A START was made this week on laying mains water pipes from New Road to The Eachway in Rubery. The work was expected to be completed by the end of the month. It was good news for those householders who daily formed a procession to fetch their water in buckets.

JOHN Morgan, a deaf and dumb tramp who was also blind in one eye, appeared before Bromsgrove Police court charged with stealing a cape worth 2/6 (12.5p) from Elizabeth Giles's coalhouse in Stourbridge Road. His only means of communication was by a slate which he carried and on which he wrote using the deaf and dumb alphabet. Nevertheless, magistrates ordered him to do 14 days' hard labour, a decision he accepted with resignation.

THE death of Major Vernon, 35, in Pretoria, following an accident while playing polo, stunned residents in Hanbury where his parents lived at the hall. Described as "cool and dashing", his career in the Rifle Brigade had been distinguished. He had been expected to return home from fighting the Boers in South Africa within the next few months and villagers and estate workers had planned a hero's welcome for him.

JOSEPH Duffill, of Crab Tree Lane, Bromsgrove, had grown two potatoes, weighing a total of 4lbs 10oz, on one root of the Sir Walter Raleigh variety at his Perryfields allotment.

BROMSGROVE was preparing for what was said to be a major event, an animated picture show, put on by the Edison American Photo Co, at the Drill Hall, in Church Street. One of the main attractions was the recent Coronation. The show had already been seen by thousands in many major cities including Bristol and Birmingham. Seat prices ranged from 6d (2.5p) to 2/- (10p).