Mystery surrounds an incident which resulted in police officers and a bomb disposal squad carrying out an intense operation at Launceston. Launceston town centre came to a complete standstill on Friday afternoon as a mysterious suitcase which appeared in the car of a disabled woman was investigated.

Teacher Pat Ward, from Trekenner School, Lezant, spent a day with the Cornish & Devon Post seeing how the newsroom works, attending the magistrates’ court and helping to produce some ‘copy’ for the paper. It is part of Radical Scheme for teachers to experience the world of work outside the classroom.

Mrs Winifred Tibble, who made the presentations, lent a hand with some of Mr Ivor Paddon’s trophies at the Bude Sea Anglers’ dinner held at the Hartland Hotel, Bude, while other winners displayed their awards.

Labour candidate John Mills topped the poll last week in the five man bid for two vacant sears on Lamerton Town Council. Mr Mills polled 189 votes.

In the General Election, the North Cornwall constituency result was: John Pardoe (Liberal) 25,667; Mrs Trixie Gardner (conservative) 16,938; Barry Benjamin (Labour) 1,726. Paul Tyler captured the Bodmin seat by nine votes with 20,283 to the 20.274 of Robert Hicks (conservative). In West Devon Peter Mills (conservative) had a 5,268 majority over Aza Pinney (Liberal).

 A gold watch was presented to Mr Jim Hughes to mark his retirement after 23 years’ work with Devon Trading Co Ltd at Launceston.

Miss Susan Tape, of the Bude Methodist Circuit, received the Tomkinson Cop for her collections for the Missionary Society.

Mr George Heywood was elected chairman of Hartland Parish Council after the death of Mr A George. Mrs May O’Donnell is vice-chairman.

Mrs W Badge received presents from Mrs C Routley at Camelford Chapel Street Women’s Own as she is shortly moving to Bude.

Mr Sidney John Fitze received the highest honour its native town of Launceston could offer him — he became an honorary Freeman of the Borough. Mr Fitze was made one of that select band holding this distinction — there are only two others living — in recognition of his many services to the town. He served on the town council for 32 years and has taken a leading part in a host of local organisations.

Members and friends of Downhouse Methodist Church have waited a very long time for the main electricity to be available for their church premises. This has now been installed and the chapel was filled to capacity for the switch-on ceremony.

Rev Horace Townsend Boultbee, Rector of Lifton, died after a short illness in Tavistock Hospital on Saturday.

Tributes to the services of Mr G G Wilson, who is resigning after 25 years as Clerk to Lifton Justice, were paid at Lifton magistrates Court on Thursday week when he made his last monthly appearance.

A public enquiry was held at the Guildhall yesterday into the application by Launceston Borough Council for permission for the erection of pennant homes on land at Scarne Cross, Launceston.

Air Raid Wardens of Launceston, attending a Civil Defence lecture at the local police station on Monday night had a practical demonstration of fire fighting — but completely unrehearsed and not a scheduled part of the lecture. Part way through, a head came round the door and the lecturer, Mr R R Haylett, surveyor to Camelford RDC was informed his car was on fire.

The cheese ration is to be reduced to 20z a week but the  is going up to two-and-a-half pints per person.

Speaking at the annual Sunday School conference of the Bude Methodist Circuit, held at Bradworthy, Mr Leighton Saunders suggested dropping the name “Sunday School”. As an alternative he suggested the title “Young People’s Service”.

With the idea of promoting a closer relationship between Church and Chapel, Rev W James, Rector of Minster and Forrabury, called a public meeting in the Mission Room, Boscastle, on Monday. He wants people to get together spiritually and socially.

Wing commander R B Pearse, formerly of Launceston, has been decorated by the King with the AFC. Before the war he was manager of Plymouth Airport.

A new rate for electricity, a considerable reduction, comes into force for Cornwall this quarter. The charge will now be one-and-a-quarter pence per unit for lighting, heating and power.

Holsworthy Urban Council new rate is 4s 6d — a reduction of 3d on last year.

A letter from Mr W Coombe, secretary of the local Mercantile Association, was read at Holsworthy Urban District Council meeting complaining of unfair competition from ‘cheapjacks’.

Mr W Maddern, of Calstock, has been appointed Relieving Officer for the Callington district, a whole time appointment with a salary of £80, plus registration and other fees.