TOWN surveyor Mr Maybury was the fortunate recipient of a pay rise from his employers, Malvern Urban District Council, a century ago.

Council members voted to increase Mr Maybury's annual salary to £700, a move applauded by the Malvern Gazette as a step in the right direction which will be "endorsed by everyone who appreciated the service of a very valuable public official".

The paper pointed out that Mr Maybury's duties were by no means confined to making and repairing roads, as some thought.

"He also acts as gas manager and water engineer and has likewise carried out many important undertakings, including the erection of the gas works and the isolation hospital, and has thus saved the town a very large sum thereby.

"Nor can the public forget the services which he rendered last summer when our water supply was almost exhausted. His skill and ability prevented a water famine and, had such occurred, it would almost have spelt ruin in a health resort like Malvern, which prides itself on its aqua.

"In short, Mr Maybury is a good all-round man equal to any emergency, and the day when Malvern will appreciate his services most will be when he leaves his present employment for another appointment."