FOLK living in the north of Bromsgrove were becoming healthier and living longer, it was revealed. In a report to North Bromsgrove District Council, the medical officer said in the first five months of this year there had been 18 deaths compared with 44 during the corresponding period in 1901. During May there had been 14 births and three deaths, one from accidental poisoning, and three cases of scarlet fever all among pupils at Dodford School.

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NEWS of the end of the war in South Africa, which had claimed the lives of 36 men from the district, was greeted with jubilation when it was received late on Sunday. The Town Crier, Mr Albutt, was woken up in order to proclaim the welcome news on the streets. Crowds roamed the town singing Rule Britannia and Soldiers of the King and other patriotic songs and giving loud cheers for Lord Kitchener. A number harmlessly discharged rifles and other firearms to show their joy. In Droitwich flags were hung on the Town Hall and other public buildings and the Spa band marched throught the town playing loyal and patriotic tunes.

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BROMSGROVE magistrates dealt with a higher than average number of cases of begging this week. Tramp David Hook, who was arrested in the Strand, was given seven days hard labour at Worcester Jail and a similar sentence for using bad language. Alfred Tempeat, a cripple, who was picked up by police at Lickey End, was let off but only after promising to leave the district forthwith.

THE Salt Union, anxious to increase its output in Droitwich, planned to sink a bore on the south side of High Street at the back of the White Hart pub. If it proved successful a second would follow.