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Retro: Storm in an ink well
Neil Hudson reports on a time when unions were flexing their muscles, the hovercraft was big news and Leeds was in the grip of a heatwave.
THE BIG STORY
Britain's national newspapers were on the brink of being shut down in the so-called 'ink dispute', which began after unions demanded wage increases.
In an age when trade unions wielded massive power, the National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants (Natsopa), demanded a 10 per cent wage increase and a 40-hour week.
Its leader R W Birkenshaw had ordered a freeze on print ink deliveries to national newspapers. Talks were organised between the unions and the employers at the Ministry of Labour but these initially broke down on Tuesday, July 7, leaving many nationals with just enough ink to print the following day's paper before stocks ran dry.
The dispute had far-reaching ramifications and in Leeds led to an "illegal" council ban on the Yorkshire Evening Post attending its meetings.
The Labour-run council brought in the ban because they argued the YEP and sister paper Yorkshire Post were printed using non-union labour. The council also issued an edict to schools forbidding them from buying the papers, a move which prompted the Government to intervene.
Despite hopes of a breakthrough, talks rumbled on throughout July and into August.
THE HEADLINES
The first ever hovercraft, the SR-N1 invented by Sir Christopher Cockerell, crossed the English Channel from Calais to Dover in just over two hours. It had meant to make the crossing on July 24 but the attempt was put off due to bad weather. It successfully made the crossing the following day.
The new Austin Healey sports car, better known as the 3000, was unveiled on July 1. The British built two-seater had 124 brake horse power and could reach 100mph in just over 31 seconds and cost 1,168 to buy. The four-seater version cost just 7 more.
Chicago city officials rolled out a red carpet more than a mile long to welcome the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on July 7. They were in town to visit the annual trade fair.
The UK was in the grip of a heatwave with temperatures soaring into the 80s and 90s. In Leeds thermometers recorded temperatures of 84F degrees in the day and 70F at midnight on July 8.
The Highway Code was updated but MPs lamented the fact it did not go far enough in stressing the dangers of both driving whilst drunk, and of "middle of the road" slow-speed drivers. The code dropped the "I am ready to be overtaken" signal and said motorists turning right should give way to crossing pedestrians.
The RSPCA warned pet owners not to take their dogs out in the midday sun, after nine owners reported dog deaths from heatstroke.
Leeds Children's Day drew a record crowd, with 4,200 children and 800 teachers in attendance, not to mention a crowd numbering 45,000. The annual event, started in 1922, was held at Roundhay Park and involved baby competitions and sporting events for children.
The Government announced a restriction which prevented TV being broadcast before 2pm on Sundays was to be lifted, as long as broadcasts of Sunday worship were continued.
THE GOSSIP
Hugh Fraser, chairman of the department store House of Fraser, made a 36.5m bid for the famous London store Harrods. His offer was the latest in a bidding war between Debenhams and United Drapery Stores. He was eventually successful in buying the store, which was sold to the Fayed brothers in 1985 for 615m.
Celebrities born this month include: US actor Kevin Spacey (July 26), British journalist Julie Burchill (July 3), American wrestler Kevin Nash (July 9) and American singer Suzanne Vega (July 11). Notable deaths included that of US jazz singer Billie Holiday, who died on July 17 aged 44.
THE WORLD
Venus eclipsed the star Regulus (which forms part of the constellation Leo) at 3.21pm for about a minute. The event was used by scientists to determine the diameter of the planet and to gain information about its atmosphere. The next eclipse will be in 2044.
The body of Italian mountaineer Stefano Longhi, 44, which had been hanging from a rope for two years in the French Alps, was rescued by Swiss mountain guides, who made the perilous descent of the Eiger's north face.
An Indian elephant named Jumbo set off across the Alps, coaxed by a band and accompanied by two mules carrying its supplies, in a bid to prove it was possible for the historical military commander Hannibal to make the same journey. The trip, which took nine days and was a success, was organised by the British Alpine Expedition, led by historian John Hoyte.
Alaska became the 49th US state on July 4. A star was duly added to the US flag at a formal ceremony to mark the occasion in Philadelphia.
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Weather for Leeds
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
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