THE frenzy of electioneering clearly gripped the town a century ago, to judge by the Malvern News.

Well Done, West Worcestershire - Mr Baldwin's Great Victory - Malvern's Enthusiasm, blared the headlines in a paper that was evidently proud to be partisan.

It continued: "For months - in fact from the time Mr Godfrey Benson made his appearance in West Worcestershire as Mr Baldwin's opponent - Malvern has been simmering politically, both parties being active in all parts of the district, which has been deluged week after week with platform oratory.

"On Friday, the broth, which Mr Baldwin and Mr Benson and their respective supporters had been stirring vigorously for weeks and months, reached boiling point, and on Saturday there was a bubbling over; but the broth - as seasoned by the electors of West Worcestershire - was not to Radical liking, and it was evident that the part which Mr Benson and his supporters had played in the stirring was nothing near so efficacious as the efforts of Mr Alfred Baldwin and his faithful henchmen.

"As soon as the Malvern polling stations were open, the voters ranked up strongly, and 'reds' and 'blues' kept the officials busy throughout the day.

"Both sides had an active band of workers, and the Unionist organisation was perfect. In the evening, Mr Baldwin arrived and made a tour of the district. He was enthusiastically greeted all along the line, and the reception given to his opponent, Mr Benson, was cold in comparison.

"The main thoroughfares were thronged at night, and at Malvern Link excitement was intense. The rival parties lined the approaches to the polling stations and the motor-cars and vehicles that came and went were subject to a running fire of cheers and counter cheers.

"Earl Beauchamp was much in evidence during the day, driving around the district in a carriage liberally adorned with blue favours."