From the Evening News, August 17, 1976

25 YEARS AGO

ALL of a sudden water has become a big talking point. After two dry summers and two rather mild winters it seems evident that our climate is changing. Scientists have already said that Britain is now enjoying Mediterranean summers, and that this pattern is likely to continue right up to the end of the century.

BOLTON Council is working on a plan to encourage lunchtime visitors to the Precinct to take their rubbish to a litter bin. Beginning in September, the mid-day concerts, broadcast over the precinct's loudspeakers, will be broken on the hour for a one minute message asking people to keep Bolton tidy.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, August 17, 1951

ARE pedlars disappearing from the streets of Bolton? Asks an Evening News' reporter.

Are there fewer and fewer Indians and gipsies plying their wares from door to door? It looks like it.

Full employment may have something to do with it. Making enquiries, I asked one local householder how long it was since she had been visited by a pedlar. Oh, it was about four years ago.

A gipsy had called to push the sale of some imitation flowers. Unsuccessful, she had asked for a cup of tea - and had walked off with the china cup, one of a set!

I set out to hunt down a pedlar in Bolton.

But although there are at least 87 of them knocking around locally - that was the number issued with pedlar's licences, according to the latest annual report - I couldn't find one.

In 1872, there were 776 pedlar's licences issued, in 1932, 373, and in 1950 only 87.

Under the Bolton Improvement Act, by the way, there is a licence which allows of the use only of a basket carried by hand - and this costs 3s (15p) for every three months.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, August 17, 1876

ON Thursday, at the Borough Court, Mr Joseph Barton, agent, Bowker's-row, was summoned for allowing a nuisance to exist at No 17, Spring-gardens.

Mr Loftos prosecuted on behalf of the Corporation and Mr Rutter defended.

It was stated by Mr Food, inspector of nuisances, that defendant was agent for the above house.

On the 3rd May he visited the house and found that behind it there were four petties and one large ashpit in the centre, which served for four houses as well.

Mr Barton was agent for all five houses. The ashpit was only 5ft. from the house, and the petties were in a very dilapidated state, and in foul condition.

The neighbourhood was a very confined one, and the ashpit in his opinion was too near the house.

A death from typhoid fever had occurred at the house.

A preliminary notice for the abatement of the nuisance was served upon Mr Barton, but no improvement followed, and hence the present proceedings.

An order was made to abate the nuisance within one month, and prohibit its recurrence.