A Look Back: July 8

50 Years Ago

■The 16-year-old “perfect master” Guru Maharj Ji told 11,000 of his followers in Amherst Saturday that “there is nothing more to say; it has all been said already.” Many of the devotees, gathered on a field at the University of Massachusetts, nodded in approval of the guru’s words at the Saturday night discourse.

■Republican candidate for state representative Paul M. Craig of Northampton says he supports a bill which would impose a mandatory one-year sentence for felons found with guns in their possession. Craig says that he supports House Bill 6277 but adds that he fully supports the second amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing citizens the right to bear arms.

25 Years Ago

■Edward J. Donnelly, 55, of Middlefield, has been appointed the new executive director of the American Red Cross Hampshire County Chapter. He was chosen from a field of 70 applicants to replace former director, Susan C. McVeigh, who resigned.

■The Hampshire County Business and Professional Women’s organization will present a forum, “Domestic Violence Prevention: Making a Difference,” with Yoko Kato, a local businesswoman and activist for domestic violence prevention. Kato is hosting a visit to the region by a delegation of Japanese officials.

10 Years Ago

■The city of Northampton has dropped its lawsuit against Eric Suher seeking return of the liquor license it revoked after Suher filed court papers Thursday stating that he had already mailed it back. Suher said he sent the license back to the city via first-class mail on June 13. He said in his affidavit he did not make a copy of the license and did not send it via registered mail.

■A new emphasis on community policing from the Northampton Police Department means uniformed foot patrol officers will be more visible downtown, a place where an eclectic mix of artists, shoppers, musicians, students, shopkeepers and transients interact. Police officials hope a stronger presence will help smooth relations and interactions among all elements of the town.