From this newspaper 100 years ago.

Mr A F Hogg, Principal of Darlington Technical College, said an extension was needed to provide better provision for more advanced work.

Vigorous canvassing for subscriptions was necessary so as not to put further burdens on the college's funds.

He said the standard required for entrance had been gradually raised and a typical student of 1902 was distinctly better than in 1898.

Students numbers were 83 in 1898 compared to 154 this year.

There was an almost total want of apparatus and no room available where the student of engineering or building construction could verify by experiment even the most elementary dogma of the text-book.

There was no accommodation for the proper teaching of mechanical drawing.

The engineering industry was that which contributed most to the material prosperity of Darlington and it was the duty of the college to foster to the utmost the desire for theoretical knowledge which was found among young workmen and apprentices. The Principal also complained that the Art College had to be used for meetings and examinations. He felt periodic exhibitions of pure and applied art would stimulate art study within the district.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Passenger trains will no longer run on the Stockton to Spennymoor line after March 31. British Railways has announced that services were being run at a considerable loss and it had become necessary to withdraw it.

Stations affected are Redmarshall, Stillington, Sedgefield and Spennymoor. Parcels will still be accepted and there will be no changes in dealing with goods and livestock for freight trains.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Days after announcing his resignation because of ill health, the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Rev Stuart Hetley Price, has died.

The Bishop had been ill since last September, when he suffered a minor stroke.

After a further stroke this month, he announced his resignation last week.