FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A Sixteen Hours Working Day: Mr Aubrey Rees, secretary of the National Association of Grocers' Assistants, giving evidence before the House of Lords' Select Committee on the Early Closing of Shops, the other day, said that on average those whom he represented worked 79 hours a week, and 16 hours on Saturday, the average wage being 22s 6d.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Darlington's Gay Touch of Nature: The Icelandic conditions of spring have been bravely challenged at Darlington by a touch of nature which makes the whole world kin. And the challenge has been made not only effectively, but colourfully. A crocus carpet has once again been laid in Southend Avenue which charms the eye and cheers the heart. Since when have these fragile, soft-hued flowers looked so beautiful, so appealing, so artistic? The springtime vista of crocuses in Southend Avenue has unfolded itself annually for many years. It becomes more compelling with the passing of time. The impression is given that never has the scene been so expansive and bright. Or is it that the senses are more stirred at the moment because winter has lingered so long in the lap of spring? One finds it necessary to underline the behest "Do not touch" in regard to the Southend Avenue crocuses. Information comes by devious ways that twice in the past few days persons have been seen uprooting the bulbs. Those who would mar the splendour of the scene merit exemplary punishment for the vision beautiful will pass all too soon without acts of spoilation.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - 300 Houses stand vacant in Richmondshire: Coun Neil Forster told Richmondshire District Council on Wednesday that he was "shocked to learn that there were more than 300 private houses vacant in the area". He was referring to figures given in a survey carried out last October. This showed 112 fit houses standing vacant, 46 empty and for sale, and 23 tied cottages. There were also 119 empty houses requiring modernisation. Coun Forster said these houses were all empty for one reason or another and he suggested that they could in some way be added to the general housing stock of the district. He hoped this possibility would be explored.