battlefields that the Germans are using old cast iron shells, which are absurdly ineffective.”

 

50 years ago

THE Truth About Modelling, by Jean Shrimpton, read like a school essay on a set subject — according to our book review. The sentences were short, the adjectives banal — the book however, despite its artlessness, was true to the title and very informative.

Acclaimed as the world’s greatest model earning £5,000 a year in England and £20,000 a year in America, “The Shrimp” deglamourised her profession. Real models, she maintained, lead austere lives; they had to, they needed their sleep. Bags beneath the eyes and morning unpunctuality would lose them jobs — and jobs were hard to find.

A skeletal appearance was mandatory, and yet models had to have stamina. Fashion pictures, despite their casual carefree air, could take more than two painstaking hours to perfect and the model was “onstage” all the time. She had also to be able to withstand wearing beachwear outdoors in a British winter and furs in an Italian summer. A

recruiting officer for the Brigade of Guards was no more precise about correct height than those who employed photographic and high fashion models. They had to be 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins in their stockinged feet, with 33/34 inch busts, 22/24 inch waists, and 34/35 inch hips.

 

25 years ago

PLANS to relax Government policy on derelict land could mean new green sites in the centre of York. British Rail land around York Station and the Foss Islands/St Nicholas Field site were prime examples of derelict areas which could bloom again, councillors heard.

A scheme for a development study into derelict land surrounding the station should, it was hoped, be agreed within the next financial year. Councillors warmly welcomed the plans to help turn eyesores into beauty spots — or new business developments.

The Government’s review of derelict land policy could have special implications for York, head of city development Mr John Rigby told the planning committee. The unused land could offset increasing pressure for development on the city outskirts by providing suitable sites within York, helping to boost the city’s image.