10.—Upwards of 10,000 people were present at a Primrose League fête given at Houghton Park by Mr. E. Kenyon-Stow.  Addresses were delivered by Lord Henry Bentinck, M.P., Mr. Weston Jarvis, M.P., and Mr. Whitmore, M.P.

18.—Died, at Norwich, Mr. Henry Stevenson, F.L.S.  He was the youngest son of Mr. Seth William Stevenson, and was born at Surrey Street, Norwich, March 30th, 1833.  Educated at King’s College School, London, he became, on attaining his majority, a co-partner in the proprietorship of the Norfolk Chronicle, and at the age of 22 was elected honorary secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, a position which he filled with marked ability to the close of his life.  Volume I. of his standard work, “The Birds of Norfolk,” was published in December, 1866, and Volume II. in September, 1870; and Volume III. was in course of publication at the time of his death.  His other literary work included a memoir of his friend, the Rev. Richard Lubbock, M.A., rector of Eccles, published with a revised edition of Lubbock’s “Fauna of Norfolk,” edited by Mr. T. Southwell (1879), and numerous contributions to the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, of which he was one of the founders, and filled the office of president in 1871–72.  Mr. Stevenson was appointed Sheriff of Norwich in 1875.  He married, in 1856, Eliza Dangerfield, stepdaughter of Mr. Edward Slater, who died from injuries received in a carriage accident on July 17th, 1862; his second wife was Ann Emilia, eldest daughter of Mr. Wm. Self, surgeon, of Hackney.

30.—Lord Walsingham killed to his own gun, on his small moor at Blubberhouses, Yorkshire, 1,058 grouse.  Of these, 1,036 were taken home the same night, and 22 were picked up the following day.  “The record of his having killed 842 grouse to his own gun on August 28th, 1872, had been so freely disputed by many persons, who professed to regard it as a physical impossibility, that it was his lordship’s intention to prove more could be accomplished.”

SEPTEMBER.

9.—A serious fire occurred at the Orchard Street Saw Mills, Norwich, occupied by Messrs. Cunnington Bros, timber merchants.  Considerable damage was done to the machinery and stock-in-trade, and a large building was destroyed.

11.—The detachment of Royal Engineers, who had for ten years been engaged on the Ordnance Survey, left Norwich for York.  The work in Norfolk was completed in 1883, and it was found that very little alteration was needed in the map drawn thirty or forty years previously.  The survey of the northern half of Cambridgeshire was then commenced and was completed in 1885; this was followed by the survey of a portion of Huntingdonshire and Northamptonshire, including the city of Peterborough; and finally the southern half of Lincolnshire, which was finished in April, 1887.  The detachment, including women and children, numbered 120, and the official papers, books, &c., weighed between 30 and 40 tons.  The first commanding officer was Captain Macpherson, who was succeeded by Captain Day and by Major Washington.

20.—The new Hospital, erected at Dene Side, Yarmouth, was publicly opened by Sir James Paget, the distinguished physician, a native of the town.  The total cost of the institution was estimated at £10,750.

19.—A great Conservative demonstration took place at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in connection with a conference of the Eastern Division of the National Union of Conservative Associations.  Lord Walsingham presided, and Sir John Gorst, Q.C., M.P., Under Secretary for India, was the principal speaker.

NOVEMBER.

2.—Died, Sir Lewis Whincop Jarvis, in his 72nd year.  He was a son of Mr. Lewis Weston Jarvis, and a grandson of Mr. Robert T. Whincop, a former Town Clerk of Lynn.  For more than fifty years he carried on business as a banker and solicitor in his native town of Lynn, and on January 15th, 1878, received the honour of knighthood in recognition of the many eminent services he had rendered to the borough.  He married, in 1850, Emma, daughter of Mr. Alexander Bowker, by whom he left issue five sons and a daughter.  Sir Lewis was an alderman of Lynn, and was Mayor for three successive years, 1860–63.

9.—At the meeting of the Norwich Town Council Mr. Alexander Robert Chamberlin was elected Mayor of the city, but upon his declining to qualify Mr. Joshua Farrar Ranson was chosen.  Mr. George White was appointed Sheriff.

—The Marquis of Salisbury was appointed High Steward of the borough of Great Yarmouth.

10.—The Gorleston lifeboat, the Refuge, was capsized whilst upon salvage service, and of her crew four were drowned.

13.—Mr. Harry Furniss delivered at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, a lecture on “Art and Artists.”

15.—Upton church, which had been restored at the cost of £1,122, was re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich.

29.—Mr. J. L. Toole commenced a three nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre as Mr. Milliken, M.A., in the comedy of “The Don.”  The pieces produced on the 30th and on December 1st were “The Butler,” “The Spitalfields Weaver,” “Paul Pry,” and “Ici On Parle Français.”

DECEMBER.

1.—The weather was very mild at this date.  “That 1888 will be noted as an extraordinary year in the meteorological annals of this country is a fact requiring no demonstration—snow in harvest and blossoming primroses in the open air on the eve of December, February rains throughout the summer months, and March gales in November.”  A correspondent, writing to “The Times,” on December 3rd, stated: “I am still supplied with green peas grown in my garden at Brundall, the roses are all in flower; the fields abound in primroses and wild flowers.”  The cuckoo was said to have been heard at North Elmham on December 6th.  In Norwich primroses and other vernal flowers were in full bloom on Christmas eve, and strawberries were gathered at Swainsthorpe on Christmas morning.

5.—The Prince of Wales and Prince George of Wales arrived at Didlington Hall on a visit to Mr. W. A. Tyssen Amherst, M.P., and left on the 8th.

10.—Lieut.-Colonel Foster was presented with a gold watch, subscribed for by past and present members of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, on his retirement from the corps, after twenty-five years’ service.

22.—A public inquiry was held at the Guildhall Norwich, by Mr. Charles Chapman, Assistant Commissioner under the Royal Commission on market rates and tolls, into the circumstances of markets and fairs in the city.  Statements were made by many of the leading citizens.  A similar inquiry was held at Yarmouth.

29.—The Norfolk County Club, whose quarters were originally at the Royal Hotel, and subsequently in St. Giles’ Street, having purchased the old Bank House, Upper King Street, Norwich, the reconstruction of the premises for the purposes of the club was completed on this date under the superintendence of Mr. Edward Boardman.  The house was formerly the residence of Mr. Anthony Hudson, and was afterwards known as Greyfriars’ College.

31.—Mr. Henry Birkbeck, on the completion of the fiftieth year of his connection with the banking-house of Gurneys, Birkbecks, Barclay, and Buxtons, “the Norwich and Norfolk Bank,” was presented by the managers and clerks with a silver salver in commemoration of the event.

JANUARY.

3.—The Norfolk magistrates met at the Shirehall, Norwich, for the last time for the discharge of the general business of the county.  Mr. J. R. Bulwer, Q.C., presided.  On the motion of Sir Francis Boileau, Bart., seconded by Mr. C. S. Read, a vote of thanks was accorded to the senior Chairman, Mr. R. T. Gurdon, “for the impartial, courteous, and punctual manner in which he has discharged the various duties appertaining to the office of Chairman during the eighteen years in which he has with marked ability presided over this Court.”  One of the last acts of the Court was to grant to the Under-Sheriff (Mr. Hales) the sum of £700 towards the expenses of the County Council elections, which took place on January 24th.  The first meeting of the Norfolk Provisional County Council was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, on February 7th.  Mr. Gurdon was elected provisional chairman by 37 votes against 18 recorded for Lord Kimberley.  After the election of aldermen the meeting was adjourned until February 16th, when Mr. Gurdon was elected permanent Chairman by 53 votes against 20 polled by Lord Kimberley.  Lord Walsingham was elected Vice-Chairman.  It was reported that the cost of the elections was £3,308 4s. 6d.  The first meeting of the fully-constituted Council took place at the Shirehall on April 13th; and on December 14th it adopted a comprehensive scheme for the management of the main roads of the county.

—A regimental ball, given by the officers of the 20th Hussars, took place at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.

9.—A meeting of the citizens was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, for the consideration of the Norwich Corporation Bill, which, during the preceding year the Town Council had decided to present to Parliament.  The Mayor (Mr. J. Farrar Ranson) presided, and the proceedings were of a most disorderly character.  At the adjourned meeting on the 23rd similar scenes were witnessed.  The Bill, which was very comprehensive, and contained provisions relating to infectious diseases, police regulations, private street works, hackney carriages, the employment of children, consolidation of parishes, &c., passed through Select Committee of the House of Commons on June 18th.

21.—The freemen of Norwich unanimously agreed that it was undesirable to take any steps in opposition to the Attorney-General’s motion for declaring the Town Close Estate a charity.  In the Court of Appeal, on June 22nd, before Lords Justices Cotton, Bowen, and Fry, Mr. Ingle Joyce informed their lordships that a scheme was to be devised for the management of the estate; the Corporation were to retain a sufficient sum to cover their costs, and the plaintiffs in the action were to have their costs as between party and party.  Their lordships sanctioned the agreement.  “All that now remains to be done in the original action is to settle the roll by striking off the names of freemen wrongfully admitted.”  At a meeting of the Town Council on August 27th it was reported that the estimated costs in the litigation amounted to £5,000.  (See February 6th, 1892.)

23.—Died, at Yarmouth, Mrs. Rose Ellen Thackeray, widow of the Rev. Joseph Thackeray, many years rector of Horstead and Coltishall.  Mrs. Thackeray, who was in her 79th year, was the authoress of “Social Skeletons,” and “Pictures of the Past,” and a contributor of poetical sketches to various magazines.  She was the youngest daughter of Captain John Robinson, of the Scots Guards.

24.—Mr. and Mrs. Kendall commenced a three nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre in “The Queen’s Shilling.”  “A Scrap of Paper” was performed on the 25th, and “Two Friends” on the 26th.

26.—Died, at St. Andrew’s Hall Plain, Norwich, Mr. Alfred Stannard, artist, in his 83rd year.  He was the last survivor of the Norwich School of Artists, which commenced with Old Crome.  He was the younger brother of the famous Joseph Stannard, and father of Miss Stannard, the well-known painter of fruit and flowers.  During the last few years of his life Mr. Stannard was in receipt of an annual pension of £50 from the Turner Fund of the Royal Academy.

26.—Died, at the Cathedral Close, Norwich, Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, widow of Mr. John Oddin Taylor, aged 81.  She was the eldest of the twelve children of Mr. John Brewer, of Mile End House, Eaton.  Among her brothers were Professor Brewer, Preacher at the Rolls-Chapel, and editor of the State Papers of the time of Henry VIII.; Dr. William Brewer, Chairman of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, and sometime Member of Parliament for Colchester; and Dr. Cobham Brewer, the well-known author of the “Guide to Science” and other educational works.  Born on November 9th, 1807, she was educated with her brothers at Mile End School, and there acquired that proficiency in the classics and love of literature generally which she maintained and cherished throughout her life.  Among the pupils attending her father’s school was John Oddin Taylor, who was destined to become her husband.  Early in life she manifested an ardent enthusiasm for music, and studied under Dr. Crotch, and for her great proficiency in the art was on two occasions awarded a medal.  With her high intellectual gifts were combined broad and liberal sympathies, and she won the confidence and affection of all.

29.—Mr. T. P. O’Connor, M.P., addressed a Gladstonian Liberal meeting held at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. J. J. Colman.

5.—A series of military tournaments, given by the 20th Hussars in aid of the city charities, commenced at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, and concluded on the 9th.

9.—A severe gale did great damage to the fishing fleet in the North Sea.  Several Yarmouth fishermen were drowned.  Heavy snowstorms occurred on the 10th.

20.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Field, George Edward Brock (46), solicitor, was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretences.

21.—A murderous attack was made upon Police-constable Southgate, of the Norwich police, by a man named Joseph Betts, who in 1883 was charged with sending threatening letters to the Bishop of Norwich and Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., signed “Another Invincible.”  Southgate was returning from night duty at 6.35 a.m., when he was accosted by Betts, who fired a revolver at him, the bullet passing between his left arm and the side of his body.  Betts then withdrew to his house in Northumberland Street, where he barricaded himself.  Several police-officers went to the house to effect his apprehension; a ladder was procured, and while Inspector Guiett was preparing to ascend to the bedroom window Betts appeared above and deliberately fired at the officer.  The bullet struck the leather peak of the inspector’s cap, and, glancing off, inflicted a superficial wound upon his head.  Ultimately the prisoner was captured by a ruse, and removed to the police-station.  On March 1st he was committed for trial.  Betts was tried at the Norwich Assizes on July 20th on the charge of firing a pistol at Police-constable Southgate with intent to murder him.  He was found guilty of intent to do grievous bodily harm, and was sentenced by Lord Chief Justice Coleridge to fifteen years’ penal servitude.  The prisoner was afterwards removed to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum.

—Died, at Ashill Rectory, the Rev. Bartholomew Edwards, “within ten days of his 100th year.”  Born on March 2nd, 1789, he graduated at St. John’s College, Cambridge, taking his B.A. degree (7th Sen. Opt.) in 1811.  He was ordained deacon by Bishop Bathurst at Norwich in 1812, and priest in 1813.  In the last-named year he received his only preferment, which he held for 76 years.  Mr. Edwards, who was the oldest clergyman in the Church of England, was a rural dean, a justice of the peace, and a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk.  He recorded his vote at the County Council election on January 24th, and caught a chill; congestion of the lungs supervened, and this attack was the immediate cause of his death.

27.—The Marquis of Hartington visited Norwich and addressed a large meeting of the Unionist party held at St. Andrew’s Hall.  The Earl of Leicester presided, and was supported by several representatives of the nobility and county gentry.

MARCH.

19.—The Norwich Town Council unanimously adopted a farewell address to the Very Rev. E. M. Goulburn on his resignation of the Deanery of Norwich.  The address was presented to Dean Goulburn at the Deanery on April 23rd by the Mayor (Mr. J. Farrar Ranson), who was accompanied by the Sheriff (Mr. G. White) and other members of the Corporation.  (See July 5th.)

APRIL.

2.—The new lifeboat, Mark Lane, presented to the National Lifeboat Institution by traders at Mark Lane, was launched at Yarmouth.

—Captain Wiggins, F.R.G.S., lectured at Norwich, upon his experiences in the Arctic Seas and Siberia.  Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., F.Z.S., F.L.S., who presided, introduced the lecturer as a native of the city.  Captain Wiggins referred to the fact that forty-three years previously he lived as a boy at Norwich, and expressed the pleasure it gave him to return to his native town to tell them of things which he never dreamed of years ago.  On the previous day Captain Wiggins was received at Marlborough House by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

9.—The Sheriff of Norwich and Mrs. White gave a soirée at St. Andrew’s Hall, at which many residents in the city and county were present.

12.—The Earl of Rosebery addressed a great Gladstonian meeting held at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Earl of Kimberley.  His lordship, after making an eloquent speech in favour of Home Rule, entered Mr. J. J. Colman’s carriage, and, preceded by two brass bands, and escorted by torchbearers, was driven to Carrow House.

13.—Died, at Mill Hill Road, Norwich, aged 60, Mr. James Darkin, a well-known music seller, who had been the means of introducing to the city many talented singers and musicians.

16.—In the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, before Lord Coleridge and Mr. Justice Hawkins, was mentioned the case, Ford v. Wiley.  This case arose out of the question whether the operation of dishorning cattle, i.e., sawing off their horns at the roots, was cruelty within the meaning of the Act for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  The Blofield Bench of magistrates had ruled in the negative.  Lord Coleridge said: “All that we have to say for the present is that we have made up our minds distinctly and clearly to give judgment reversing the decision of the magistrates, holding as we do that the practice of dishorning is unlawful.  But as we differ from several judgments we think it only respectful to the learned judges who decided those cases to say that we have duly considered everything they have said on the subject, and therefore we have thought right to take time to put our judgment into writing (though we entirely agree in it), and we will deliver judgment early in the next sitting.”  On May 18th the Lord Chief Justice, in delivering judgment, said the operation of dishorning was detestably brutal, and it was also unnecessary except to enable its owner to obtain a pound or two more for the animal on its sale.  Mr. Justice Hawkins concurred, and the case was remitted to the magistrates for further hearing.

25.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference was opened at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Bishop of the Diocese, and was continued on the 26th.

26.—The phonograph, described as “Edison’s wonderful talking machine,” was exhibited for the first time in Norwich, “with a unique library of voices,” by Mr. William Lynd, M.I.C.E.

MAY.

7.—Died, at Norwich, aged 36, Mr. Edward Preston Willins, A.R.I.B.A.  He was the youngest son of Mr. William Willins, and published a handsome volume, entitled, “Quaint Old Norwich,” a work much sought after by local collectors.

9.—Lieutenant Campbell, Quartermaster of the 20th Hussars, was accidentally drowned in the Yare by the capsizing of his sailing boat, near Buckenham Ferry.  His wife, who was with him at the time of the accident, was saved by his servant, Private Moore.  Mr. Campbell was 33 years of age, and had been in the regiment since 1872.  He had served through the Egyptian campaigns, and had received the Egyptian and Khedive’s stars and the clasp for Suakim.  His remains were interred at Norwich Cemetery with full military honours on the 13th.  Private Moore on June 11th was presented at the Cavalry Barracks, on the occasion of a full-dress parade of the regiment, with the silver medal and certificate of the Royal Humane Society, handed to him by Colonel Blake, the officer commanding; and with a purse, containing £45, presented by the Mayor (Mr. J. Farrar Ranson) on behalf of the citizens.

24.—The western portion of the Castle Gardens at Norwich was thrown open to the public at noon.

27.—Lydia Baker, widow, of Alburgh, completed her 100th year, and was entertained with her nearest relatives at the rectory by the Rev. C. W. and Mrs. Lohr.  Among the many presents received by the old lady was a stocking containing 100 shillings.

JUNE.

1.—Heavy and destructive thunderstorms occurred throughout Norfolk, and especially in the western portion of the county.  Immense damage was done to the growing crops.

6.—The Church of England portion of Attleborough Cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich.  The ceremony had been delayed by a prolonged and unpleasant controversy.

8.—The 1st Volunteer Brigade Norfolk Artillery went into camp at Yarmouth.  During the night of the 9th tents and marquees were overturned by a heavy gale from the north, accompanied by torrents of rain.  The camp was struck on the 12th.

18.—The Norwich Town Council decided to purchase the Carrow Bridge undertaking, under powers conferred by the new Corporation Act, at a cost not exceeding £3,000, towards which sum Messrs. J. and J. Colman offered to contribute £1,500.

19.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association opened at Swaffham.  Mr. Anthony Hamond was president.

21.—The Sheriff of Norwich and Mrs. White entertained 700 of the aged poor of the city to dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall in celebration of the marriage of their daughter, Miss Ellen Constance White.

—Died, at Antingham Rectory, the Rev. John Dolphin, in his 85th year.  “He was among the few survivors of the University elevens that first competed for cricketing honours in the year 1827, when he played as an old Etonian captain for Cambridge.”

22.—An aeronaut named Grais made a balloon ascent from the Newmarket Road Cricket Ground, Norwich, and upon attaining an altitude of about 3,000 feet descended by means of a parachute.  Grais made a similar descent at East Dereham on August 10th.

25.—Died, at West Lodge, Easton, Mr. Edward Fountaine, aged 68.  He was a son of Mr. Andrew Fountaine, of Narford Hall, and was much devoted to the pursuit of ornithology.  Mr. Fountaine achieved some fame as a breeder of eagle owls and was a regular contributor to “The Ibis.”

JULY.

1.—The sale of Mr. T. Fulcher’s herd of red polled cattle was conducted at Elmham Park by Mr. John Thornton.  Thirty-nine heifers realised £1,026 18s., an average of £26 6s. 7d.; and eight bulls £159 12s., an average of £19 19s.

5.—The Ven. William Lefroy, Archdeacon of Warrington, was installed Dean of Norwich in succession to the Very Rev. E. M. Goulburn, D.D., resigned.  Dean Lefroy preached his first sermon at the Cathedral on October 15th, on the occasion of the festival of the Church of England Temperance Society.

10.—Died, at Walpole House, Thorpe, Mr. William Houghton Clabburn, aged 69.  He was for many years a partner in the firm of Clabburn, Sons, and Crisp, shawl manufacturers, whose products achieved for Norwich a world-wide celebrity.  Mr. Clabburn was chairman of the directors of the Norwich Crape Company, and served the office of Sheriff in 1866–67.

16.—The Norwich Town Council voted a loyal and dutiful address to the Prince and Princess of Wales on the approaching marriage of Princess Louise with the Earl of Fife.  The wedding on the 27th was celebrated in Norwich by the ringing of St. Peter Mancroft bells, and the display of flags on public buildings.  The ladies of Norfolk presented to her Royal Highness a diamond bracelet and a grand pianoforte, and the farmers on the Sandringham estate gave a handsome diamond cross.

21.—Thunderstorms were general throughout the county.  At Beechamwell seventeen sheep were killed by lightning, and everywhere the ripening corn crops were greatly damaged by rain and hail.

27.—The four Volunteer Battalions of the Norfolk Regiment went into brigade camp on Rushford Heath, under the command of Brigadier-General Bulwer.  The marching in state was 1,563.  General Buchanan, C.B., inspected the brigade on the 30th, and the camp was struck on August 1st.

AUGUST.

1.—The chancel of Cromer church, which had been restored at the cost of £6,800, under the superintendence of Sir A. W. Blomfield, A.R.A., was re-opened.

6.—The Royal Archæological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland visited Norwich, and held its inaugural meeting at St. Andrew’s Hall.  The proceedings were attended by the Mayor and Corporation and by the members of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society.  The Duke of Norfolk, as president for the week, delivered an opening address; and from this day until the closing meeting on the 15th many places of interest in the city and county were visited.  On the 8th the Mayor and Mrs. Hanson gave a conversazione at St. Andrew’s Hall in honour of the visit of the Institute.

7.—The Norwich Cricket Week theatrical performance, organized by Sir Kenneth Kemp, Bart., was given at the Theatre Royal.  It consisted of the production of the comedy, “Upper Crust.”  The piece was performed again on the 9th.

2.—A violent thunderstorm occurred, accompanied by torrents of rain, which did excessive damage to unharvested crops.

19.—An amateur performance of “Lady Deadlock’s Secret” was given at Norwich Theatre in aid of the funds of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.  Lady Monckton sustained the character of Lady Deadlock, and was supported by Mr. Charles Colnaghi, Mr. George Nugent, Mr. E. F. Nugent, Mr. C. H. Clark, Mr. Eustace Ponsonby, Mr. C. W. A Trollope, and other distinguished amateurs.  The performance was repeated on the 20th.

27.—Lieut.-Colonel Bignold, leader of the Conservative party in Norwich, was presented with his portrait, painted by W. B. Richmond, A.R.A., and with an album containing an illuminated address and list of subscribers—members of the Conservative party in city and county.  The presentation was made by Sir Harry Bullard at a garden party given by Colonel Bignold at Harford Lodge.

29.—Died, at St. Benedict’s Plain, Norwich, Mr. George Branwhite Jay, aged 43.  He was a native of Great Yarmouth, where his father practised as surgeon.  Mr. Jay devoted much time to the study of parish and other registers, and for some time before his death had been engaged in preparing for the press a work, entitled, “Transcript of St. George of Tombland Register.”

OCTOBER.

15.—A conference of members of the Church of England Temperance Society, held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, was addressed by the Bishop of London.

23.—The lifeboat Elizabeth Simpson, presented to the National Lifeboat Institution by Miss Elizabeth Simpson Stone, of Norwich, was launched at Gorleston.  On the 24th the boat was towed up the river to Norwich in order that the donor, who was unable to be present at the launch, might inspect the craft.

25.—The Higher Grade School, erected in Duke Street by the Norwich School Board, was opened.  Mr. A. J. Mundella, M.P., gave an address, and the Mayor, Sheriff, and members for the city also took part in the proceedings.  In the evening the Sheriff (as Chairman of the School Board) and Mrs. White gave a conversazione at St. Andrew’s Hall.  The school, which occupies the site of the old Duke’s Head Inn, was designed by Mr. J. H. Brown, architect to the Board, and built by Messrs. J. Youngs and Son.

—Wroxham House, the residence of Mrs. Blake-Humfrey, was destroyed by fire.  Soon after the fire was discovered a great quantity of wine was stolen from the cellars, and at the Petty Sessions held at the Shirehall, Norwich, on November 2nd, seven persons were convicted of the theft.  It was alleged that one of the accused was taking away the wine in a bucket.

NOVEMBER.

7.—The Baroness Burdett-Coutts delivered an address at the Guildhall, Norwich, in support of the objects of the Norwich Band of Mercy.

9.—Mr. William Howard Dakin was elected Mayor and Mr. Edward Orams appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

13.—Died, at Tunbridge Wells, in his 81st year, Sir S. Morton Peto.  He received his baronetcy for having contracted, in December, 1854, to construct a railway from Balaclava to Sebastopol, and other works, without profit or remuneration for superintendence.  He was Liberal member for Norwich from 1847 to 1855, and successively represented Finsbury and Bristol.  Sir Morton Peto was a civil engineer, and formerly a member of the firms of Grissell and Peto and of Peto and Betts.

16.—Died, Mr. Charles Edward Tuck, of St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, and the Grove, Blofield, in his 81st year.  He was the fourth son of Mr. Thomas Tuck, of Strumpshaw Hall, and for many years practised as solicitor, and took an active part in public affairs.  A Conservative in polities, he was elected in 1864 Mayor of Norwich.  Mr. Tuck was a justice of the peace for the city, and vice-president of the Norwich Union Fire Office.

DECEMBER.

4.—Died, at Mount Pleasant, Norwich, Mrs. E. Ling, aged 101 years.

9.—The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived at Didlington Hall on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Tyssen Amherst.

10.—Sir Harry and Lady Bullard entertained the members of the Norwich and Norfolk Conservative Club, and their friends, to a soirée given at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.

17.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council it was reported that notice had been received from the solicitor to the Norwich Tramways Company of their intention to abandon the tramway scheme authorised by the Norwich Tramway Order, 1887.  (See January 19th, 1897.)

—A resolution in favour of petitioning the Queen for an Order in Council authorising the alteration in the number or boundaries of the wards of the city, was adopted by a nominal majority of the Norwich Town Council.  A majority of two-thirds of the members of the Corporation was necessary in order to make the motion effective.  (See July 21st, 1891.)

—Died, at Taplow, aged 62, Colonel J. E. Harvey, of Thorpe, Norwich, and Springfield, Taplow.  He was the eldest son of Mr. Kerrison Harvey, and entered the Army as ensign in the 36th Regiment.  He took part in the suppression of the insurrection in Cephalonia, when that island was placed under martial law in 1849, and served with the 41st Regiment in the Crimean campaign.  In 1869 he was appointed staff officer of pensioners, and served in that capacity in Jersey and at Great Yarmouth until 1881, when he retired into civilian life.  Colonel Harvey married, in 1858, Octavia, daughter of the Rev. Richard Stevens, vicar of Belgrave, Leicestershire.

21.—Mr. George Ginnett’s Circus opened for the season at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich.

1890.

JANUARY.

7.—Died, at St. John’s House, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Grimmer, in his 76th year.  Mr. Grimmer for many years sat in the Town Council as a representative of the Second Ward, and was chairman of the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee.  He was Mayor in 1880–81, and entertained the Prince and Princess of Wales and other distinguished visitors on the occasion of the opening of the Fisheries Exhibition.

8.—Maria Brown, aged 62, wife of a labourer, was murdered at Pulham St. Mary Magdalene, by Elijah Snelling, her son-in-law.  Snelling was tried at the Norfolk Assizes on March 5th before Mr. Justice Denman, found guilty, and sentenced to death.  The sentence was afterwards commuted to penal servitude for life.

10.—A white-tailed eagle of nine pounds weight was shot near Wretham decoy.

—Died, at Brundall, Mr. George Lovick Coleman, in his 78th year.  He was for more than half a century proprietor of a well-known drapery establishment in St. Giles’ Street, Norwich.  In 1843 Mr. Coleman was appointed Sheriff, and four years subsequently was elected Mayor, and at the close of his term of office was presented by the citizens with a handsome epergne in recognition of his services to the city.  He took great interest in the Volunteer movement, served originally in the Rifle Corps, afterwards in the Norwich Light Horse, and finally in the Artillery, of which he ultimately became captain commandant.  In his early days Mr. Coleman professed Liberal principles, but became Conservative.

11.—Mr. C. S. Read gave an address at the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, in which he adversely criticised the working of the Agricultural Holdings Act, and moved and carried a resolution affirming that the failure of the Act demanded the attention of the President of the Board of Agriculture.  Mr. Read addressed the Farmers’ Club, in London, on the same subject, on March 31st, when a similar resolution was adopted.

14.—Mrs. Punt, of East Wretham, the oldest pauper upon the relief books of the Thetford Union, attained her 102nd year.

18.—Many persons in Norwich were reported to be suffering from influenza.  Several men at the Cavalry and the Britannia Barracks were attacked by the complaint, which, however, was not of an aggravated character.

FEBRUARY.

7.—The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. W. H. Dakin) presided at a common hall at which a resolution was passed calling upon the Charity Commissioners to remove from their scheme certain obnoxious clauses affecting the administration of the local charities.  On March 28th the Mayor received from the Charity Commissioners a letter explaining that the restrictions in the scheme against the benefits of the charities being extended to persons who were, or who had recently been in receipt of Poor-law relief, were in the view of the Commissioners calculated to encourage habits of thrift and to give effect to the well-known law against persons in receipt of Poor-law relief participating in such charities.  In the circumstances the Commissioners did not consider that they would be justified in entertaining the application to amend the scheme with the view of allowing those in receipt of Poor-law relief to benefit by the funds.

15.—The Rev. O. W. Tancock, it was announced, had resigned the headmastership of King Edward VI. School, Norwich, on accepting the living of Little Waltham, near Chelmsford.  He was succeeded by the Rev. E. F. Gilbard.

18.—Mr. Melton Prior, special artist on the staff of the “Illustrated London News,” lectured at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, on “What I saw in Burmah.”

21.—Two large granaries at North Walsham, belonging to Messrs. Cubitt and Walker, were destroyed by fire.  The damage amounted to £4,000.

22.—Died, at the residence of her sister, at Weybridge, Surrey, Lady Sophia Jane Beevor, in her 66th year.  She was the daughter of the Rev. Clement Chevallier, of Bedingham, Suffolk, and was twice married.  Her first husband was Mr. Isaac Jermy Jermy, one of the victims of the terrible murders committed by James Blomfield Rush at Stanfield Hall on November 28th, 1848.  In that outrage Mrs. Jermy Jermy narrowly escaped with her life; she was hit in the arm by a bullet, and the limb was afterwards amputated.  In 1850 she married Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart., and became greatly esteemed at Hingham, where she resided for many years.

24.—A military tournament given by the 20th Hussars in aid of the city charities, commenced at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, and was continued until March 1st.

25.—The Norwich Town Council addressed a memorial to the Postmaster-General praying for the cessation of the Sunday delivery of letters.  The Post Office authorities declined to accede to the request.

MARCH.

1.—Severe wintry weather was experienced in Norfolk; snow fell heavily on the 2nd, accompanied by a keen north-east wind and frost of great intensity.

—The Rev. Ambrose Johnson, rector of Toftrees, arrived at Norwich for the purpose of consulting a firm of solicitors about bankruptcy proceedings.  After transacting his business he was seen walking in Prince of Wales Road in the direction of Thorpe railway station; then all trace was lost of him.  On the 12th the unfortunate gentleman was discovered in a shrubbery at Bramerton Hall, in a weak and emaciated condition.  He was at once removed to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and upon recovering somewhat, stated that he took shelter in the shrubbery during a heavy snowstorm on the 1st or 2nd, and had remained there up to the time of his discovery.  His feet were severely frostbitten and he was in a most feeble state of mind and body, the result of starvation and exposure.  One foot dropped off upon his admission to the Hospital, and it was found necessary to amputate the other.  Mr. Johnson lingered until May 2nd, when death put an end to his sufferings.

5.—The course of “Science Lectures for the People,” arranged by the Corporation of Norwich, was continued at St. Andrew’s Hall.  The lecturer was Mr. Louis Fagan, of the Prints and Drawings Department, British Museum, and the subject, “Egyptian, Assyrian, and Babylonian Antiquities.”  The concluding lecture was given on the 26th by Mr. Henry Seebohm on “Adventures in Siberia.”  It was descriptive of the lecturer’s travels with Captain Wiggins, whom he described as “a Norwich man whose father drove one of the coaches which ran between Norwich and London in those dark days before railways were introduced.  Captain Wiggins as a young man did not think that driving a coach was sufficiently ambitious for him, and he therefore made up his mind to drive a ship.”  Another course was commenced on November 13th, when Sir Robert Ball lectured on “An Astronomer’s Thoughts about Krakatoa.”  (See January 6th, 1891.)

7.—The Norwich School Board agreed by a majority to petition Parliament to enact that public elementary schools be thrown open free of all charge, and that they be placed under “popular control.”

12.—Died, at Old Post Office Street, Norwich, Mr. John Goldsmith Atkinson.  A son of Mr. Funnell Goldsmith Atkinson, he was born July 14th, 1814, and was admitted a solicitor in the Easter Term of 1836.  He represented the Second Ward as a Conservative from 1872 to 1881, and had served for twenty-nine years in the Norwich Artillery Volunteers, of which he was honorary quartermaster.

23.—Father Ignatius held a mission service at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, and on the 24th preached to a crowded congregation at the church of St. John de Sepulchre.

26.—Died, at Rokeles, Watton, Mr. Henry Woods, agent for the Merton estate.  He was a well-known authority upon the breeding and management of sheep.

APRIL.

2.—A meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, for the purpose of furthering the efforts made by Mr. T. W. Richardson and Mr. W. S. Warlters for the formation in the city of a bearer company of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps.  A few weeks afterwards Mr. Richardson was gazetted surgeon, Mr. Warlters acting surgeon, and Mr. Frederic Mills quartermaster.

10.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference met at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop.  The session was concluded on the 11th.

20.—Died, at Northrepps Hall, Mr. John Henry Gurney, in his 71st year.  The only son of Joseph John Gurney, of Earlham Hall, so prominently associated with Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton in his efforts to abolish slavery in the West Indies, Mr. Gurney married Mary Jary, daughter of Richard Hanbury Gurney, of Thickthorn.  Of the marriage there were two sons, Mr. J. H. Gurney and Mr. Richard J. H. Gurney.  In 1854 he entered Parliament as member for King’s Lynn, and sat for that borough until his resignation in 1865.  As a naturalist Mr. Gurney was a recognised authority both in Europe and America, more especially on raptorial birds, and the magnificent collection in the Norfolk and Norwich (now the Castle) Museum owes its existence almost entirely to his energy and liberality.  He was for many years a member of the East Anglian banking firm of Gurneys and Birkbecks, a justice of the peace for Norfolk, senior member of the Norwich Bench, and a magistrate for Lynn.

23.—Bellringers from all parts of the diocese assembled at Aylsham to ring opening peals on the church bells, which had been re-hung at the cost of £301.

30.—The stables and coach-houses at Merton Hall, a range of buildings sixty yards in length, were destroyed by fire.  The horses, including two valuable stallions and twelve carriage horses, were rescued uninjured.

MAY.

3.—A disorderly scene occurred at a fire at the furnishing shop of Mr. H. Cole, St. Giles’s Gates, Norwich.  The Chief Constable (Mr. Hitchman) was hooted by the mob, who also impeded the work of the fire brigade.  The contents of the shop were destroyed.

5.—A remarkable charge was investigated at Grimston Petty Sessions.  Mr. Algernon Charles Fountaine, of Narford Hall, was summoned for obstructing a railway engine “by placing himself in the four-foot-way of the Lynn and Dereham branch of the Great Eastern Railway, and making signals thereon, on March 18th, at East Winch.”  The defendant wished to travel to Narborough by a fast train which was not advertised to stop at East Winch, and notwithstanding the warning of the station master, he placed himself in the four-foot-way, and as the train approached made the customary signal for it to stop.  The engine-driver obeyed the signal and brought the train to a standstill, whereupon Mr. Fountaine entered one of the carriages and travelled to Narborough.  Proceedings were taken against him under Section 36 of 24 and 25 Vic., chapter 95, and the magistrates committed defendant for trial.  On July 9th, at the adjourned Norfolk Quarter Sessions, at Swaffham, the defendant pleaded guilty, and was sentenced by Lord Walsingham to pay a fine of £25 and to enter into his recognisances of £100 to be of good behaviour and to keep the peace for six months.

10.—A fire occurred at Messrs. Boulton and Paul’s timber yard at Norwich, and resulted in damage to the amount of between £4,000 and £5,000.

13.—Mr. George Buttler Kennett, clerk to the justices, was appointed Town Clerk of Norwich, in place of Mr. H. B. Miller, at the salary of £1,200 per annum.

16.—Mr. Gladstone visited Norwich.  The right hon. gentleman, accompanied by Mrs. Gladstone, arrived by special train at Thorpe station, where he was received by Mr. Colman, M.P., and Mrs. Colman, and by the representatives of Liberal associations in the city.  On his way to Carrow Abbey, the residence of the senior member for Norwich, Mr. Gladstone was warmly welcomed by the citizens.  In the evening a great meeting was held at the Agricultural Hall, under the presidency of Mr. Henry Birkbeck, at which Mr. Gladstone was presented with an illuminated address by the Liberal and Radical associations and trades unions in Norwich and Norfolk.  After addressing the vast assemblage Mr. Gladstone proceeded to Stoke Holy Cross as the guest of Mr. Birkbeck.  Returning to the city on the 17th, the ex-Premier visited the Castle and the Cathedral, and in the afternoon left for Lowestoft, en route to Corton, where he remained as the guest of Mr. Colman until the 20th.

21.—Mr. Sims Reeves made his farewell appearance at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.

28.—Died, at Norwich, Mr. John Gunn, M.A., F.G.S., many years rector of Irstead with Barton Turf, aged 89.  “It was with painful surprise that the public received a few years ago the announcement of Mr. Gunn’s retirement from the Church on the ground of conscientious scruples concerning certain Biblical statements which he conceived to be irreconcilable with the teachings of Natural Science, and of his desire no longer to be addressed by his clerical title.  He did not dissociate himself from the observances of religion, for he was a constant attendant at the Cathedral services.”  Mr. Gunn, in 1864, was one of the founders of the Norwich Geological Society, and its first president.  “He has left behind him in his great collection of fossils a monument, ære perennius.  His association with the investigation of the Mammalian remains of the Cromer beds is recorded in the classics of English geology, and will be handed down to posterity long after the fossils in our Museum have crumbled into dust.”

JUNE.

6.—Mr. W. R. Cooper, solicitor, was elected Clerk to the Norwich magistrates in succession to Mr. G. B. Kennett, resigned.

11.—Died, at Unthank’s Road, Norwich, Mr. James Calthrop Barnham, aged 82.  He was descended from an old Norwich family, and one of his ancestors, James Barnham, was a Sheriff of the city in 1738.  Mr. Barnham was a governor of Norwich Grammar School, and one of the original members of the Norfolk and Norwich Horticultural Society.

12.—Died, at Newmarket Terrace, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Daynes.  Born in December, 1815, he was a member of the Town Council, and a persistent advocate of the adoption of the wood pavement scheme.  A Guardian of the Poor, he was thoroughly versed in the details of Poor-law administration, and as a member of the School Board he displayed great earnestness as a public economist.  Mr. Daynes was prominently associated with the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, and in 1851–52 served the office of “Grand Master” of that body.

—The Rev. William Pelham Burn, curate of St. Mary Abbot, Kensington, was elected vicar of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in succession to the Rev. F. Baggallay, who had accepted the living of Holy Trinity, Weymouth.

13.—At a meeting of the Yare Preservation Society, it was resolved, “That the society be called the Yare and Bure Preservation Society, whose objects shall be the preservation of the rivers Yare and Bure, and their tributaries, from illegal fishing.”

14.—Died, at Park Lane, Norwich, Mrs. Phillips, widow of Mr. Frederick Lawrence Phillips, aged 77.  Mrs. Phillips was well known to playgoers of a past generation as the beautiful and accomplished Miss Ellen Daly, a favourite actress in London and provincial theatres.

—An outbreak of rabies occurred in Norfolk.  A mad dog ran through the southern portion of the county, and bit several persons; it was ultimately shot at New Buckenham.  On June 30th the Norwich Town Council adopted the muzzling order, and similar regulations were introduced by the Norfolk County Council.  A fund was raised for the purpose of sending to Paris for treatment by Pasteur the eight persons who had been bitten by the dog.  The muzzling regulations in Norwich were withdrawn in the last week in October.

19.—The annual meeting of the East Anglian, Cambridge, and Huntingdonshire branches of the British Medical Association was held in Norwich under the presidency of Dr. Beverley, who, with Mrs. Beverley, received on the 20th a large number of distinguished visitors at a garden party given by them at Brundall.

23.—Two squadrons of the 20th Hussars marched from Norwich for Aldershot.  The headquarters of the regiment left on the 24th under the command of Colonel Graves.

28.—The portrait of Mr. Cadge, painted by Professor Herkomer, was unveiled at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.  Mr. Cadge announced that Mr. B. E. Fletcher, of Marlingford, had munificently offered to build at Cromer a Convalescent Home for the reception of Hospital patients, and the Earl of Leicester, with like generosity, had promised to endow it with £15,000, or, if necessary, with £20,000.  Mr. Cadge retired from the office of senior surgeon on October 4th.  (See April 25th, 1893.)

30.—H.M.S. Howe entered Yarmouth Roads, and on July 1st was joined by the Anson, the flagship of Rear-Admiral Richard E. Tracey, and the Rodney.  The officers and men of the squadron were invited to various entertainments provided ashore by the townspeople, and the vessels sailed on July 4th.

JULY.

9.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at Yarmouth, and concluded on the 10th.  Sir Edward Birkbeck, Bart., was president.

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

AUGUST.

2.—The coming of age of Mr. Herbert H. Bullard, eldest son of Sir Harry Bullard, was celebrated at Norwich.

5.—The attainment of his majority on March 5th by Mr. Roland le Strange was celebrated on this date at Hunstanton Park.  On the 6th a ball was given, at which many distinguished guests were present.

6.—The Cricket Week theatricals at Norwich Theatre commenced with the production of “Caste,” which was repeated on the 7th.  “County Courted, or the Beadle’s Bride,” an operetta adapted from “Oliver Twist,” by Mr. Arthur Waugh, with music by Mr. Claud Nugent, was performed on the 8th, followed by “My Uncle’s Will,” and the farce, “B.B.”

7.—Died, at Heigham Road, Norwich, Mr. Ambrose Winter, aged 100 years and 41 weeks.  Mr. Winter was a native of Norwich, where he had resided throughout his life.

20.—Died, at Coltishall, Sarah Weeds, in her 100th year.

23.—Messrs. Grout and Co., of Norwich, gave notice to several hundreds of their workpeople that their engagements with the firm would terminate on the 30th.  “Their factory, a modern building of large dimensions, is fitted with machinery of the most improved construction, and contains every appliance for carrying on the manufacture of fabrics which have gained for Norwich world-wide reputation.  The firm has a branch factory at Yarmouth, where about 1,000 persons are engaged, and other establishments at Ditchingham and Ponder’s End.”

SEPTEMBER.

10.—Died, at Costessey, Frederick Viner, formerly in the 13th Light Dragoons.  He took part in the light cavalry charge at Balaclava, and his name was officially recorded in the list of survivors.

24.—A new reservoir constructed near Mousehold by the Norwich Waterworks Company was opened.  “It contains over 600,000 gallons of water, and by a curious coincidence 600,000 bricks were used in its construction.”

29.—Died, at Heggatt Hall, Captain Arthur Rodney Blane, R.N., second son of Sir Hugh Seymour Blane, Bart.  Captain Blane, who had seen much active service in Chinese waters, was placed upon the retired list in 1881.

OCTOBER.

1.—The headquarters of the 8th Hussars arrived at Norwich, under the command of Colonel St. Quintin.

14.—The Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival commenced at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, with an evening performance of “Judas Maccabæus.”  On the morning of the 15th “L’Allegro ed il Pensieroso,” composed expressly for the Festival, and conducted by the composer, Dr. C. H. Parry, and the “Stabat Mater,” were produced.  The evening programme included the prelude and entr’actes to “Ravenswood” (Mackenzie) and “The Dream of Jubal” (Joseph Bennett), conducted by the composer.  “The Martyr of Antioch,” conducted by its composer, Sir Arthur Sullivan, and “Hear My Prayer” (Mendelssohn), were performed on the morning of the 16th; in the evening a miscellaneous concert took place.  “Elijah” was produced on the morning of the 17th; and in the evening a miscellaneous concert was preceded by the second act of the opera of “The Flying Dutchman.”  The Festival produced a profit of £501 10s. 7d., of which sum £250 was distributed among the local charities.  The principal vocalists were Madame Nordica, Miss Liza Lehmann, Miss Mackintyre, Miss Grace Damian, and Miss Marian McKenzie; reciter, Miss Julia Neilson; Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. Maldwyn Humphreys, Mr. Ben Davies, Mr. Henschel, Mr. Franco Novara, Mr. Brockbank, and Mr. Alex Marsh.