THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Dundee police last night took into custody in connection with the death of his wife John McManus (42), a soldier who recently returned to the city from Russia. The couple had recently moved lodgings to a house in Larch Street where Jane McManus was found dead. The couple had apparently been indulging somewhat freely in liquor and when under its influence McManus is said to be a man of violent temper. A post mortem will be carried out today and that will determine the nature of the charge against McManus.

50 years ago

Spain cut off telephonic and telegraphic communication with Gibraltar yesterday afternoon. The step came on the deadline set by the United Nations General Assembly for Britain to hand the colony over to the Spaniards. It was the latest of Franco’s “squeeze” measures against the rock colony, whose people – subjects of Britain for 256 years – have voted overwhelmingly to remain British. A Foreign Office spokesman in London described it as “another petty, malicious and small-minded restriction.”

25 years ago

Police in Dundee were continuing their investigations after two people were assaulted in separate incidents in the city centre at the weekend. The attacks come after numerous other assaults in Dundee in recent weeks. Three youths are being sought in connection with an incident in Ward Road when a man was struck on the head. The victim managed to get away and attended hospital, where he received stitches. In the other incident a 15-year-old boy was set upon by a gang at a bus stop in Albert Square.

One year ago

Teachers have been told of plans to axe high level jobs across Fife’s secondary schools. They were called to meetings across the region where head teachers outlined measures to cut costs.

It is understood 25 promoted posts will go following the slashing of £1.28 million from the secondary schools budget. There are concerns that the reduced workforces will impact on teaching, subject choice and staff workloads. Union spokesman David Farmer said: “We are talking about all sorts of damaging effects for schools.”