From the Evening News, November 16, 1976

25 YEARS AGO

THE Wilderswood Reservoir at Horwich, which has been Blackrod's chief source of water for nearly 100 years, has been closed. Water is now pumped to Blackrod from Morecambe reservoir, supplemented by the Lake District's Thirlmere Viaduct.

BOLTON'S National Savings Committee - celebrating its jubilee year - is to be axed under Civil Service cuts.

MORE than 1,500 Bolton students stopped work today as part of the nationwide protest against public spending cuts. The strike was supported by almost all full-time students and half the part-time students at Bolton Institute of Technology.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, November 16, 1951

THE Queen this afternoon opened the re-built Free Trade Hall in Manchester. "This noble building," she said, "is a tribute both to those who have provided its restoration and the craftsmen who have converted it.

THE Mayor of Bolton's appeal of the year is launched. Boltonians are asked to raise £5,000 towards the coast of restoring to good order the Parish Church organ.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, November 16, 1876

ON Tuesday evening a meeting of Good Templars was held in the Lark-street Temperance Hall, for the purpose of hearing a lecture by Dr F.R. Lees on "Templarism". There was a crowded attendance, and the meeting was noisy from the commencement, a considerable time elapsing before the lecturer could gain a hearing.

Brother Pendlebury asked if Dr Lees made erroneous statements would they be allowed to ask questions.

Dr Lees: I will make no erroneous statements.

The lecturer then proceeded to say that nothing would justify rebellion, or secession, from the Grand Worthy Lodge. There was dissent in their midst, and they must cure it by constitutional means. (A voice: "Change the doctor", and uproar).

One of the audience asked by whose authority it had been announced that Dr Lees was to take part in that meeting as a representative of the United Kingdom Alliance? (A voice: The Alliance has gone over to the pro-slavery party). (Cheers and uproar).

Dr Lees: Do you dare call me one of the pro-slavery party; we who have done so much for the abolition of the distinction between the two races? (Uproar).

Another voice: Dr Lees is a paid agent of the United Kingdom Alliance.

Dr Lees: I am no agent.

The voice: You are.

Dr Lees: I am not.

A voice: You are a paid agent.

Dr Lees (with vehemence): You lie, you lie, you know you lie. (Uproar).

Dr Lees as he pronounced the words stretched himself over the railing of the platform and shook his clenched fist at the speaker. One of the gentleman on the platform seized him, and a cry was raised for the police.

A policeman entered the room, and there was a general scramble towards the platform. Groans and hooting, mingled with cheers, were given for the police, and the utmost confusion prevailed, in the midst of which Dr Lees picked up his papers and escaped by the back door.