March 5, 1966

FIFTY years ago, Northallerton Urban District Council was discussing its plans to grow its population to 30,000 by 1981.

“Members of the council made it clear that they are enthusiastic and forward looking in the approach to the town's development, and welcomed the appraisal by Coun Dan Smith, chairman of the North Regional Planning Council, on the potential of Northallerton as “a growth town",” said the D&S Times.

T Dan Smith was at the height of his powers in 1966, although in the 1970s he was sentenced to six years in prison for corruption. The 2011 census recorded that Northallerton’s population was 16,832.

March 4, 1916

ONE hundred years ago, Bedale Rural Council, chaired by Sir Henry Beresford Peirse, was considering purchasing 100ft of fire hose, for £20, so they could reach any flames no matter how far from the town’s hydrants.

The D&S said: "The chairman said that it had been found that there was a satisfactory flush of water in the main in case of fire. They had a manual engine dating back to 1634 and it was working as well as it did in the old days, and they had enough water." The council agreed with his proposal to buy £9 of hose.

March 3, 1866

NOMINATIONS were about to close 150 years ago for candidates to fight for the Richmond Parliamentary seat. A vacancy had been caused by the death of the Hon John Dundas, son of the Earl of Zetland.

The D&S said: “A contest is expected, the first since 1839 (when Mr Stapylton contested the borough with Sir R Dundas, the result being Dundas 162, Stapylton 80), between Mr M Wyvill Jun and Mr WH Roberts. Mr Wyvill has formed a very strong and influential committee, and it is expected the opposition will be but feeble.”

Marmaduke Wyvill, a noted chess player of Constable Burton Hall, was duly elected.