FROM this newpaper 150 years ago. - The Public Health Bill of 1855 - Sir B Hall's Bill for the removal of public nuisances has been followed by the introduction of a Bill to amend and alter the Public Health Act of 1848, which is endorsed with the names of the same hon baronet and of Viscount Palmerston. It contains 163 clauses. As our space will not admit a regular and minute description of the details of this measure, it may be briefly stated, for the information of the public, that it continues the existing General Board of Health, which is to endure for two years after passing the act.

From this newspaper 100 years ago. - Who would ever think there is a living man who talked with another man who fought in the Battle of Culloden nearly 160 years ago? Yet such there is in the vicinity of Bedale, in the person of John Smith, a nonangenarian farmer, of sufficient vitality and intelligence to take a leading part among farmers; for just recently at a meeting to form Bedale Tenant Farmers' Association he was proposed to chair, which he declined but he emphatically gave expression to his opinions during the meeting. Although he has known 90 summers, his age, like that of Shakespeare's old Adam, "is like a lusty winter, frosty but cheerful." Remarkably hearty and cheerful, he takes a zealous interest in current events, and can speak of a distant past with a clearness as to dates beyond the average man in his prime.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Mr W Hancock, of Boroughbridge Road, Northallerton, had his third win at Cruft's last week with his border terrier dog, Martin. In addition, the dog has won eight best of show awards and many other prizes.

Mr Hancock is a founder member of the flourishing Northallerton and District Dog Society. His work as secretary in the early days did much to raise the society to prominence. From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Maj Roger Pickard, the unit press officer of J squadron, 8th Signal Regiment, Catterick Garrison, has received a letter which made his day, for it contained high praise indeed for two young men serving in the regiment, Signalman James Turnbull and Signalman Alan Perry, who are both 17.

The letter came from Mr Raymond Tuite, a United Bus Company driver at Richmond, who was driving through Middleton Tyas recently in appalling weather conditions and got into difficulties in the snow and ice. The two young soldiers, who were passengers on the bus, insisted on digging out the vehicle and spread grit to get it moving again. Their action and cheerfulness had a calming effect on some schoolchildren who were becoming rather frightened, said Mr Tuile.

"As one who had just about given up hope for the youth of today, I found it quite refreshing to find two young men who were prepared to inconvenience themselves to help others. I was pleased to learn, upon asking their names, that they were members of the Royal Signals, in which I had the honour to serve."