SAMUEL James, a labourer from Catshill, was charged with deserting his wife. Bromsgrove Petty Session heard he had joined the militia and absconded and had often neglected his wife and children. The prisoner stated he left the district because he had no work. He was committed to Worcester Goal for a months' hard labour.

A MEMORABLE meeting took place at Stoke Works Schoolroom when the saltmakers, their wives and families met to honour their old foreman George Fryer. Mr Fryer had resigned from office in the Stoke Prior Salt Works. They had met to show respect and esteem for Mr Fryer, who had been foreman for 29 years. During his stewardship the works had been free of strife and disturbance. After a number of speeches, the evening finished with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

AN inquest was heard into the death of Samuel Green, a farmer from Ombersley who died at the Parish Room, Wychbold. The deceased, who was 48, had lived with his father. The inquest heard Mr Green's heart was so diseased it was incapable of doing its work. Rev John Treherne Philips, curate of Wychbold, said Mr Green had been out with Ombersley Institute for an air gun shooting competition when he had passed away.

DROITWICH West End Cricket Club held its annual ball at Salters Hall. The room had been tastefully decorated with flags and there was a fair number of spectators in the gallery. The event was opened by president MRB Ward.