Monday, May 23, 2005

100 years ago

In a speech in Whitby Mr R L Outhwaite, a Free Trade advocate from Australia, referred to Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman's statement that one third of the population of the United Kingdom, about 13 million people, lived in a chronic condition of poverty bordering on starvation. Mr Outhwaite speculated that Sir Henry had in fact been referring to a book "dealing with the condition of the worst of slums in York and London". The "Yorkshire Herald" was sure the citizens of York would not be pleased to have their city traduced in this fashion for electioneering purposes, in the county of which it was the ancient and famous capital - the suggestion being that there were slums in York comparable to the offensive places to be found in London and other large cities.

50 years ago

The coming year might see work begin on the construction of a bridge over the River Ouse at Clifton, which would be the first step in relieving York's traffic congestion, said Alderman F Brown at the annual meeting of York City Council, at which he was unanimously elected Lord Mayor. After taking the oath and receiving the chain of office from the retiring Lord Mayor, Alderman Brown said his feelings were a mixture of pride and humility. The recent opening of the Gale Lane Clinic instituted the new idea of developing the health services in the suburbs, and he hoped to see further developments during the coming year. The housing waiting list was still far too long and he hoped to see more schools completed on the new housing estates. He was also interested in seeing new swimming baths, the development of open spaces and playing fields and many other things for the benefit of the city.

25 years ago

Alex "Hurricane" Higgins, the man who had held TV viewers spellbound in the recent world professional snooker championships, appeared at York Festival. He was booked for an exhibition at York University's Central Hall. Higgins, who earned his nickname by his quickfire style of play, was a former world champion and took the 1978 Benson and Hedges Masters title. In the recent Embassy world championship, Higgins had been beaten by Canadian Cliff Thornburn. A festival spokesman said details had not been completed, but Higgins was expected to be challenged by leading York amateurs.

Updated: 08:45 Monday, May 23, 2005