25 YEARS AGO

THE Government brake on the cost-of-living spiral is beginning to grip. Figures out today show prices rose by only 1p in the £ last month, the lowest monthly increase in nearly a year. The yearly inflation is now running at 26.3 per cent - just 0.2 per cent higher than the month before.

THE future is looking bright for Bolton's rows of old terraced homes. The Borough Council is aiming to improve the properties to solve its cash and housing problems. Already, 200 homes at Railway Terraces, Horwich, have been saved from the bulldozer, and there are plans to help residents in another block of terraced homes at Darcy Lever, Bolton.

50 YEARS AGO

AUSTRALIA offers experienced British brickmaking workers and their familes early assisted passages (costing £10 only for persons over 18 years of age). Employment is guaranteed in and around Melbourne with accommodation provided at reasonable rates. Average rates in the industry for a 40-hour week are: Drawers £12 10s; Clayholemen £10 3s; Machine drivers £9 18s 3d; Truckers £9 17s; Yardmen £9 2s. There is two weeks' annual leave, and sick pay. Nine public holidays with pay. The wages are high in relation to the cost of living.

SIR,- I was sitting in a local cinema on the afternoon of Aug. 15th when the announcement of the birth of the Royal Princess was flashed upon the screen, and I noticed that a congratulatory telegram had been sent by the management to Princess Elizabeth. This telegram, together with many others coming from all over the country and Commonwealth, is clear evidence of the respect and regard which is felt by the people for the Royal family. This attitude particularly in times of strife like this, symbolizes the steadiness of the British people. Yours, etc., Satisfied Patron.

From the Evening News, August 17, 1875

THE strike at the firm of Messrs Dobson and Barlow continues. No overtures have been made by either party since the deputation from the men, who waited upon the firm last week, by request, and were informed that the advance of 2s per week sought could not be granted. This stand, being definitely taken by the firm, the society men, who comprised the smiths and several other men in various departments that were still at work, gave notice of their intention to terminate their engagements, and they will cease work today. This will leave the firm in the position of employing only non-society men. Efforts, it is stated, have been made by the firm to fill up the vacant places by obtaining men from Leeds, Birmingham, and other towns. One party of these men are reported to have come into town, had supper, lodgings and breakfast at the expense of the firm, and then left, alleging that when they were engaged, assurances were given that there was no dispute at the works. At any rate a number of workmen have been secured, but nothing like the numbers requisite to fill up the gap made by the absence of the skilled hands now on strike.