THE annual medical report for Droitwich Town prepared by medical officer Dr Roden revealed that last year there had been 102 births, but for the second year running there had not been any child born to unmarried mothers. There had been only 62 deaths, pneumonia, bronchitis and alcohol related diseases being the chief causes.

THE question of stringy, tough "tup" mutton being served up for the paupers' dinners at Bromsgrove workhouse was raised at a Guardian's meeting. They said if it happened again fresh supplies would be bought elsewhere and the bill sent to the contracting butcher.

A 13-YEAR-OLD boy, Thomas Crowther of the Vines, Droitwich, was ordered to be given four strokes of the birch by Spa magistrates for stealing four Golden Wyandotte hens' eggs worth 10d (4p), the property of John Wall of Upper Ford.

ADVICE on washing silk stockings was one of the tips in Aunt Anne's women column in the Messenger this week. Warning against using soap, she said they should be washed in a solution obtained from mixing four tablespoonfuls of bran with a quart of water and drying them out of the sun.

THE death occurred of William Holyoake at his home, Windsor House in Bromsgrove. He had attained the grand old age of 85 and the Messenger said was one of the town's best known and best loved residents. He was Bailiff in 1866 and had along associations with many organisations including the parish church. For many years he had taken evening classes for boys three nights per week.