THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Captain Bean, an Australian war correspondent, says: “When the news of the Australian’s fight at Hamel reached Paris the Overseas Prime Ministers were in conference with Britain and France. All sent congratulations to the Australians, M Clemenceau said: ‘I will go and see them, and congratulate them personally.’ Yesterday he made good his word and, arriving in a motor car from Paris, went amongst those who had taken part in the Hamel victory, chatting and laughing with them.”

50 years ago

The turnstiles clicked gaily at Carnoustie yesterday – the first official practice day for the Open Championship – and it was sweet music to the “exchequer” and a magnificent start to Carnoustie’s big week. Crowds of fans swarmed in, following the sun and the international stars seeking to find the “secret trail” round this tremendous course, the longest ever played in the championship. There were more than 6,500 watching and at the end the drawings were £2,500.

25 years ago

The unsightly concrete blocks which have been an unwelcome feature of the Murraygate in Dundee for several months are disappearing. The heavy, rough barriers put in place to try to restrict traffic movement in the pedestrianised section of the Murraygate had prompted several complaints from the public. Their removal will pave the way for the “street furniture”, the next stage of the £1 million facelift of the area. This includes bollards, railings, bins and seats.

One year ago

Drug addicts in Dundee have been warned they are playing “Russian Roulette” by mixing heroin with black market Valium-style pills. New figures have revealed more than 5,000 people attended A&E departments in Tayside after overdosing on drugs over the past five years. Dave Barrie, manager of charity Addaction, said: “The majority of drug deaths have involved substances, particularly opiates and the Valium group.” NHS Tayside said tackling drug abuse is a priority.