FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - During the past week, the attention of Masham and district has been concentrated on the Private Bill Committee of the House of Lords, which has had under consideration bills promoted respectively by the Corporations of Leeds and Harrogate for the construction of light railways from Masham Station through Fearby and Healey to Leighton Bridge, and beyond to where huge reservoirs are in course of construction for the supply of towns mentioned. The railways will run through the estate of the Hon S Lister (son of Lord Masham), crossing the highways, main roads and district roads in seven or eight places and the footpaths in 30 places.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - On their visit to Stockton this week the Sadler's Wells Opera Company are repeating the triumphs of last year's season. Nightly at the Globe Theatre scores of people have been unable to get seats, such has been the appeal of this famous opera company to the Teesside area - and far beyond - and there have been remarkable scenes of enthusiasm. Monday's Carmen, an original production be Tyrone Guthrie, undoubtedly surprised many by its sombre setting, but it was note-worthy in its economy in this respect and also in the atmosphere created by its austerity. We had little of the glitter and colour of the old Carmen conception but it built up to an amazing finale.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Almost 50 stray dogs have been picked up by the Cleveland County Police dog catcher this week and taken to the Waterfall Farm Kennels, the County dog pound, near Guisborough. Three other dogs are being held at the veterinary surgeons in Middlesbrough. These are a Border Collie from Thornaby, a cross Terrier from Stockton and an Alsatian from Middlesbrough. An unusual occupant in the pound is a tan Chow Chow picked up in the Stockton area. Other pedigrees include a long-haired brown and white Corgi, from Thornaby, a sable Cairn Terrier bitch from Middlesbrough and a Rough Collie from Stockton.