MEMBERS of Bromsgrove and North Bromsgrove School managers' meeting heard an inspector's report on Catshill School. The boys were in excellent order but the present constitution of the staff gave the master no opportunity of supervising the work of the pupil teachers. The girls' department was also conducted with skill and success. At the meeting there was also a discussion on summer holidays and some difference of opinion over when strawberry and pea picking would begin. This was a guiding factor in fixing the holidays. It was eventually decided to close for five weeks on June 30 or July 7. The chairman suggested in future the weeks' holiday at Whitsuntide be dispensed with.

IN the Messenger's ladies' column bathing dresses were discussed, with many thinking of seaside holidays. The old unshapely bathing dress of heavy blue flannel or serge had quite gone out and instead dainty garments of the bloomers and tunic type had come in its place. Materials including silk were now in demand as they did not hold so much water when wet or cling so much to the figure.

Bromsgrove'S great annual horse fair was due to take place on June 24. It started at 11.30am with vehicles and harness followed by heavy horses at noon and later cobs and ponies.

IN the local gossip column of the Messenger it said the gates at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Agricultural Show this week at Malvern had set Bromsgrove a big record to beat. Attendance at the show was greater than the previously recorded number in the history of the society. The gate money on the Tuesday alone showed an increase of about £100 compared with the takings in Ross in 1904. Bromsgrove's invitation to hold the 1906 show had been accepted and it was now up to Bromsgrovians and surrounding public to raise the required funds that have to be guaranteed. Bromsgrove had already had a good start in Mr J B Brook's liberal offer of £50 subscription and £50 guarantee.