TRADE in Droitwich was getting worse, a situation that prompted the town council to ask the Salt Unionth largest employer if it could take on more staff. The Spa's baths industry and spin offs from it like the hotel trade were flourishing, but what what was needed, the coucil said, was jobs for working men. The Messenger compared the Spa's present plight with that of Bromsgrove 20 years ago when the handmade nail trade began its rapid decline.

AN inquest was held at the Bowling Green pub, in Stoke Works, into the death of nine-year-old William Franklin from Bethnal Green, London. The boy, in company with others, had been staying at the home of Thomas Davis, lock-keeper of Astwood Lock. They had been enjoying a holiday paid for by The Children's Country Holiday Fund. William had been found floating in the canal. The jury returned a verdict of "found drowned."

DROITWICH United Football Club was hoping for a better season than the last, the annual general meeting was told. The team had performed dismally in the league, failed to win any cups and ended the season more than £2 in debt despite playing double the number of games. Subscriptions were down by £10 as well. Secretary, Mr Elvins, taking care not to criticise his players too much, said the problem was the opposition had improved their playing standards.