Thursday, July 7, 2005

100 years ago

The conduct of the children of York was still a matter for lively discussion in the city. "A Council School Teacher" had entered a protest against what he described as the "unwarrantable assertion" which was made at the meeting of the City Council when it was stated "this is what we get from our School Board teaching". The correspondent said: "The reason for the bad behaviour of children out in the streets lies not at the door of the Council School teachers. It is primarily the fault of the parents at home and the general conduct of home life. There is little or no parental control; the children play about in the streets till a late hour in the evening, and come under all sorts of evil influences. When they leave school many go to the factory or workshop and become initiated into the mysteries of betting and other evils. These quickly develop into the type known as the 'hooligan' or 'rough', and go from bad to worse. I know that in a Council School all classes of children are to be found, and very possibly there are really 'bad' children who exert an evil influence. If there were less parental indifference the work of the teacher who often has control over sixty or more scholars would be much easier."

50 years ago

Two leasehold terrace houses - numbers 17 and 19, Howard Street, York - were offered for sale by public auction in the Davy Hall, Davygate, York, subject to the existing tenancies, by Robinson and Yates Ltd of 41a Coney Street, York. Bidding opened at £100, and the properties were finally sold for £305. A semi-detached house, 89, Broadway, Fulford Road, York, offered with vacant possession, was sold for £1,575, after bidding had opened at £1,450.

25 years ago

Bjorn Borg's fifth triumph at Wimbledon, despite a painful muscle injury, put his name in bold type in the history of 20th century sport. The injury reminded us that he was a man not a machine. His coolness and sportsmanship made him a good example to other players, not only in tennis but other sports too. In winning, he brought the best out of his able but wayward opponent, John McEnroe. It was a match to remember, a player with a touch of genius restoring a dampened Wimbledon to its rightful place as the epitome of tennis.

Updated: 09:01 Thursday, July 07, 2005