THOMAS Bullock, an engine driver from Gloucester, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with allowing his traction engine to blow off steam on the highway at the Whetty in Rubery. He told magistrates he was filling the boiler with water from a stream at the time. He was fined 5/- (25p) with 9/6 (47.5p) costs.

WILLIAM Price, of Tower Hill, Thomas Bourne, of Queen Street, and John Duggan, of The Vines, all aged about 16, were hauled before Droitwich magistrates to answer charges that they were found gambling for money behind the Wheatsheaf pub in the Spa. The lads told the court they were out of work and hard up and were only playing for buttons. However, PC Lilley thought differently and told how he could hear the chinking of coins. Magistrates accepted his version and fined all three 1/- (5p) and warned them about the evils of gambling.

A BRIEF look at The Messenger's advertisement columns revealed there would be much to entertain residents over the Easter holidays. There was to be dancing on the lawn at the Forest Hotel, at Lickey End, to a Birmingham pipe band. If wet it would be switched to the assembly room which could accommodate 500. Cound's cycle shop, in High Street, had a range of machines on offer from £7/7/0 9 (£7.35p). All had good tyres, free wheels and two rim brakes. But the big event was at the Drill Hall where the Star Variety Company was to stage a "fun extravaganza" over three nights.