THE Provisional Sinn Fein issued a threat of revenge today within hours of the death of IRA hunger striker Frank Stagg. Stagg, aged 34, died in Wakefield Prison hospital after a 61-day fast.

LANCASHIRE may soon have a new industry - fur trapping. Mink, which have escaped from commercial fur ranches, are breeding in the wild. And the fish-hungry creatures, which swim like otters, are raiding angling waters in Lancashire.

NORTH-west industrial towns are being urged to say it with flowers and enter this year's Britain in Bloom contest.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, February 12, 1951

SIR,- I wish to give vent to my feelings about the ever-increasing demands on my pay packet. The cost of coal, shoe repairs, rates, gas, electricity, all cotton and woollen goods, window cleaners, bus fares, and lots of other things have gone up. When will it stop? I'd willingly support an association for the rights of young married couples. M. Wright, 36, Third Avenue, Bolton.

BOLTONIANS can still laugh, as well as grumble, about the smallness of the meat ration. In one district, for instance, the rumour is spreading rapidly that the butchers have agreed to put all their meat into one big roast this weekend. And the customers? They are to queue to dip their bread in the gravy, and pay 8d. It is as well we can laugh at our misfortunes; this may be out only chance of getting fat.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, February 11, 1876

WE regret to have to record another death from the alarming epidemic which is now raging at Eagley. This morning James Kay, a child of four years of age, youngest child but one of Mrs Kay, whose death we have previously announced, died about a quarter past eleven. This ill-fated family consisted of Mr and Mrs Kay, and six children, all of whom were prostrated with the fever at the same time; and now there remains the father (Mr John Kay) and five children, the youngest of whom is an infant two years old, and all are still suffering from the epidemic.

Of the other sufferers, the majority are recovering, though other deaths are expected. The utmost assistance which local philanthropy can afford is being rendered in the district, and Dr Robinson, Dr James Robinson, and Dr Redmayne are in constant attendance upon the unfortunate people.