FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A Stockton oyster dealer has found in one of his natives over 100 pearls, a good many being fit for setting. The oyster was one from the Cleethorpes bed on the Lincolnshire coast.

Death of a footballer: On Saturday last, George Pickles, of Ripon, a well-known football player, died at the age of 31 years. Deceased, who was familiarly known as "Pick," was a capable footballer, and was actively connected with the Ripon Juniors and Ripon City Clubs. He had been in all positions on the football field, but was generally seen to the best advantage on the three-quarters' line, and to him alone belongs the credit for winning many matches for Ripon. His amusing tricks and general smartness on the field made him popular with Ripon spectators.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Corn sprouting in Dales; outlook worst for 30 years: There are adverse reports regarding the corn harvest in Wensleydale and Mashamshire, and with regard to the garnering of hay in Upper Wensleydale. Oats and barley are in a worse condition than wheat. The outlook from a collecting point of view is said to be the worst for 30 years. Mr C Nesom, of Mickleberry Farm, Masham, stated that he did not know of a Mashamshire farmer who had corn in the fields which had not sprouted. He stated that warm wet weather followed the cutting of the corn and caused early sprouting. In his opinion, much of the corn collected would only be used for pig feed.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Barnard Castle's first summer camp due to be held last week was called off because only one boy wanted to go. Mr David Smith, secretary of the town's YMCA, planned four days of hectic activity with games and outdoor lessons and campfire singing. But the only response came from a youngster on Teesside whose parents could not take him on holiday this year. The association's own members showed no inclination for the camp at all. When he first thought of the scheme, Mr Smith thought it would round off the holidays nicely for several girls and boys from nine to 13. He expected a fair proportion of his own younger members to put their names down. He thought the children might well be bored after six weeks' holiday, and their mothers only too glad to have them off their hands for a few days. "Some of those interested might already have been on the scout camp," he said, "and others were still on holiday with their parents." He admitted a lot probably were just not interested, but was keen to promote another camp next year.