1903: THE great question at present with all who are connected with electric traction is speed limit. Owners of motor vehicles, whether of business or pleasure, are awaiting for the Board of Trade to fix an average speed limit agreeable to common sense and safety.

At present the speed is adapted to the thoroughfare. For instance, six miles an hour is the speed fixed by the authorities in Bradshawgate. Much must be left to the discretion of the drivers, and although in this town the limit is often exceeded, the rarity of accidents proves that the drivers make a wise use of their powers.

Where local conditions vary to greatly as they do in England, where some towns have long suburban routes, it is impossible for the Government to set a standard which will be observed and found satisfactory by all upon whom it is binding.

1953: Sir,- As keen skaters living in the Bolton area, may we suggest that some provision be made for skaters in this area. The only facilities to be found in Bolton are at one little roller rink which, although it has a very good floor, is far too small for comfortable skating sue to the large number of enthusiasts who attend regularly.

Now we have developed an interest in ice-skating as well as roller. If we want to ice-skate, however we have to go all the way to Manchester, which entails a rush home from work, get ready, and rush off again.

We are sure that both a larger roller rink and an ice rink would prove to be big attractions in this district. Yours, Skating Fans.

1978: HEALTH Minister Roland Moyle today described Bolton's psychiatric hospital facilities as "just about the worst in the country." But he held out no promise of immediate cash to improve conditions. Bolton, in particular, should get more cash over the next 10 years, but the Health Authorities' five-year plan to improve the town's psychiatric services would leave a gap in facilities over the next two to three years.

PUPILS are having lessons in an assembly hall after fire caused extensive damage at the Bishop Bridgeman C.E. Primary School, Great Lever.

1993:THE world of soccer was today grieving over one of its greatest heroes, Bobby Moore, who yesterday lost his two-year battle against cancer. Tributes poured in for the star who played more than 100 games for England and lifted the 1966 World Cup for his country. He was 51.

THE first detailed insight into life in Bolton in the early 1990s is painted in a new census report. It shows that since the previous census in 1981, fewer people are getting married, there are fewer schoolchildren, car ownership has grown 15 per cent, Westhoughton's population has grown 33 per cent, Bolton's population includes 21,388 people of non-white ethnic origin, and there are more pensioners and one-parent families.