THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Our future naval policy caused a good deal of discussion and criticism when the revised Naval Estimates came before the House of Commons. New problems and conditions, said Mr Long, had arisen, and it would be a tremendous mistake to produce a policy. It would be a criminal thing to scrap big battleships. The wisdom of the building of battleships like the £6,000,000 Hood was doubted by Mr Lambert, who suggested that in the interests of economy some of the great naval establishments should be closed.

50 years ago

The Asian flu which is sweeping the Continent, particularly France and Spain, has reached many parts of Britain, says the Medical Research Council. Doctors in London and the Midlands are reporting many cases. And in the North of England all five hospitals at Hartlepool have been hit with staff illnesses with flu. The overall picture suggests that flu has reached Britain from Europe and will spread more widely. An intensive immunisation campaign was unlikely to give material protection.

25 years ago

A Perthshire student can afford herself a grin after her smile was voted best in Britain. Lesley Adam, of Dunblane, has beaten 700 hopefuls to clinch the title of Britain’s Brightest Smile. As the first Scottish winner of the title, she will spearhead Smile for Safety Week which is launched today by the British Safety Council. Born in Scone, 18-year-old Lesley is studying history, philosophy and religious studies at Stirling University. Her prize is a weekend for two in London.