25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, March 19, 1973

GREATER Manchester can become a local government 'trendsetter' for the whole of western Europe, setting a standard of services which others will follow.

The secretary of Labour's Co-ordinating Committee for the Metropolitan County, Mr Paul Carmody, made this prediction as his party's policy for next month's vital elections was revealed.

'This is not an idle claim,' he said. 'It will be possible because the county will be big enough to do these things, yet compact enough to be easily identified.'

A BOLTON-built racing car helped to make motor racing history yesterday by carrying an outsider to victory in the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch. Peter Gethin became the first Formula 5000 driver to win a Formula 1 race, driving a Chevron-Chevrolet B24.

The car was built at the Chorley Old Road workshops of Chevron Cars Ltd., and designed by Managing Director, Mr Derek Bennett.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, March 19, 1948

A DEFENDANT tried to get round the magistrates in Bolton Borough Court today. He asked to be excused a 20s fine for driving an unlicensed vehicle because he was a special constable and 'would feel it very much'. He also let the magistrates know 'I'm not the only one to make mistakes. The police have put my age 20 years less than it really is.' He left his plea there.

The magistrates smiled at his little joke. Then they fined him the customary 20s. 'Even a special constable has to adhere to the law,' they said.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, March 19, 1873

A BOY has been shot in an eating-house in St George's-in-the-East, London, through the gross carelessness of a number of men who had a case of pistols lying about. Jackson, a hairdresser, had obtained them from a neighbouring pawnbroker to try and sell them to a ship's mate. After keeping them for several days he shewed one of them to a cook in the eating-house, who, not knowing it was loaded, aimed one at the boy and fatally wounded him. The coroner severely censured all who were concerned in the misadventure.

THE Address presented to Mr J.R. Barlow on Saturday last, by the workpeople of Albert Mills, on the occasion of his attaining his majority, illuminated by Mr Watson, of Oxford-street, is now on view in the window of Mr George Barnes, 44, Bradshawgate.- Advt.

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