25 YEARS AGO

BRITAIN is to borrow what is thought to be a record amount of foreign currency to cover its balance of payments deficit, the Chancellor, Mr Denis Healey, announced in his Budget speech this afternoon. He said the loan, for about £1,000 million, will be for 10 years. He also announced that pensions are to be increased to £10 for a single person, and £16 for married couples. VAT is also to be applied to confectionary, soft drinks, ice-cream and potato crisps.

The Government is also to meet Building Society chiefs to discuss the threatened increase in mortgage rates to 13 per cent.

50 YEARS AGO

THE leading public fancies were beaten in today's Grand National, which was won by Russian Hero, a 66-1 chance. In the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Leicester City beat Portsmouth 3-, and Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers drew 1-1. Late in the game, the Wolves' full-back Kelly was carried off with a feared broken leg. However, it was not broken. To everyone's surprise he appeared on the field before the end and hobbled about on the right wing, but was useless.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, March 26, 1874

London, Wednesday

PRINCE Arthur has followed his oldest brother's example and joined the Freemasons. The Hall in which the banquet to his Royal Highness was served, after the ceremony, was elaborately decorated. Your lady readers will be shocked to hear that his royal mother not only approved of the step, but, assisted by Princess Beatrice, armed him for the fray.

LORD Rossmore, who is dying from internal bruises caused by his fall last week, is the subject of anxious interest to the royal family. Her Majesty, besides sending daily to the Barracks, has called personally to make enquiries, and yesterday Prince Christian called as her representative. The Scotsman has already disposed of the unfortunate nobleman.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.