THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Complaint was made at Forfarshire Insurance Committee of the inadequacy of the medical service in the Dundee district. The matter arose in connection with the question of the military recommitment of doctors, the Clerk (Thomas Hanick) reporting that all doctors up to the age of 56 were to be held entirely at the service of the State either for civil or military duty. Great difficulty was being experienced in getting a doctor in the Tealing and Strathmartine districts.

50 years ago

The distinguished gentleman with the “old school” tie, may not be what he seems. A survey by one of Britain’s largest tie manufacturers has shown that more than 60% of Britain’s men who wear club, regimental or “old school” ties are not eligible to do so. Of 300 men interviewed for the survey, 36% admitted wearing a “special tie” from time to time. But only 37% had the right to wear them. It was stated that the survey shows that men still like to “belong” and wear some kind of “uniform.”

25 years ago

The Ministry of Defence has placed a £60 million contract for artillery targeting equipment which will safeguard jobs at the Marconi plant at Hillend in Fife. The decision was announced in a Commons statement yesterday by Defence Procurement Minister Johnathan Aitken. He said the contract would safeguard 200 jobs at the Hillend factory, where most of the manufacture would take place, and also at Frimley in Surrey. The equipment would be delivered up to 1996.

One year ago

Flaring at a Fife chemical plant left children so afraid they wet their beds, it has been claimed. At least three cases have been reported of youngsters bed-wetting, allegedly as a result of recent episodes at Mossmorran. The flare from Fife Ethylene Plant lit up the sky for miles around for nine days last month. People said they were unable to sleep due to the light, vibrations and loud rumbling noise. Councillor Mary Lockhart said she heard stories of children being upset by the disturbance.