WATER has always been important in Malvern, so it's heartening to read in the Gazette of 100 years ago of the council's prompt action against those who abuse this precious resource.

"George Spreadborough, of 22 Twyning Road, Rotten Park, Birmingham, employed by Messrs. Draycott Bros. of Birmingham was summoned for two offences under the Waterworks Clauses Act. Defendant did not appear.

"The first charge was that of taking a quantity of water from a main at Malvern Wells, and the second with damaging a standpipe to obtain the water.

"Mr H L Whatley, who appeared for the Malvern District Council, said that defendant was in charge of a traction engine proceeding through Malvern Wells on the morning of October 10th.

"The boilers having run short, he first of all endeavoured to turn the key of the hydrant of one of the Council's water mains. As he was unable to do that he smashed a ball in the hydrant, so that a great quantity of water escaped and flooded the road.

"Mr Thorp, the Surveyor, went out there with the Turntap, who turned the water off, so that the whole district was without water for about an hour.

"The defendant had admitted the offence and said that in Birmingham, he had a licence which enabled him to obtain water from the hydrants, and was provided with a key. The Malvern hydrants were a different pattern from those at Birmingham, so the key would not fit. He had absolutely no authority for meddling with the hydrant in this way, and it was a very high-handed action on his part.

"Mr W O Thorp provided corroborative evidence. He produced the ball, which had been broken in the stand-pipe, and estimated the amount of water lost as about 30,000 gallons. About 50 or 60 yards away was a public water tap , where the defendant could have obtained water without any trouble.

"In the first case the defendant was fined £1 15s and costs 19s, and in the second £1 15s 6d and costs 19s."