FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Humorous incidents and experiences in the auctioneer's sale room formed the subject of Mr Arthur Brockett's paper at last week's meeting in Darlington of the Auctioneer's Institute. One of the stories concerned a landowner who was anxious to purchase a small property near his estate, and who, being called away to attend a funeral, instructed his newly engaged butler to go to the sale and buy the field, regardless of price. The butler, a stranger to everyone, did as he was told, and took a seat in a deep recess of the chimney corner. As it happened, his master got back from the funeral while bidding was proceeding, and seeing nothing of the butler, congratulated himself that he was there in time to join the contest. Then ensued a long series of biddings between the employer and the butler, and it was not the latter who first showed signs of want of staying power. When at last the landowner threw up the sponge his butler came forward with an air of triumph, exclaiming, "It's for Mr P, and here is his cheque for you to fill in the deposit!"

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - After hearing that men went two miles to the nearest inn for a drink on Sunday lunchtime because their own village inn only opened for six days each week, and that this made them late for lunch with consequent domestic discord, Easingwold magistrates granted a seven day licence to the Black Bull, Raskelf. The police had no objection to the application, which was made by Mr Paul Crombie on behalf of the licensee, Mrs Maureen Ann Nevines.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Damage estimated at between £50,000 and £80,000 was caused by a fire on Monday night at St Giles Farm, Catterick Bridge, owned by Mr Sid Thornhill, when his family braved the searing heat of a blazing barn to rescue pregnant ewes.

The alarm had been raised by the 15-year-old daughter of one of Mr Thornhill's farmworkers who saw the flames rising from the Dutch barn as she was getting ready for bed. Fire engines from Richmond, Bedale and Leyburn were at the blaze from 10.30 to 4am.

Forty-two of Mr Thornhill's ewes were pregnant and had been staying in the barn as protection from the bad weather. They and cattle were driven out of the barn and into the surrounding fields. The Dutch barn was gutted and two combined harvesters worth £20,000 each were destroyed, also about 50 tonnes of straw worth £4,000.