25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, April 2, 1973

BUTCHERS throughout America look set to serve fewer customers than usual today as indignant housewives begin a week of tuna fish casseroles, macaroni-and-cheese, and vegetarian dinners. The great American meat boycott, which officially began yesterday when most foodshops were closed, began in earnest when they re-opened today to dramatise housewives' demands for price cuts. Many supermarket chains announced in advance that they would close today in support of the boycott, while scores of others said they would not sell meat today.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, April 2, 1948

ONCE again the fate of Astley Bridge Cricket Club is hanging in the balance owing to circumstances over which the officials have had no control. They must either buy their ground or get out. Having survived one transfer of home 17 years ago, when the old Cobden-st. ground had to be surrendered, and later a 'major operation' on the new quarters at Sharples Park when Crompton Way was driven through the outfield, the enthusiasts who keep the club going are more than ever determined to carry on.

But the price is heavy for any cricket club's pocket, and, we are afraid, can only be found with the help of the public at large.

As an amenity for the youth of the district, Sharples Park is worth retaining quite apart from the sporting angle in the matter.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, April 1, 1873

SIR,- The following paragraph appeared on Saturday last:-

Found Dead in a Gutter - On Saturday an inquest was held upon the body of Samuel Tonge, of the Church Hotel, Kearsley, who was found dead in a pit near the Stoneclough Railway Station. As it appeared that the deceased was subject to fits, a verdict of 'Accidentally Suffocated' was returned.

As I am the identical Samuel Tonge (deceased, as per report), landlord of the Church Hotel, Kearsley, will you do me the favour through the columns of your paper to present my compliments to my numerous friends and the public generally, with the assurance, I rejoice to say, that I am still in the land of the living, and in as robust and satisfactory a condition of health, as most people approaching the allotted boundary of life are permitted to enjoy. It is 'appointed for all mankind once to die', but that out vitalitics should be thus unceremoniously snuffed out, and that too in a 'gutter', by the dexterous pen of a newspaper paragraphist is too bad, and calls for some 'small voice' as this between the living and the dead. Yours respectfully, Samuel Tonge

P.S.- I have never had a fit in my life.

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