Mexborough and Swinton Times April 8, 1927

So long had Wombwell been free from smallpox that we had begun to take our immunity for granted. Then on Wednesday of this week came the startling intimation that five cases had occurred in one house.

Naturally the whole district was alarmed. It was obvious that sooner or later Wombwell would be afflicted, and now that the danger is present it is up to the community to face it in a common sense way.

There may be a division of opinion as to the methods of combating smallpox, but the present is not the time to quibble. The only practical course of action in an emergency of this kind is to give the Health Department a free hand.

It is curious that the outbreak has occurred this time is what is supposed to be one of the healthiest parts of the town – the Wombwell Main district. The disease has been contracted outside.

Except for the two cases at Jump last October, this is the first reported in Wombwell for over 20 years.

Photograph Dr Pickup.