THE other day I received a letter from Mr M F Bennett, who sent me two stories from the "archives of memory". He cannot remember how he came to know of them, "although they could well have come from the Town Topics column of the Evening News many years ago."

Well, I cannot verify the stories, but I print them for you, and make of them what you will.

Mr Bennett writes: "I think I am right in saying that the first modern type of street lighting in Bolton was installed in the early 1930s - blue in St George's Road and yellow in Chorley New Road. It was said at the time that great consternation was being caused to courting couples walking home along these roads. The effect of the 'new' lighting on the apparent colour of their partner's complexion made each unsure whether this was a case of being love-sick or bilious."

He goes on, with his second story: "In the later 1920s or early 1930s, a lorry was travelling down Bradshawgate with a heavy load. Before the installation of traffic lights there was a policeman on point-duty at the junction of Churchgate, Deansgate, and Bank Street. The driver of the lorry, unsure of his way, asked the policeman for directions to a certain street.

'No, no, no', was the reply. 'There is no such street in Bolton.'

'Are you sure?'

'Absolutely', the officer confirmed. 'Let me see your delivery papers.'

The papers were handed over.

'Oh dear,' said the constable. 'This is either a case of bad handwriting or poor eyesight, and you have come a little out of your way. The delivery note does not say Bolton, Lancashire - it says Boston, Lincolnshire'."

If anyone remembers Mr Bennett and wishes to contact him, his address is 22 Redwind Way, Longlevens, Gloucester, GL2 OXD (Tel. 01452 415673).