THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

On the 20th inst. our aeroplanes attempted to work throughout the day in conjunction with our operations between St Quentin and the River Scarpe. Low clouds and mist and a strong westerly wind, with a drizzle and occasional rain throughout the day, made it necessary for our pilots to fly at 50 feet from the ground. Even at that height they were at times quickly lost in the mist. Continued attempts were made to maintain contact with our troops, but this was rendered almost impossible.

50 years ago

New Zealand, big exporters of meat, butter and cheese to Britain, devalued its dollar, bringing some consolation to the British housewife. Their devaluation brings the currencies more in line again and means there should be no big price increases for a joint of New Zealand lamb and other goods. After 1½ days of Cabinet meetings and consultations with Australian prime minister Harold Holt, New Zealand devalued its dollar by 19.45% to parity with the Australian dollar.

25 years ago

Gangs of teenagers are terrorising a street in the Lower Whitfield estate in Dundee – breaking into and damaging cars, engaging in pitched battles and causing residents to be “prisoners” in their own homes. For some months now, the gangs have been terrifying residents in the Whitfield Avenue area with their wild behaviour. Matters came to a head on Saturday night when youths broke into a car of a woman visiting friends, drove it into a wall and set fire to it.

One year ago

Controversial plans to build 150 new houses in Broughty Ferry were rejected by councillors, despite having been recommended for approval by council officers. Kirkwood Homes had submitted plans to the council’s development management committee which would have seen up to 150 houses built on a site north of Arbroath Road in the Ferry ward. Objections had been raised by Broughty Ferry Community Council prior to last night’s committee meeting.