We’re dusting off the Brakpan Herald of December 8, 1950, and diving into the headlines that once had everyone talking.

• Brakpan’s “Big Week” will open December 14
Brakpan is preparing for one of the biggest celebrations in its history. On December 14, “Carnival” week, which has been organised by the Brakpan Publicity Association, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council, will open.

The following day will see the opening of the intensive “Shop in Brakpan” campaign by the Chamber of Commerce. The full programme will include a golf match, garden competition, and talent night.

The culminating event will be the monster Christmas Carnival Ball in the town hall, where the organisers have arranged a “Carnival” supper, special stage shows and floor shows. The highlight of the evening will be the crowning of Miss Brakpan, and the Flower King and Queen for 1950.

• What’s happened to the Anzac subway?
A recent accident at the Anzac level-crossing, when a local resident was involved in a collision with an electric train and seriously injured, was recalled at a meeting of the Brakpan Road Safety Association executive last week.

Members expressed their concern at the dangers confronting motorists at the open crossing and resolved to approach the Town Council to ascertain what progress the council had achieved in the matter of having the crossing replaced with a subway or some other suitably protective devices.

• Brakpan case recalled at criminal sessions
The rape of a 10-year-old Brakpan girl on September 30 had a sequel at the East Rand Criminal Sessions on Tuesday when Hugh Gerald Marshall, a 32-year-old mineworker of Withok, pleaded guilty to a charge of rape before Justice EW Lucas.

Marshall was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour. Passing sentence, Justice Lucas said that Marshall could be sentenced to death for a crime of this nature.

“I am not going to do that. But this is a terrible crime that you have committed and I am going to see that you do no further harm to anybody for a long time.”

• Snooker champion in action
Tommy Mans, South African snooker champion and runner-up for the world title, played in an exhibition at the Brakpan Club on Wednesday night. A large crowd turned out to see the champion in action.