FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Improvements at Thirsk Institute are fast drawing to a close. When thoroughly completed, they will constitute it one of the best appointed institutes in North Yorkshire. Ever since the introduction of a billiard club, membership has increased. So popular has the game become, not only with young men of the town but by those of mature years, that is soon became apparent that the venture of a billiard table was a paying concern and a direct source of popularising the institute itself. The anxiety to learn this most scientific English game has greatly increased.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - A conversation between a Barnard Castle boy and a master decorator busily engaged in the first coat of paint on a shop provided an amusing interlude for shoppers. "How many coats are you putting on," asked the lad, innocently. "Two coats, one overcoat, a vest and some pants," was the witty reply.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - The proposal of the Yorkshire Water Authority to replace the privately owned supply at the picturesque village of Rievaulx with a new £47,000 supply is being strongly resisted by the local residents. The fact that the supply has a long history of variable contamination seems the least of their worries - a point emphasised by many at a public meeting, called by the parish council, with the Yorkshire Water Authority and Ryedale District Council. The supply comes from springs owned by Mr Richard Beckett, of Crabbtree Hall, and the district council.