Thursday, July 28, 2005

100 years ago

Before leaving Charing Cross for Paris, on her way to South America, Mme Sarah Bernhardt was offered the use of a motorcar to cover part of the journey. "No, thanks," she replied, "nothing could ever induce me to ride in those terrible machines. They are an invention which I could never endorse by using them myself." A large number of friends, including Mrs Patrick Campbell, assembled on the platform to give Mme Bernhardt a hearty send off. She looked extremely well, and in reply to a question with reference to her English tour replied: "I have never had a better season in England, and I am more than satisfied with the results."

50 years ago

Bridlington Town Council decided at its monthly meeting that houses on the West Hill estate should continue to be painted in pastel shades, despite protests from several members of the Council. Councillor John Boddy said they should finish with pastel shades. The houses should be painted in a colour which would stand up to seaside weather. Councillor E C Briggs said it would be easier if the houses were painted in the seven different colours available. Alderman W S Cook said that the main interest was to see that the estate looked attractive to all. They had been satisfied in the past with the colours and had received compliments from all over the world. This would cost no more than the dingy colours, which "labelled" council houses in some towns. Why should they not keep to the lively shades when it was being done as cheaply as possible?

25 years ago

The poverty trap was deepening for the working poor, the Chancellor, Sir Geoffrey Howe, was warned. An analysis of welfare policies said that a couple who had two children and claimed all their benefits were better off earning £55 a week than £75. A couple with four children were better off earning £55 a week than £95. The analysis was contained in a memorandum sent to Sir Geoffrey by Ruth Lister, director of the Child Poverty Action Group. The memo coincided with the Commons debate on new social security rates. A couple with three children who got a £30 rise to bring their earnings to £85 -- still below the average wage -- could actually end up £3.11 worse off the analysis showed. "The Government has made it more difficult for low-income families to earn their way out of poverty." the author wrote. "For families who earn just too much to receive family income supplement the coming year looks grim indeed."

Updated: 16:20 Wednesday, July 27, 2005