Rumors that Commander Robert E. Peary, the Arctic explorer, has purchased 16 islands in Casco bay, were set at rest Wednesday by a statement from Hon. E. C. Reynolds, attorney for Commander Peary who said that while Commander Peary recently purchased five islands in Casco bay, he had not purchased any such number as 16 and would not do so. The islands now owned by Commander Peary are Pettengill, Flag, Basket, Pound of Tea, Eagle and one other.

50 years ago, 1958

• The public’s willingness to accept Alaska and Hawaii in the Union and the present impasse on the question in Congress point up what is perhaps the classic example of a lag between public opinion and legislative action. The introduction of statehood bills for Alaska and Hawaii has become a standard feature of each session of Congress for many years. In the latest survey, the vote is 12-1 in favor of admitting Alaska and more than 5-to-1 in favor of granting statehood to Hawaii.

• Winter had another fling in the Twin Cities over the weekend. With spring less than three weeks away, he flung a wet, sticky snowstorm at the area and plastered the ground with 11.5 inches of heavy snow.

25 years ago, 1983

• A “real mild winter” has allowed Auburn’s snow removal equipment to remain dormant much of the season and promises to build a $100,000 to $200,000 surplus in the Public Works Department budget by the end of the season.

• With part of the Statehouse decked out with exhibits promoting Maine as a tourists’ mecca, a newly formed group made its initial pitch Wednesday for Gov. Joseph E. Brennan’s $3-million tourism-promotion initiative.

• The Dow Jones average of 30 industrial issues, buoyed by a late buying spree, rose 18.09 points to close at 1,130.71. The average has now risen 353.79 points, or 46 percent, since it stood at 776.92 last Aug. 12, when the historic rally began.