FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A singular accident took place at a slaughter-house outside Durham on Saturday night. While a beast was being prepared to be killed it turned suddenly on one of the workers when his back was turned and butted him. The man was knocked down and in the confusion that followed the animal tried to take leave of his captors. Other workers restrained the beast and it caused no further incident. The injured man was examined by a doctor and was said to be progressing well.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The vacuum cleaner, electric fire, gas oven, washing machine and other time-saving devices would take their place in our lives more quickly if they were cheaper and made in smaller sizes. In some homes only the underclothing and stockings are washed at home, so a small washer would be a boon to those who feel their requirements are not met in the present sizes. A machine age would make for more leisure and health would improve in households. With a small and effective vacuum cleaner, dust and dirt could be drawn from the air, which would mean no fogs, better health, and less need for cleaning our homes and clothing.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Darlington councillors were criticised on Wednesday for failing to increase a smokeless zone. Coun Steve McLoughlin told the Policy and Resources Committee that the decision to shelve a £25,000 smoke control scheme would mean a 'Dirty Darlington' tag would remain. "We are known as Dirty Darlington in the North East", he said. "We have a terrible name because we have been too timid in the past." Coun Eric Roberts opposed these claims. He said: "Darlington has the best reputation in the whole of County Durham for cleanliness. I would like to see every part of the town smokeless but we cannot do it yet. It is as simple as that." The Tory-controlled committee decided to defer the scheme to make the Bank Top area of the town a smoke controlled zone.