Wednesday, August 17, 2005

100 years ago

We were warned that no reader who enjoyed reading a good novel should fail to read the Monthly Magazine of Fiction for September (No. 245), which was a Double Number, published at the ordinary price, threepence. The novel of which the September Monthly Magazine of Fiction consisted was entitled "The Man of Her Choice," and was written by Helen Harrison, author of "A Flower in Bohemia," etc. The edition being limited, it was advisable to apply early for copies, which were on sale at all booksellers, bookstalls and newsagents, priced 3d. The Press said of the Monthly Magazine of Fiction that it "contains about as much reading matter as plenty of three-volumed novels;" its stories were always well written, in good taste, original and exceptionally interesting.

l50 years ago

Ticky the Python was missing. Before it escaped from its travelling case at a Scarborough jungle exhibition on the seafront, and disappeared, Ticky, the 15-foot long Malayan python belonging to Mr and Mrs Adrian Darley, had been well fed. Still searching for their snake after three days following rumours that it had appeared in different parts of the town ranging from the Castle Dykes to Oliver's Mount, some two and a half miles apart, Mrs Darley said that there was a possibility that providing it could survive the weather (snakes must be kept warm) Ticky could probably exist for several months without further food. Mr and Mrs Darley were both worried in case the snake panicked holidaymakers, and someone decided to strike and hurt it. They claimed it was perfectly tame. Fortunately Ticky was found a few days later.

25 years ago

Sir Freddie Laker had done it again. He slashed the price of a same-day Skytrain ticket to New York to £78. The Laker standard fare to Los Angeles was sliced to £109. A Miami flight came down to £82. The Laker standard fare was for a reserved seat booked for same-day travel. Sir Freddie also cut the price of economy tickets. The new Laker economy fare to New York would be £92 each way, that to Los Angeles £134, and to Miami £101. The rates took effect from October 15. Up to then the cheapest economy fare to New York was £189 single by British Airways, Pan Am and TWA. British Airways flew to Miami for £210 single. The new round in the airline price war came at a London press conference after Sir Freddie had recounted Laker Airways' success story.

Updated: 08:33 Wednesday, August 17, 2005