A TOTAL of 32 cases of scarlet fever, in Bromsgrove during December and the first two weeks of this month, had been notified to the town's medical officer Dr Kidd. He suspected that in the case of children, the epidemic was being made worse by parents "concealing" their children and allowing them to mix with others during the peeling stage.

WINTER returned to the Bromsgrove area with a vengeance this week, to the delight of skaters who took advantage of the many stretches of frozen water locally. But it was bad news for many outdoor workers, especially those in the building trade, who faced being laid off next week if conditions did not improve. On Thursday, for the first time in many years, the Spadesbourne Brook in Bromsgrove had almost frozen over in parts.

LITTLE George Wagstaff aged three, son of police sergeant Wagstaff met with an unfortunate and painful accident. His mother left him momentarily while bathing him and a lighted candle set fire to his night-shirt. He was badly burned on the legs but was said to be going on favourably in the Cottage Hospital.

THERE was good New Year news for Bromsgrove coachbuilder John Bryant. A prominent South African merchant had visited his showroom recently and placed an order for £700 worth of traps and carriages. They would be packed and shipped overseas within the month.

JOHN Davis, a pauper, was fined 2/6 (12.5p) by Spa magistrates after being found drunk in Friar Street. Penniless and unable to pay, he was sent to Worcester Jail for a week.

EMMA Juggins, landlady at the Park Gate Inn, Bromsgrove, was fined 10/- (50p) plus costs by Bromsgrove magistrates for selling watered brandy. Working under cover, the wife of the Lickey End constable had bought a pint for 3/- (15p) which when later analysed was found to be under strength.