THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Second-Lieutenant David Pearson RGA, who died on September 4 from wounds received in action, was a son of Mr and Mrs Alexander Pearson, Nairne Place, Seafield Road, Dundee. Reared in the Harris Academy, where he was an apt pupil, David subsequently entered the Bank of Scotland and was latterly in the Victoria Street branch. Of a kindly, obliging disposition, he was held in high esteem by the officials of the bank and by a host of friends, by whom the news of his death is keenly regretted.

50 years ago

A Soviet newspaper, keeping its readers informed of Russia’s problems, has discovered a shortage of fairy tale books. Angry letters from parents have been pouring in to the editorial office of Komsomolskaya Pravda, voice of the Communist Youth League. So few fairy tales are published these days, complained one Moscow mother, that often: “There is only one book per 100 kids.” A truck driver, and father of a three-year-old, wrote: “Comrade publishers, give back the wonderful world of fairy tales.”

25 years ago

Fourteen passengers were injured yesterday in a teatime train accident at platform four of Aberdeen station. The 2.25pm Super Sprinter from Glasgow, carrying about 40 passengers, failed to halt as it arrived just before five o’clock and slammed into the buffers, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage. The shocked and injured were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment. One young woman has been detained overnight. The rest were allowed away after treatment.

One year ago

Almost half of Scottish teachers are considering leaving their job in the next 18 months due to stress, a survey has found. A report by Bath Spa University described the working conditions of Scotland’s teachers as “extremely poor”. Concerns were raised over the demands placed on educational staff, poor support from management, bad behaviour from pupils and parents, and “constant changes” to the curriculum. An online survey of almost 5,000 teachers found 40% are planning to leave their post.