• The meat market seems to be a law unto itself. A week ago, it was announced from packingtown that beef had been marked up 30 percent, at wholesale market, making an advance of 50 percent, in 10 days, and that retail prices had advanced in the same ratio.

• Of all the oil fields in the world, from the steppes of the Caucasus to the plains of Utah, where the latest and most productive field is being prospected, the most remarkable is that at Summerland, Cal., where nearly 200 wells are being pumped in the surf of the sea.

50 years ago, 1958

• Heavy wet snow, driven by a howling spring Northeaster, caught the nation’s easternmost corner with its plows down Wednesday. Eight to 12 inches of slush-like white plopped onto coastal Washington County, felling utility lines, clogging main roads and turning dirt roads into a heaving, mucky mess.

• Parker Vincent of Auburn was one of two men who took a Sno-Cat to the assistance of nine men on Mount Washington yesterday. The men escaped serious injury on the stormy slope of New England’s highest peak when an Air Force Sno-Cat slipped off a trail and did a complete somersault.

25 years ago, 1983

WASHINGTON – President Reagan on Friday imposed stiff tariff increases on large foreign motorcycles in an attempt to help the Harley-Davidson Motor Co., the only remaining U.S. maker of the machines. The action should raise the price of imported motorcycles in this country and thus give Harley-Davidson relief from its competition, mainly Japanese bikes, which have been taking an increasingly larger share of the market.

• “Lifeline,” a new 24-hour personal emergency service for elderly and disabled persons, will be available soon in the Lewiston-Auburn area. The service, which has been established in 500 communities throughout the county, will be offered by St. Mary’s General Hospital beginning April 12.