Norfolk Annals, Vol. 2 / A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century

—Lynn election: The Right Hon. Robert Bourke (C.), 1,417; Mr. J. J. Briscoe, Bourne Hall, Cambridgeshire (G.), 1,146.

—Mr. W. A. Tyssen Amherst (C.) was returned unopposed for South-West Norfolk.

3.—Sir Edward Birkbeck (C.) and Mr. H. Lee Warner (G.) were nominated at the Shirehall, Norwich, candidates for East Norfolk.  The polling took place on the 8th: Birkbeck, 4,578; Lee Warner, 4,000.

—Mr. Francis Taylor, of Diss (L.U.), was returned unopposed member for South Norfolk.

5.—The nomination of candidates—Lord Henry Bentinck (C.) and Mr. Joseph Arch (G.)—for the representation of North-West Norfolk, took place at the Town Hall, King’s Lynn.  The polling was held on the 9th: Bentinck, 4,084; Arch, 4,064.  (See April 5th, 1887.)

6.—Mr. Ailwyn Edward Fellowes (C.) and Mr. Herbert Hardy Cozens-Hardy, Q.C. (G.) were nominated, at the Town Hall, Aylsham, candidates for North Norfolk.  The poll was opened on July 10th: Cozens-Hardy, 4,084; Fellowes, 3,325.

7.—The nomination took place at East Dereham of Mr. R. T. Gurdon (L.U.) and Mr. James Toller, tenant-farmer, of Winfield Farm, Waterbeach (G.), as candidates for Mid Norfolk.  The polling took place on the 15th: Gurdon, 3,032; Toller, 2,638.

8.—The nomination of candidates for the representation of Norwich took place at the Guildhall before the Sheriff (Mr. J. J. Dawson Paul).  The candidates were Mr. J. J. Colman (L.), Mr. Samuel Hoare (C.), Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett (L.), and Mr. Clare Sewell Read (C.).  The polling on the 9th resulted as follows:—Colman, 6,295; Hoare, 6,156; Tillett, 6,119; Read, 5,564.

15.—A great sale of shorthorn cattle and Southdown sheep, the property of the Prince of Wales, was conducted at Sandringham by Mr. John Thornton.  The Prince and Princess of Wales were present at the luncheon, at which there was a distinguished gathering.  Fifty-two cows and heifers sold for 2,496 guineas, an average of £50 8s.; 17 bulls realised 840 gs., an average of £51 5s. 10½d.  Good prices were obtained for the Southdowns.

—Died, at Golding Street, Heigham, Norwich, Mr. Obadiah Short, aged 83.  Born in the parish of St. Augustine, he was employed from 1816 to 1829 as a journeyman weaver.  Meanwhile he practised drawing and painting in his garret in St. Edmund’s, and became acquainted with Mr. Sparshall, a wine merchant and a local patron of art, who lent him some of Stark’s works for copying purposes.  Soon afterwards Short made sketches of birds for the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, and was employed by Dalrymple and Crosse to make drawings of pathological subjects; the original drawings for Crosse’s work on the “Urinary Calculus,” published in 1841, were all from his pencil.  In 1834 Short accepted an engagement as designer at the manufactory of Messrs. Willett, with whom he remained for more than fifty years.  During his long life he painted a large number of pictures, principally in oil.  “Although he did not attain to the production of ‘high art,’ his works were faithful delineations of landscape scenery selected with a fine taste, and pleasing to a vastly larger proportion of the lovers of pictures than many of the works of ‘high art’ which few people understand.”

22.—The Houghton Hall estate, the property of the Marquis of Cholmondeley, was offered for sale at Tokenhouse Yard under an order of the Court of Chancery.  For Houghton Hall (built by Sir Horace Walpole at the cost of £450,000) and 10,564 acres of land, £300,000 was offered, at which sum the property was withdrawn.

24.—The camp of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions Norfolk Regiment commenced at Yarmouth.

AUGUST.

5.—The first of the Norwich Cricket Week amateur theatrical performances was given at Norwich Theatre under the management of Sir Kenneth Kemp, Bart.  The programme, which was repeated on the 6th, included “A Fair Encounter” and Tom Taylor’s “Plot and Passion.”

14.—Henry Last, a master carpenter, about 66 years of age, was murdered in his cottage in Old Post Office Yard, Norwich, by George Harmer.  The murderer was apprehended in London on the 19th.  He was tried at Norwich Assizes on November 22nd, before Mr. Justice Field, found guilty, and sentenced to death.  The execution took place at Norwich Castle on December 13th.  Harmer was the last culprit executed within the walls of the Castle.

25.—The third Parliamentary election within the period of eight months took place at King’s Lynn.  A vacancy had occurred in the representation of the borough by the appointment of Mr. Bourke, M.P., to the Governorship of Madras.  Two candidates were nominated—Mr. Alexander Weston Jarvis, of Middleton Towers (C.), and Mr. James Harris Sanders, of Shelly, Herts (G.).  The polling resulted as follows:—Jarvis, 1,423; Sanders, 1,168.

SEPTEMBER.

6.—Died, at Belsize House, East Dereham, Mr. Charles Wright, solicitor, aged 74.  Mr. Wright was for many years clerk to the justices, and Coroner for the Duchy of Lancaster.  He was a lover of the fine arts, and a famous cricketer, and for a long period was annually invited to play at Lord’s in the match between Gentlemen and Players.

20.—Died, the Rev. John Jessopp, M.A., vicar of St. Gregory, Norwich, aged 71.  Educated at Cambridge University, he was ordained in 1840, and became chaplain to the East India Company, but after serving two years in India illness necessitated his retirement from the post.  On returning to Europe he was appointed chaplain to the King of the Belgians, and for some years resided at Ostend in that capacity.  Mr. Jessopp, on terminating his services to King Leopold, became chaplain at the Surrey County Gaol, and on coming to Norwich, in 1877, was presented to the living of St. Gregory.  He was brother to the Rev. Dr. Jessopp, rector of Scarning, and formerly head-master of Norwich Grammar School.

28.—Died, at Heigham Hall, Norwich, Mr. John Ferra Watson.  The son of a Norwich manufacturer, he was born at Weybread in 1816, and was educated for the medical profession.  Mr. Watson founded Heigham Hall, which he converted from a small square building into a handsome mansion, and made it one of the finest private lunatic asylums in the country.  A Liberal of the old Whig type, he for many years sat in the Norwich Town Council both as an alderman and as a councillor, and was a magistrate for the city.  He took great interest in parochial affairs, and as churchwarden inaugurated the restoration of the mother church of St. Bartholomew, in the hamlet of Heigham.

30.—The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher lectured at the Victoria Hall, Norwich, on “Wastes and Burdens of Society.”

OCTOBER.

12.—The Congress of the Congregational Union of England and Wales was opened at Norwich, under the presidency of the Rev. Edward White.

15.—Died, at his residence, Wroxham House, Mr. Robert Blake-Humfrey, second son of Mr. Thomas Blake, of Norwich and Scottow.  Born November 23rd, 1795, he was educated at Norwich Grammar School under Dr. Forster, and afterwards under Valpy.  At the early age of 16½ years he was gazetted to an ensigncy by purchase in the 3rd Regiment (the Buffs), and joined the 2nd Battalion at Walmer Barracks.  In July, 1813, he went out with a detachment of 100 men to join the 1st Battalion in Spain, and arrived off St. Sebastian during the siege.  His detachment, with some companies of the 43rd and 52nd, were immediately ordered to march up country.  The force to which the Buffs were attached having taken Vieux Moguere, they were in turn driven out of it next day, and the light company in which Blake was serving covered the retreat.  On the order to face about the British drove back the enemy and retook the village, and in the assault the young officer was wounded in both legs by a grape shot.  Amputation of the left leg was rendered necessary, and his military career ended.  With pay and pension and a very small fortune from his father, Mr. Blake retired to a quiet life in Norfolk.  In 1838 he married Charlotte, youngest daughter of Colonel Harvey, of Thorpe, by whom he left three sons and four daughters.  On the death of the Rev. John Humfrey, in 1847, he succeeded under his will to the Wroxham estate and other property, and assumed the surname of Humfrey after and in addition to the name of Blake.  Mr. Blake-Humfrey spent much time in drawing and etching and in the study of heraldry and archæology.  He compiled a complete history in MS. of the Sheriffs of Norfolk, with their coats of arms most beautifully emblazoned.  Mr. Blake-Humfrey was a magistrate for the county of Norfolk.

19.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council at letter was received from the Mayor (Mr. John Gurney), suggesting that upon the Prison Commissioners handing over the Castle to the Corporate authorities, steps be taken to convert the keep and the prison buildings into a museum.  The cost of such work was estimated at £5,000, and in the event of its being carried out Mr. Gurney intimated that he would be prepared to defray the expense.  (See July 16th, 1887.)

21.—The portrait of Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart., painted by H. T. Wells, R.A., was presented to the county by Sir F. G. M. Boileau, Bart., on behalf of the subscribers.

28.—The Bishop of Norwich laid the foundation-stone of the new church of St. Thomas, Heigham.  (See June 28th, 1888.)

NOVEMBER.

3.—The south-east corner of the tower of St. Michael-at-Thorn church fell during a gale, crashed through the roof of the nave, and did considerable damage to the interior of the church.

4.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference was held at Noverre’s Rooms, under the presidency of the Bishop.  The proceedings concluded on the 5th.

5.—Died, at Great Yarmouth, Mr. Thomas Proctor Burroughs, F.S.A., aged 50.  By profession a solicitor, he was greatly devoted to archæological pursuits, and took a prominent part in the preservation of the Toll House and other antiquities in Yarmouth.  Mr. Burroughs was an ardent collector of pictures, books, and curiosities of local interest, a Roman Catholic, and a staunch Conservative.

8.—Arthur Riches (36), fishhawker, murdered his wife by stabbing her on the Walk, in the Haymarket, Norwich.  He was tried at Norwich Assizes on November 23rd, and found guilty, but strongly recommended to mercy on account of the great provocation he had received.  The prisoner was sentenced to death, but the punishment was afterwards commuted to penal servitude for life.  (Riches died at Parkhurst Convict Prison, Isle of Wight, in April, 1898.)

9.—Mr. Harry Bullard was for the third time elected Mayor of Norwich.  Mr. Frederick Oddin Taylor was appointed Sheriff.

11.—Melton, the property of Lord Hastings, won the Liverpool Cup, beating Oberon, Bird of Freedom, Sailor Prince, and fourteen others.  Ridden by Watts, Melton carried 9 st. 3 lb. and started at 100 to 8 against.

15.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Field, Elizabeth Hamlinton (34), dressmaker, was found guilty of the murder of her infant daughter, at Fakenham, on October 16th.  She was strongly recommended to mercy.  “The prisoner almost fainted when the judge put on the black cap; her face indicated terror, and when the dread sentence was pronounced she moaned, and at its conclusion cried out despairingly.”  The Mayoress of Norwich (Mrs. Bullard) interested herself on behalf of the unhappy woman, and forwarded an influentially signed memorial to the Home Secretary.  In due course the prisoner was respited.

16.—The Norwich Town Council assented to an application by Mr. Joseph Kincaird, of 3, George Street, Westminster, to construct tramways in the city upon certain routes, on condition that an amount equal to the cost of removing the lines and reconstructing the streets in case the tramways were not worked for a given period, be placed on permanent deposit.  Other conditions as to the control of traffic, &c., were imposed.  The Norwich Tramways Company, Limited, with a capital of £30,000, was registered on December 23rd.  (See December 17th, 1889.)

27.—Died, at 41, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, London, Mr. Octavius Edward Coope, M.P.  He was first returned to the House of Commons in July, 1847, as Conservative member for Yarmouth.  Mr. Coope was born in 1814, and was a partner in the firm of Ind, Coope, and Co.

30.—A military tournament by the 19th (Princess of Wales’ Own) Hussars commenced at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, and concluded on December 4th.  The proceeds were in aid of local charities.

DECEMBER.

4.—A remarkable phenomenon was recorded at Yarmouth.  “The tide twice flowed and ebbed within three hours.  At 9.42 p.m., the calculated time for dead low water, the gauge registered only six feet above zero.  Thus high and low water were practically reversed, a most uncommon phenomenon.”  On the night of the 8th “the barometer fell to 28.20, the lowest local reading for the past twenty years.”

6.—A new fire escape for “populous buildings,” invented by Captain Longe, of Spixworth Park, was tested at Thorpe Asylum.  It consisted of “a movable staircase mounted on a frame on four wheels, which can be readily and expeditiously moved by two men to any window of a burning building, and raised by a double crank to a window 18 ft. from the ground, at an angle of 45 degrees, by which the inmates, stepping on a small platform, can easily descend.”  The Lunacy Commissioners reported favourably upon the invention.

28.—Considerable damage was done to the telephone wires in Norwich by a heavy fall of snow.  “The whole system came to grief through the wires breaking and the derricks giving way.”

—Died, at his residence, Shadingfield Lodge, Yarmouth, Mr. Samuel Nightingale, in his 84th year.  He served the office of Mayor of the borough in 1868–69.

1887.

JANUARY.

6.—Dr. David George Thomson, senior medical officer of the Surrey Asylum, was appointed by the Norfolk county magistrates Medical Superintendent of the County Asylum at Thorpe, in place of Dr. Hills, resigned.  The Court granted Dr. Hills a superannuation allowance of £600 per annum.  At the Easter Sessions resolutions were presented by thirteen unions, protesting against the allowance as an excessive burden upon the county rates.

14.—A serious riot occurred in Norwich Market Place.  A crowd of unemployed workmen, harangued by two Socialists, named Mowbray and Henderson, who suggested that they could not starve, and that they must procure food for themselves, became a disorderly mob, and under the leadership of the agitators, made a raid upon several shops on the Walk.  The ringleaders, with two men, named Hurrell and Hall, were apprehended, and committed for trial.  The case came before Mr. Justice Grantham at the Assizes on the 21st, when Mowbray was sentenced to nine months’, Henderson to four months’, Hall to one month’s, and Hurrell to one week’s imprisonment, with hard labour.  A similar disturbance on a minor scale took place at Yarmouth at about the same date.  Owing to inflammatory placards distributed during the month of September, the Chief Constable of Norwich, on October 1st, applied to the magistrates for power to raise a force of 200 special constables.  On October 11th the required number were sworn in, and informed that their active services would not be required except on a special summons from the magistrates.

25.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Grantham, was tried the action, the Corporation of Norwich v. Coxe.  In this case the Corporation sued the Rev. Dr. Coxe, one of the sureties of Mr. E. S. Steward, the late City Treasurer, to recover from him the sum of £1,000, for which amount he was bond.  On behalf of the defendant it was urged that the auditors were remiss in passing accounts that were incorrect, and the judge made strong comments upon the loose manner in which they did their work.  The jury gave a verdict for the defendant.

FEBRUARY.

8.—Mr. Archibald Forbes delivered a lecture, at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, on “Ten Years of War Correspondence.”

17.—Died, at Syleham, in her 100th year, Lucy Steggall, widow of Robert Steggall.

24.—Died, at Cannes, Mr. John Gurney, of Sprowston Hall, Deputy-Mayor of Norwich.  On retiring in November, 1886, from the office of Mayor of the city he sought relaxation on the shores of the Mediterranean.  A severe shock of earthquake, which occurred at Cannes at the time of his visit, is supposed to have told upon his highly sensitive and nervous organization, and to have indirectly caused his death.  Mr. Gurney was the eldest son of Mr. John Gurney, of Earlham Hall, and grandson of Mr. Samuel Gurney, of West Ham.  He was born on December 11th, 1845, and educated at Harrow, whence he proceeded to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1866.  The following year he became a member of the firm of Gurneys, Birkbecks, Barclay, and Buxton.  In 1871 he married Isabel Charlotte, daughter of Mr. R. Blake-Humfrey, of Wroxham.  Mr. Gurney, who was afflicted with blindness, was one of the most liberal benefactors of Norwich, and was greatly esteemed by the citizens.

MARCH.

11.—Norfolk, in common with other parts of the country, was visited by a severe spell of wintry weather.

15.—A dispute between smackowners and smacksmen at Yarmouth ended on this date.  Differences had arisen over the substitution by the former of the share system for the old plan of payment by wages and poundage.  The strike was beginning to have a disastrous effect upon trade, and was ended by an amicable arrangement.

18.—Died, at Stirling, Mr. J. F. Young, for many years a favourite actor upon the Norwich stage.  Mr. Young was widely known as a member of the original “Caste” Company.  He had been lessee of both Norwich and Yarmouth Theatres, and was greatly respected in private and professional circles.

21.—The action, Stanley v. the Mayor and Corporation of Norwich and the Attorney-General, was tried in the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice, before Mr. Justice Kekewich.  This case raised the question of the right of the freemen to receive in perpetuity the rents of the Town Close Estate, a valuable plot of land of about 100 acres in extent, which was conveyed to the city in 1524 by the Prior of Norwich.  It was contended on the part of the plaintiffs that this land became vested in the Corporation for the exclusive benefit of the freemen, the terms in the original grant “citizens” and “commonalty” being synonymous with “freemen.”  Mr. Justice Kekewich concurred in this contention, gave judgment for the plaintiffs, and ordered the costs of the action to be borne by the estate.  (See January 23rd, 1888.)

APRIL.

5.—In the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, before Mr. Baron Pollock and Mr. Justice Stephen, a petition was presented by Mr. Joseph Arch against the return of Lord Henry Bentinck as member for North-West Norfolk, on July 9th, 1886.  The petitioner alleged that the respondent was guilty of an illegal practice in paying the sum of £3 to Charles Wacey, of South Creake, in respect of expenses in the conduct or management of the election.  The money was sent in a letter from Guist Hall, where Lord Henry Bentinck was staying, on January 20th.  The letter was as follows:—“Dear Mr. Wacey—I enclose you a little present as some small compensation for the trouble and worry you have had in connection with the election and afterward.  I am much obliged to you for all you have done, and I hope you will continue to help us in the future in the same able and energetic manner in which you have done in the past.  Yours truly, Henry Bentinck.  P.S.  You had better not tell anyone that I sent you anything.”  This letter miscarried, and was delivered not to Charles Wacey, but to Thomas Wacey, who belonged to the party represented by Mr. Arch.  Thomas Wacey ultimately forwarded the postal orders contained in the letter to Charles Wacey, who cashed them and kept the proceeds.  It was contended on the part of the respondent that the payment made in January, 1887, had no relation whatever to the conduct or management of the election in July, 1886.  The money was paid on account of registration services, and the injunction of secrecy was made because to have paid all the district secretaries would have involved the respondent in an expenditure of £100.  The petition was dismissed with costs.

10.—A new organ, built at the cost of £450, was opened at St. Gregory’s church, Norwich.

14.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop.  The proceedings were concluded on the 15th.

MAY.

12.  A fifty miles bicycle race from the second milestone on the Dereham Road, Norwich, to Swaffham and back, was ridden by members of the Norwich Amateur Bicycle Club.  The roads were heavy, and the wind, during the greater part of the journey, unfavourable.  Result: 1st, H. J. Hayes, 3h. 45m. 30s.; 2nd, Overton, 3h. 46m.; 3rd, Howes.

14.—The currency question was discussed by the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, and a resolution adopted expressing alarm at the daily increasing difficulty experienced by the agricultural classes in obtaining money with which to meet their obligations, asserting the belief that “an increase in the circulating medium would lessen that difficulty,” and urging the Government “to respond to the invitation of the great Powers who had asked this country to join with them in restoring to the peoples the free coinage and use of silver money.”  The following resolution was also adopted:—“Although currency may in some way affect the prosperity of trade and agriculture in this country, it is the opinion of this Chamber that the main cause of the depression is the influx of foreign produce to the ruin of the English producer and the employment of foreign labour in the place of English labour.”

14.—Died, at Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, Mr. George Alden Stevens, solicitor, in low 57th year.  An entirely self-made man, he rose by perseverance and integrity to become a partner in the firm of Miller and Son.  He was an ardent politician, and for several years argent to the Liberal party, and the constant adviser of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett throughout his chequered experiences on the hustings and in the election courts.  Mr. Stevens was a member of the Town Council, and an alderman, and it was largely due to his generosity and zeal that Chapel Field was transformed from a barren and useless waste into a beautiful garden.

18.—Died, at Gladstone Street, Norwich, George Wilde, aged 62, the last survivor in the city of the famous light cavalry charge at Balaclava.  Wilde was a private in the 13th Light Dragoons, and in the charge his horse was killed and himself wounded.  He was in receipt of a pension of thirteen pence per day.

—The Prince of Wales visited Yarmouth and laid the foundation-stone of the new hospital.  On the 19th his Royal Highness inspected the 2nd Brigade Eastern Division Royal Artillery, and in the evening attended a ball given by the officers.

24.—The Queen’s birthday was celebrated in Norwich by a review on Mousehold Heath of the 19th (Princess of Wales’ Own) Hussars, the 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment, and the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment.  The Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) gave a banquet at Blackfriars’ Hall in the evening.  Earlier in the day his worship and the Sheriff (Mr. F. Oddin Taylor) entertained the inmates of the Workhouse.

JUNE.

1.—Died, at Yarmouth, where he had resided four years, the Rev. Joseph Philip Knight, the composer of many popular songs.  The youngest son of the Rev. Francis Knight, D.D., he was born at the Vicarage, Bradford-on-Avon, on July 26th, 1812.  His love for music displayed itself at an early age, and at fifteen he began to devote himself to the study of harmony and composition.  When about twenty Mr. Knight composed his first six songs under the name of Philip Mortimer.  Among these were “Old times,” sung by Henry Philips, and “Go, forget me,” extremely popular both in this country and in Germany.  After this he used his own name, and, in company with Haynes Bayly, produced a number of highly successful songs, amongst which the most famous were “Of what is the Old Man thinking?” “The Veteran,” “Days Gone By,” “The Grecian Daughter,” and “She wore a Wreath of Roses.”  He subsequently composed the song and duet to the words written for him by Thomas Moore, “The Parting” and “Let’s take this World as some Wild Scene.”  In 1839 Mr. Knight visited the United States, where he remained two years.  To this time are due, among other popular songs, his celebrated “Rocked in the Cradle of the Deeps” sung with immense success by Braham, and “Why Chime the Bells so merrily?”  On his return to England he produced “Beautiful Venice,” “Say, what shall my Song be To-night?” “The Dream” (words by the Hon. Mrs. Norton), “Amy Robsart,” and “Queen of the Silver Bow,” all more or less the rage in their day.  Some years afterwards Mr. Knight married, and lived for a long time in France and Germany, doing very little in the way of composition, but on his return to England he wrote many other songs, “Peace, it is I,” “The Lost Rose,” “The Watchman,” “The Anchor,” “Where is the Place of thy Rest?” and the duet, “Where the Roses Grow,” all of which, enjoyed great popularity.  His songs, duets, and trios number 225.

4.—Queen Kapiolani, and the heiress presumptive to the Hawaiian Throne, the Princess Lilivokalani, consort and sister respectively of Kalakana, King of Hawaii, on a visit to England for the purpose of attending the celebration of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria, arrived at Rackheath Hall, where they were entertained as the guests of Captain and Mrs. Steward.  During the stoppage of the train at Trowse station, the visitors were waited upon by the Mayor and Mayoress of Norwich (Mr. and Mrs. Bullard), who were attended by the Town Clerk and other civic officials.  On the 5th (Sunday) the Queen and Princess attended service at the Cathedral, at which the Mayor, Sheriff, and members of the Town Council were present; and on the 6th they visited the Cathedral, St. Andrew’s Hall, St. Peter Mancroft church, and the Castle, and were entertained to luncheon at the Guildhall by the Mayor and Mayoress.  In the afternoon they proceeded to Pine Banks, Thorpe, and were entertained by Mr. I. O. Howard Taylor.  On the 6th the Queen and Princess departed for London.

19.—The celebration of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria began in Norwich on this day (Sunday) with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral, and with special services at the Roman Catholic and other Nonconformist places of worship.  The Mayor and Corporation attended the Cathedral in the morning, and Prince’s Street Congregational chapel in the evening.  On the 20th a special meeting of the Town Council was held on the requisition of forty-four members, at which it was unanimously resolved to confer the honorary freedom of the city upon Mr. Harry Bullard as Mayor of Norwich.  The 21st was observed as Jubilee Day.  Early in the morning intelligence was telegraphed to the city that the Mayor was among the eleven chief magistrates in the kingdom who had received the honour of knighthood.  The day’s proceedings commenced with a special service at the Cathedral, attended by Churchmen and Nonconformists, by a detachment of the 19th Hussars, under Colonel French, and the Norwich Artillery Volunteers and Rifle Volunteers.  At noon 11,000 school children assembled in the Market Place and sang the National Anthem, after which Sir Harry and Lady Bullard were “at home” at the Guildhall, and entertained a large company to luncheon.  In the afternoon there was a military parade of the 19th Hussars and Volunteers on Dix’s Land, Unthank’s Road; the school children had tea at their respective schools, and in the evening the city was illuminated and a grand display of fireworks was given on the Castle Meadow.  The festivities were continued on the 22nd, when the Mayor and Sheriff entertained 1,100 of the aged poor at the Agricultural Hall, and in the evening Sir Harry and Lady Bullard gave a soirée at St. Andrew’s Hall.  On the 23rd the inmates of the Workhouse were entertained.  The 21st was observed with great rejoicing in every town and village in the county, and the weather being beautifully fine, the proceedings were of a most successful character.  The amount subscribed in Norfolk to the Women’s Jubilee offering to the Queen was £1,565 2s. 6d.

29.—Ringland church, restored at the cost of £2,000, was re-opened.

JULY.

13.—“As You Like It” was for the first time performed locally as a “pastoral play” in the grounds of Mousehold House, Thorpe Hamlet, the residence of Mr. W. H. Hackblock.  The comedy was represented by amateurs on the occasion of a garden fête.

16.—The new prison on Plumstead Road, Norwich, designed by the surveyor to the Prison Department, and built by Messrs. W. and T. Denne, of Walmer, Kent, was completed on this date.  The prisoners were transferred from the Castle to the new prison on August 2nd.  On September 12th the Prison Commissioners gave formal possession of the Castle to the Mayor and Corporation.  The late Governor (Mr. A. E Dent), in handing the keys to the Town Clerk (Mr. H. B. Miller), remarked that the Castle had for many generations—since 1345, when it was first used as a county prison, been in the hands of governors, and he was glad, as the last of that long line, to hand over the building to the Corporation to be employed for a different purpose in the future.  (See July 27th, 1891.)

20.—Mr. Henry Chaplin, M.P., was the principal speaker at a great Primrose League fête given in Melton Constable Park by Lord Hastings.

27.—The Premier (Lord Salisbury) visited Norwich.  His lordship was received at Thorpe station by the High Sheriff (Sir Alfred Jodrell, Bart.), the Mayor (Sir Harry Bullard), and Lieutenant-Colonel Bignold, the leader of the Conservative party in the city.  Escorted by a cavalcade of fifty horsemen, among whom were several leading residents in the county and city, Lord Salisbury drove to Harford Lodge, the residence of Colonel Bignold.  In the evening the Premier addressed a great meeting, held at the Agricultural Hall, under the presidency of Colonel Bignold, and at the conclusion of the proceedings travelled by special train to Coltishall, whence he drove to Horstead Hall as the guest of Sir Edward Birkbeck, M.P., and the Hon. Lady Birkbeck.  Lord Salisbury returned to Norwich on the 28th, and after attending a luncheon given at the Guildhall by the Mayor, proceeded to the Agricultural Hall, where he received addresses presented by deputations from many Conservative associations in East Anglia.  Having delivered a further address his lordship departed from Thorpe station by the 3.25 train for London.

AUGUST.

3.—The Cricket Week theatrical performances commenced at Norwich Theatre, and were continued on the 4th and 5th.  The pieces produced by Sir Kenneth Kemp’s company of amateurs were “The Parvenue” and “Woodcock’s Little Game.”

9.—Died, at 3, Belgravia Square, Edward Fellowes, first Baron de Ramsey.  His lordship, who was raised to the Peerage on July 5th, was the second son of Mr. William Fellowes, of Ramsey Abbey, Huntingdonshire, by his wife, Emma, fourth daughter of Mr. Richard Benyon, of Englefield House, Berks.  He was born in 1809, and entering Parliament for Huntingdonshire in 1837, sat in the House of Commons without interruption until the General Election in 1880, when his eldest son, Captain Fellowes, succeeded to the seat which had been successfully defended against Liberal assaults during forty-three years.  For more than half a century Mr. Fellowes was chairman of the Commissions which had the management of the Middle Level and Ouse Outfall Works.

SEPTEMBER.

2.—A gale, which prevailed throughout England, was severely felt on the Norfolk coast.  A large number of vessels ran into Yarmouth Roads for shelter, among them H.M.S. Narcissus and her escorts Valorous and Echo.  A fine vessel, the Falls of Bruar, 1,742 tons register, the property of the Glasgow Shipping Company, was wrecked, and only five hands out of the crew of twenty-nine were saved.

21.—The Sheriff of Norwich (Mr. F. Oddin Taylor) gave a soirée musicale at Blackfriars’ Hall, at which the principal performers were M. Leopold Godowsky, Miss Alexes Leighton, Senor A. Gimenez Manjon, Signor Bottesini, and Mr. Odell.

26.—The first of many protracted discussions took place at a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, upon a report furnished by the City Engineer (Mr. P. P. Marshall) upon the state of the sewerage system of the city.  The old sewers were said to be in a defective state, and it was proposed to abandon the low-level system, and to adopt the separate system with a new rising main, at an estimated cost of £78,000.

29.—The church of St. Michael-at-Plea, Norwich, which for many years had been in a dilapidated state, was opened after restoration at the cost of £3,000.

—At the annual dinner of the North Walsham and Aylsham Agricultural Association, held at North Walsham, cigarettes, made from tobacco grown in Norfolk by Sir Edward Birkbeck, M.P., were handed to the guests.  The President (Lord Suffield) described the tobacco as “very good,” and said that Sir Edward, who had taken considerable interest in the experiment, “believed that its growth was really going to do something for the benefit of Norfolk farmers.”

OCTOBER.

9.—Died, the Rev. Kirby Trimmer.  Born in London on December 22nd, 1804, he was the son of Joshua Kirby Trimmer, of Chiswick, eldest son of Mrs. Sarah Trimmer, the authoress.  After a short residence at Vendôme, he graduated at St. Alban’s Hall, Oxford, and was ordained in February, 1829.  He served the curacies of Burnham Overy, Burnham Sutton, Great Bircham, and Stanhoe, and in 1840 became curate of St. George’s Tombland, Norwich, to which living he succeeded in 1842.  In the pursuit of botany, Mr. Trimmer attained to great distinction, and published the well-known, standard work, the “Flora of Norfolk.”  His other literary efforts embraced a series of “Conversations” on the Thirty-nine Articles, and he interested himself greatly in the “Philological Dictionary” in course of publication at the time of his death.

11.—The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.  The vocalists included Madame Albani, Miss Liza Lehmann, Miss Annie Marriott, Miss Hilda Wilson, Miss Lena Little, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. Charles Wade, Mr. Barton McGucken, Mr. Santley, Mr. Alex. Marsh, Mr. Brockbank, and Mr. Barrington Foote.  Mr. Alberto Randegger was conductor.  The opening performance included the “Jubilee Ode,” “The Heavens Declare,” and the “Hymn of Praise.”  On the morning of the 12th were produced the “Garden of Olivet” (Bottesini), a devotional oratorio composed expressly for the Festival, and conducted by the composer; and the “Stabat Mater.”  On the 13th the morning performance comprised the oratorio, “Isaiah” (Mancinelli), composed expressly for the Festival, and conducted by the composer; and the “Fourth Mass” (Cherubini).  The “Messiah” was given on the 14th.  A miscellaneous programme was performed on the evening of the 12th; the evening performance on the 13th included “The Irish” (C. V. Stanford), conducted by the composer, and the cantata, “The Golden Legend,” composed and conducted by Sir Arthur Sullivan.  The concluding performance on the evening of the 14th was the dramatic legend, “Faust.”  The Festival yielded a surplus of £719 3s. 1d.

20.—The new Town Hall at Downham Market, erected at the cost of £1,230, was opened by Mr. W. A. Tyssen Amherst, M.P.

21.—An extensive range of premises in St. George’s Bridge Street, Norwich, formerly the drapery establishment of Mr. Henry Snowdon, was destroyed by fire.  The damage was estimated at between £12,000 and £15,000.

NOVEMBER.

7.—The honorary freedom of the city of Norwich was conferred upon the Mayor (Sir Harry Bullard), and to Lady Bullard was presented a diamond crescent brooch and a hair spray of coralline pearls.  In the evening a complimentary dinner was given, at the Bell Hotel, to the Mayor and to the Sheriff (Mr. F. Oddin Taylor) by the members of the Board of Guardians.

9.—Mr. Frederick William Harmer was elected Mayor and Mr. Robert George Bagshaw appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

11.—Died, at Belsfield, Windermere, Mr. Henry William Schneider, aged 70, formerly Member of Parliament for Norwich.

12.—The old colours of the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment, presented to the Prince of Wales by Colonel Massy and the officers, were “laid up” in Sandringham church in the presence of his Royal Highness.

14.—Wintry weather was experienced in Norfolk.  “As many as 13 degrees of frost were registered in some places.”

21.—The foolhardy feat of entering a cage containing five Barbary lions and two wolves, at Wombwell’s Menagerie, was performed at Norwich by a druggist named Woodcock.  He went into the van under the protection of a coloured girl, who acted as “trainer” to the establishment.

24.—The High Sheriff of Norfolk (Sir Alfred Jodrell, Bart.) gave a grand county ball at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.

29.—Died, at Brighton, Mr. George Henry Christie, of Framingham, aged 76.  Mr. Christie was formerly head of the eminent firm of art auctioneers established by James Christie in Old Pall Mall about the year 1762.  His grandfather was the friend of Sheridan and Garrick, and Gainsborough painted a fine portrait of him.  Like his father and grandfather, Mr. Christie was educated at Eton.  He continued head of the firm until 1860, when he was succeeded by his son, Mr. James Henry Brooke Christie.

DECEMBER.

5.—At a large meeting held at Blackfriars’ Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of Lieutenant-Colonel Bignold, Mr. Edward Wild was presented by the Conservative party of the city with an illuminated address expressing to him their sympathy “in the unjustifiable attack made on him in the Town Council,” and congratulating him “on his complete and triumphant refutation of the charges.”  The address further stated: “They desire also to express not only as a party but as citizens their appreciation of Alderman Wild’s honourable character, and of the debt the city owes him for his long, faithful, and able services.”

—Died, at Morton Hall, Mr. George Duckett Berney, in his 75th year.  He was a son of Mr. Thomas Trench Berney, by his wife, Mary, daughter of Mr. Thomas Penrice, of Great Yarmouth and of Witton House, and married Catherine Mary, daughter of the Rev. Henry Lombe, of Bylaugh Hall.  Mr. Berney was a justice of the peace and a Deputy-Lieutenant for the county of Norfolk, and in 1881 served the office of High Sheriff.  He took a practical interest in pisciculture.

1888.

JANUARY.

2.—Mr. Edward Compton’s company appeared at Norwich Theatre in Mr. W. G. Wills’ play, “Jane Shore,” with Miss Isabel Bateman in the title rôle.

17.—Mr. Andrew Johnston, Assistant Commissioner under the Boundary Commission appointed to make inquiries as to the delimitation of counties and Poor Law Unions, in view of impending legislation in the form of a new Local Government Bill, attended a meeting of the County Rate Basis Committee, held at Lynn under the presidency of Mr. R. T. Gurdon, and heard various statements made by the county magistrates.  A Committee appointed to confer with the Commissioners reported at the County Sessions on April 5th that they considered it undesirable to alter the boundaries of the county.  On April 10th a deputation appointed by the Norwich Town Council waited upon Mr. Ritchie to ask for the inclusion of Norwich in Schedule 4 of the Local Government Bill, in order that the city might be constituted a county in itself, and not be included in the county of Norfolk as was proposed.  The Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, on May 5th, passed resolutions in favour “of an alteration in the proposed electoral divisions so as to give a fair representation to the agricultural interest; of an extension of the term of office of the elective councillors; of one electoral register for all purposes; and of the postponement of the question of District Councils until next year.”  The Chamber further agreed to petition Parliament in favour of the wheel tax.

—A report was submitted to the Norwich Town Council on the completion of the new Foundry Bridge.  The original estimate for the work was £13,000; the actual cost, including all charges, was £12,032 11s. 4d.  The width of the bridge is 50 feet—five feet more than was originally intended.  The Great Eastern Railway Company contributed £1,200 towards the cost of the undertaking.

21.—At the annual meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Horticultural Society the Mayor of Norwich (Mr. F. W. Harmer) presented to Mr. Arthur Waters Preston a handsome black marble clock of classical design, subscribed for by members and friends of the society in recognition of his services as hon. secretary from 1881 to 1888.  Accompanying the testimonial was a cheque for £50 and an illuminated address.

23.—The action, Stanley v. the Mayor and Corporation of Norwich, arising out of the claim of the freemen to the Town Close Estate, came before Mr. Justice Kekewich in the Royal Court of Judicature.  Mr. Walter Rye, Mr. Stanley’s agent, asked that it might be referred to Mr. Blofeld, Recorder of Ipswich and Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, to enquire and report who were the persons entitled as freemen to participate in the rents and profits of the estate, and what persons were entitled to be admitted as freemen under the inquiry directed by the judgment given in March, 1887.  His lordship made the order asked for, and directed that the inquiry be held at the Guildhall, Norwich, or at such other place as the referee might from time to time direct.  Mr. Blofeld opened the inquiry on March 19th, and continued the proceedings on the 20th, when a large number of freemen attended for the purpose of proving their right to have their names placed upon the roll.  On the same day (the 20th) it was reported to the Town Council that the cost of the Town Close Estate litigation amounted to £4,500, and a resolution was adopted for leave to borrow the amount on mortgage of the estate.  In the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice, on July 7th, a point was raised as to the jurisdiction of the court to affirm a declaration of the Attorney-General creating the Town Close Estate a charity.  Mr. Justice Kekewich, on July 14th, sustained the objection taken by the respondents to the Attorney-General’s application, and held that before issuing a summons the Attorney-General must establish by independent proceedings an information that there was a charity in existence to be regulated.  The summons had been so drawn as to assume the existence of a charity, and this was just what his lordship thought could not be assumed.  On December 14th, in the Supreme Court, before Lords Justices Cotton, Lindley, and Bowen, the Attorney-General appealed from Mr. Justice Kekewich’s decision.  Their lordships, after hearing arguments, held that Mr. Justice Kekewich had determined by his judgment that the Town Close Estate was a charitable trust.  On December 20th, however, their lordships reconsidered their decision, directed the order of Mr. Justice Kekewich to be discharged, and ordered the summons to be set down for further argument, and to decide whether there was or was not a charity.  (See January 21st, 1889.)

FEBRUARY.

3.—In pursuance of requisition a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council was held for the purpose of considering a notice for rescinding a resolution passed on January 17th in relation to Anguish’s Charity, namely, “That this Council gives its cordial support to a proposal of the Charity Commissioners to utilise the funds of the Norwich Charities for the purposes of technical education.”  Colonel Bignold moved, “That no application of the funds of Anguish’s and the allied charities can be satisfactory to this Council which is not strictly in accordance with the will of Thomas Anguish confirmed and settled by Royal Charter in 1629, namely, for the sustentation, relief, and maintenance, as well as the teaching, of all very poor children born and brought up in the city of Norwich.”  This resolution was adopted at an adjourned meeting on the 7th, and a committee appointed “to consider the present position of the trust, and, if necessary, to confer with the Charity Trustees, and still further, if necessary, to communicate with the Commissioners.”  On the 28th the Special Committee submitted the following suggestions to the Council for approval:—“(1) That in any scheme which may be submitted by the Charity Trustees to the Commissioners a sum not exceeding £200 per annum be set aside for the purposes of technical education out of the Boys’ Hospital.  (2) That the residue of the fund be devoted to the sustentation, relief, maintenance, and elementary education of as many boys as the money will provide for.  (3.) That if considered within the meaning of the trust this committee would be willing to accept a scheme of maintenance other than that provided for by the Home.”  Meanwhile the Trustees submitted amended proposals, but on March 20th the Council adopted those drawn up by the Special Committee.  (See January 21st, 1896).

7.—The members of the Norwich and Norfolk Conservative Club having vacated their former premises on the Walk for larger and more convenient quarters in St. Giles’ Street, held a meeting, at which an inaugural address was delivered by Mr. S. Hoare, M.P.  The newly-acquired premises formed originally a portion of the Norfolk’ Hotel, and adjoining was a large and handsome banqueting room, which for several years afterwards was used for Conservative gatherings and other purposes.

9.—The first of a series of “Science Lectures for the People,” delivered under the auspices of the Norwich Corporation through the instrumentality of the Gilchrist Educational Trust, was given at St. Andrew’s Hall by Sir Robert Stawell Ball, Astronomer Royal of Ireland, on “The Wonders of the Midnight Sky.”  The second lecture, entitled “A Bank Holiday in the Country,” was delivered on February 21st by the Rev. W. Tuckwell, M.A., rector of Stockton, and late Fellow of New College, Oxford.  (See January 14th, 1889.)

24.—A heavy fall of snow occurred, and on the 25th the ground was covered to the depth of several inches.

MARCH.

1.—Jim Mace, “retired champion of the world,” appeared at Norwich Theatre in a series of exhibition sparring contests with Wolf Bendoff, Pooley Mace, and Mike Jennett.  The entertainment was repeated on the 2nd and 3rd.

3.—Lord Harris, Under-Secretary for War and chairman of the Grand Council, addressed a Primrose League meeting held at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich.

6.—Hengler’s Grand Cirque opened at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich.

8.—Died, at his residence, St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, Mr. Charles Suckling Gilman, in his 81st year.  Mr. Gilman for many years spent an active and busy life in the city.  He initiated the Norwich Law Students’ Amicable Society, founded the Norfolk and Norwich Aquatic Club, whose members at one time engaged in rowing contests with the crews of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge; and aided the inauguration of the Norwich Athenæum.  In 1834 Mr. Gilman founded the Militia Substitute Insurance Association, and after the memorable hailstorm in August, 1843, he established the General Hailstorm Insurance Society.  In 1846 he became the leading promoter and secretary of the Norwich Mutual Marine Insurance Society, in 1849 he founded the Norfolk Farmers’ Cattle Insurance Society, and in 1856 assisted his son, Mr. C. R. Gilman, in the formation of the Norwich and London Accident Insurance Association.  Mr. Gilman was the last surviving member of the Norwich Corporation of pre-Reform days, having been elected for the Wymer Ward in March, 1830.  For some time he was a member of the new Corporation, a revising assessor and member of the old Court of Guardians, and a member of the old Paving Commission.  Mr. Gilman was engaged with Mr. Joseph John Gurney and others in founding and organizing the Norwich District Visiting Society, and was one of the oldest life governors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and a member of the Festival Committee and of the Committees of the Blind Institution, the Norfolk and Norwich Eye Infirmary, the Norfolk and Norwich Dispensary, and the Jenny Lind Infirmary.  With Mr. John Henry Gurney and Sir Samuel Bignold, he took an active part in the formation of the original Norwich Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Gilman was descended from an old Norfolk family which goes back into the sixteenth century, and one of his maternal ancestors was the great Norfolk hero, Nelson.

—The first of a series of “Health Lectures for the People,” arranged by the Corporation of Norwich, was delivered at Prince’s Street Lecture Hall by Mr. S. H. Burton.  The subject was “Healthy Homes and how to keep them so.”  On the 15th Mr. Donald Day lectured on “Foods and Drinks,” and on the 22nd Dr. S. J. Barton on “Personal Health.”

22.—Died, at his residence, Willow Lane, Norwich, Mr. Charles Goodwin, formerly house surgeon of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.  Mr. Goodwin held important posts in connection with other city charities, and was on the commission of the peace for Norwich.

23.—At the Norwich Police Court, Mr. Edward Burgess, accompanied by several members of the committee of the Unemployed Relief Fund, applied for the issue of a summons for libel against the Norwich District Visiting Society and the editor of the Norfolk Chronicle.  The newspaper had published an article in which the committee were referred to “as certain persons who are not entitled to constitute themselves almoners of the general public as an excuse for pursuing their favourite policy of sending round the hat and beating a drum in the manner of other mountebanks.”  This article had been reprinted and circulated by the officers of the Visiting Society.  The magistrates were of opinion that the article was not libellous, and dismissed the application.

APRIL.

1.—Died suddenly, at his residence, Bank Plain, Norwich, Mr. Arthur Preston, solicitor.  He was the youngest son of Mr. John Preston, of Great Yarmouth (who was twice Mayor of that borough), and was born on July 3rd, 1819.  After serving his articles with Mr. Roger Kerrison he was admitted a solicitor in 1842, and from 1844 to 1864, when Mr. Kerrison died, he was in partnership with him.  Mr. Preston was appointed Clerk to the Burials Board in 1861, and held the office until his death; he had been a director of the Norwich Union Life Insurance Society since 1867, and president since 1885; and he was the Norwich solicitor to the British Gas Light Company, Limited, to which office he was appointed in 1864.  Mr. Preston was twice married—in 1854 to Maria, daughter of Mr. Robert Waters, and in 1869 to Louisa Jane, daughter of the Rev. J. Culling Evans, of Stoke Pogis, Buckinghamshire.  He left a family of five sons and three daughters.

—An outbreak of fire at West Beckham Workhouse caused damage to the amount of £1,500.

5.—The proceedings of the Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, and concluded on the 6th.

16.—The E and D Troops of the 19th (Princess of Wales’ Own) Hussars marched from Norwich Cavalry Barracks for Hampton Court and Kensington.  The remaining troops left on the 26th, on which day three troops of the 20th Hussars marched in under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Blake.

28.—Died, at 19, Hanover Terrace, Ladbroke Square, London, Lieut.-Colonel George Black, formerly Chief Constable of Norfolk, in his 79th year.  It was on October 20th, 1852, that Colonel (then Captain) Black, a half-pay officer of the Royal Staff Corps, who had seen service as adjutant in Canada, was appointed to the command of the Norfolk Constabulary, and he held the post until the autumn of 1880, when he retired on a pension.  For sixteen or seventeen years Colonel Black held the command of the Norwich Rifle Battalion in succession to Colonel Brett.  At the funeral, which took place at Willesden Cemetery on May 2nd, the coffin was borne to the grave by six superintendents of the Norfolk Constabulary.

MAY.

2.—Nine cottages were destroyed by fire at Hockering.  Most of the furniture and belongings of the occupants were consumed, and a public subscription was opened for the relief of the sufferers.

19.—The Norfolk Artillery Volunteer Brigade went into camp at Yarmouth under the command of Lieut.-Colonel H. M. Leathes.

22.—Died, at Norwich, Mr. John Betts, in his 89th year.  The head of a large wholesale and retail drapery establishment, he was appointed Sheriff in 1844, elected Mayor in 1845, and placed on the commission of the peace in 1848.

24.—Died, at Bracondale, Norwich, Major-General James Cockburn, formerly of the 79th Cameron Highlanders, aged 77.  He was second son of Major-General James Patteson Cockburn, of the Royal Artillery, and was born in Norwich when his father was stationed there in 1810.  After serving in Canada he received the appointment of staff officer of pensioners in the Norwich District, from which post he retired in 1877.  General Cockburn was a justice of the peace for the city, and vice-president of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society.

—The members of the British Dairy Farmers’ Association arrived at Trowse railway station, and visited Carrow Abbey, where they were entertained to luncheon by Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P.  After inspecting the Whitlingham herd, they proceeded to Norwich, and held a conference at the Agricultural Hall.  In the evening the members dined at the Royal Hotel under the presidency of Mr. Clare Sewell Read; and on the 25th proceeded by train to King’s Lynn and Sandringham.

30.—The Earl of Leicester presided at a public meeting at Norwich, and made an eloquent appeal on behalf of a fund for the enlargement and reconstruction of the Blind Institution.  The cost of the proposed work was estimated at £4,000.  (See October 16th, 1891.)

JUNE.

12.—An inter-county match between teams of twenty men each took place on the occasion of the annual meeting at Yarmouth of the Norfolk Volunteer Service Association.  Total scores: Suffolk, 1,711; Lincolnshire, 1,697; Norfolk, 1,652; Essex, 1,557.