Tuesday, July 5, 2005

100 years ago

Citizens of all classes, would, it was hoped, respond to the appeal of Alderman Foster to assist the authorities in protecting the swans, which were such an ornament to the River Ouse. It was once said by a medical man that there must be something radically wrong in the composition of a boy who did not instinctively throw a stone at a cat or a bird, but that it was a wrong and cruel instinct. A boy, who wilfully injured the swans and the cygnets on the river by throwing stones at them should, therefore, be taught by the judicious application of an ash sapling that he was doing wrong. Stone throwing was inflicting a great deal of injury upon these beautiful birds, and the public who enjoyed strolls on the river's banks could render the most valuable service in stopping the wanton and cruel practice. The keelmen who were so much on the river showed a good example in this respect. They were very careful not to injure the swans, and their families were made to be equally careful.

50 years ago

The Minister of Transport announced that schemes were being prepared for building about 330 miles of roads in Britain for motor traffic only. He gave details of the first section, covering 53 miles of the London-Yorkshire motorway, between the northern end of the proposed St Albans bypass and Dunchurch in Warwickshire. Building of the second stage of the London-Yorkshire motorway - about 107 miles - would follow the completion of the first section. The motor roads would be constructed with "hard shoulders" adjacent to the carriageway, to enable vehicles to pull up clear of the running lanes in emergencies. There would be landscape treatment for motorways to ensure that their introduction did not result in scarring the countryside.

25 years ago

A York store director was encouraging his staff to fall asleep at work. Ian Macdonald did not mind either if their wives or husbands joined them for a nap. He believed it was the only way they would be able to answer customers' questions about the latest item on sale at Macdonald's furniture store in Fossgate - a £400 waterbed. As Mr Macdonald explained: "The first thing people ask is whether we've tried it. The only way to try it is to sleep on it for a night, so somehow or other the staff must do so." His staff seemed only too happy to oblige. "I think two people have to sleep on it, then you can say you don't disturb each other with movement during the night," said the manager.

Updated: 08:44 Tuesday, July 05, 2005