FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Of the many stories just now in local circulation in ridicule of War Office "red tape", the most amusing are not always the most probable. For instance, the following anecdote seems to require authentication. An officer, it is said, was at home on three months' leave. He applied for his first month's pay, sending the usual "life certificate", and duly received the amount. He neglected to apply for his second month's pay until the expiration of his leave, when he asked for two months' together, sending one life certificate bearing the date of application. According to the story, the Department handed over the pay for the third month, but declined to pay the second, on the ground that there was no evidence of the officer being then alive.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - By his performance before a crowded audience at the Baths Hall, Darlington, on Thursday, Josef Locke, well-known Irish tenor and BBC star, proved that showmanship is a no mean ingredient of his phenomenal success. True, he possesses a charming and wonderful voice, but his showmanship is even more wonderful. Having heard this golden voiced ex-Irish policeman in action, one can more easily understand why impressionable people almost swoon to the voices of Frank Sinatra and Donald Pears. More than one member of the audience on Thursday, judging by her expression, was similarly affected by Locke's vocal exhibition.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Presentations were made at the Black Lion Hotel, Richmond, on Tuesday, to three local licensees who have retired from the trade, in recognition of their services to Darlington and District Licensed Victuallers Association. They were Mr Charles Highsted, licensee of the Hildyard Arms, Colburn, for 31 years ... Mr Fred Percival, licensee of the Holly Hill Inn, Richmond, for 28 years ... and Mrs Jean Patterson, licensee of St Cuthbert's Inn, Scorton, for six years.