Chapter XXIV: Preface (24)

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.

12.--Died, at Oby Rectory, the Rev. Wm. Cufaude Davie, M.A. He was born at Yarmouth on November 13th, 1822, and educated at the Grammar School in that town and at St. John's College, Cambridge. After fulfilling for two years the duties of assistant mathematical master at Eton, he was in 1846 appointed headmaster of Yarmouth Grammar School. In 1852 he became curate-in-charge of Intwood and Keswick, and from 1858 to 1875 was principal of the Norwich Diocesan Training College. Mr. Davie was closely identified with educational work in the diocese, and was a candidate for the headmastership of Norwich Grammar School in opposition to the Rev. Dr. Jessopp.

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.

26.--Died, at Cromer, where he was staying for the benefit of his health, Mr. Henry Blake Miller, Town Clerk of Norwich, aged 65. He was a son of Mr. Henry Miller, solicitor, of the Town Close, and had been officially connected with the Corporation since 1853. For upwards of twenty years Mr. Miller was clerk to the Board of Health, and on the death of Mr. W. L. Mendham, in July, 1876, when the two offices were amalgamated, he was appointed Town Clerk and clerk to the Sanitary Authority. Legal work of great importance had devolved upon Mr. Miller. He was entrusted with the drafting of the Norwich Act, 1867, relating to the sewerage and drainage of the city, and after his appointment as Town Clerk he prepared the way for the passing of the Norwich Improvement Act. He acted for the Corporation in the Mousehold Heath litigation, and in the dispute with the freemen as to the Town Close Estate; he had also much to do with the London and Castle Street improvements, the Chapel Field improvement, and the framing of the Norwich Corporation Act, 1889. A Liberal and Nonconformist, Mr. Miller was senior deacon of Princes Street Congregational church, and for twenty years treasurer to the Norfolk Auxiliary of the London Missionary Society. He was also some time president of the Norwich Solicitors' Amicable Society.

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.

15.--Died, at his residence, Pine Banks, Thorpe, Mr. John Oddin Howard Taylor. The son of Mr. John Oddin Taylor, he was born March 2nd, 1837, and received his education under the tuition of his uncle, the celebrated Dr. Brewer, at Mile End School, Norwich, and was afterwards placed with the Rev. Francis Valpy, rector of Garvestone. Having adopted the legal profession, he became a partner with his father in the firm of Taylor and Son. In addition to carrying on a large and responsible private practice, they acted as local solicitors to the Great Eastern Railway Company. As secretary to the undertaking for the improvement of the Cattle Market and the construction of Prince of Wales Road, Mr. Taylor discharged the duties relating to the legal and Parliamentary business with great efficiency. In October, 1862, he was appointed secretary to the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival. In collaboration with Bishop Fraser he was instrumental in bringing about a change of the law with reference to the system of employing women, and children of tender years, in hard agricultural labour. In later years Mr. Taylor devoted himself to the task of developing the fisheries of East Anglia, and was the principal author, in conjunction with Mr. Field, of the Act for the preservation of the inland waters of Norfolk and Suffolk. His literary ability was of a very high order. He was a great chess player, and as a writer on that game acquired world-wide fame by his "Chess Brilliants" and "Chess Skirmishes."

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, _aere 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.

2.--Major F. A. Cubitt was presented by past and present officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment with a silver candelabrum upon retiring from the adjutancy of the battalion, after nearly fifteen years' service.

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.

27.--Died, at his residence, Grove House, Chapel Field, Norwich, Mr. Robert Leeds, aged 79. Mr. Leeds devoted much time to several important undertakings connected with the agricultural interest. He became a member of the Royal Agricultural Society in 1852, and in 1869 was elected to the Council; in 1862 he assisted in the formation of the company which built the Agricultural Hall, Islington; and it was greatly owing to his influence that the Smithfield Club removed their annual show from Baker Street to the new hall. Mr. Leeds gave his practical aid to the establishment of the Salisbury Hotel Company, and to founding the Farmers' Club; he was a member of the Norfolk Agricultural Association, and an energetic supporter of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

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.

15.--Died, at Yarmouth, Mr. Charles Gibbon, aged 47. A Scotsman by birth, he commenced his career upon the staff of a Glasgow journal, and removed to London in 1859, where he became a novelist. Among his best known works were "Beyond Compare," "Queen of the Meadow," "A Family Secret," "By Mead and Stream," "The Dead Heart," "Auld Robin Grey," &c. "He wrote interactively, always purely, and at times even vividly." Mr. Gibbon took up his residence in Yarmouth in 1886.

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 Maccabaeus." 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.

23.--A peal of nine bells, cast by Messrs. Taylor and Sons, of Loughborough, at the cost of 500, for the parish church of Wells-next-the-sea, was dedicated.

27.--Died, the Rev. John Edmund Cox, D.D., F.S.A., formerly vicar of St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, London, aged 78. A native of the city, and educated at the Cathedral school, he became Bible Clerk at All Souls College, Oxford, and in 1837 was ordained by Bishop Stanley, and presented to the incumbency of Aldeby. He afterwards became minister of St. Mary, Southtown, Yarmouth, and whilst there edited the well-known, "Memoir of Sarah Martin." Subsequently he went to Stepney, and in 1849 was presented by the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's to his city living. Dr. Cox was the author of "A Life of Cranmer," "Principles of the Reformation," "A life of Luther," and of "Protestantism compared with Romanism." He also edited several historical treatises for the Parker Society.

29.--The Norwich Town Council confirmed a contract entered into with Mr. R. A. Cooper for the purchase of certain land at Thorpe Hamlet required for the construction of the proposed Riverside Road. The amount to be paid to the owner was 3,022, and the estimated cost of the road between 2,000 and 3,000.

NOVEMBER.

10.--The Norwich Town Council elected Mr. Walter Overbury to the office of Mayor, and appointed Mr. Geoffrey Fowell Buxton as Sheriff. Mr. Oyerbury having declined to qualify, Mr. Edward Wild was on the 24th elected to fill the vacancy.

--Died, aged 79, the Rev. Charles Turner, formerly rector of Bixley and Framingham Earl. He was the son of Mr. Charles Turner, the last Mayor of Norwich previous to the passing of the Municipal Reform Act, and held the living of St. Peter Mancroft from 1848 to 1878.

24.--The Prince of Wales opened, at the Athenaeum, King's Lynn, a sporting and art exhibition in aid of the covert funds of the West Norfolk Hunt. His Royal Highness was accompanied by the Princess of Wales.

--The Princess of Wales, accompanied by Princesses Victoria and Maud, arrived at Melton Constable on a visit to Lord and Lady Hastings. Their Royal Highnesses were afterwards joined by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. The visit terminated on the 29th.

25.--The weather became exceedingly severe, and frost and snow prevailed to the end of the year.

DECEMBER.

1.--Died, at his residence, Thickthorn, near Norwich, Mr. Francis Hay Gurney, in his 65th year. Mr. Gurney was a son of Mr. Daniel Gurney, of North Runcton, by Lady Harriet Hay, daughter of William, sixteenth Earl of Errol. In 1847 he married Margaret Charlotte, daughter of Sir W. H. Browne ffolkes, Bart. A partner in the banking firm of Messrs. Gurneys and Co., he discharged with conspicuous courtesy and ability all the duties that devolve upon a country gentleman. For many years he presided as chairman of the Committee of Management of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical festival, and in politics was a staunch Conservative. In 1859 he took an active part in the Volunteer movement; subsequently he raised and commanded a troop of Light Horse, and ultimately joined the Suffolk Yeomanry Cavalry, from which he retired with the brevet rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

2.--The first lecture of a series inaugurated by the Norwich Free Library Committee was given at Blackfriars' Hall, Norwich, by the Rev. H. H. Snell on "Books and Readers." (_See_ January 12th, 1891.)

5.--Died, at his residence, 43, Ennismore Gardens, South Kensington, Mr. Baron Huddleston, formerly member of Parliament for Norwich. The son of a merchant captain, Thomas Huddleston, he was born in 1817, and matriculated at Trinity College, Dublin. He came to England to seek his fortune as usher in a school, but afterwards made a more promising start in life as a barrister at the Central Criminal Court. Admitted a student at Gray's Inn on April 18th, 1836, and called to the Bar by that society in the summer of 1839, he accepted silk in 1857 from Lord Cranworth, then Lord Chancellor. He had unsuccessfully contested, as a Conservative, Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Kidderminster, but was returned for Canterbury in 1865. In 1870 he made an unsuccessful assault on Norwich, but four years later defeated Mr. Tillett by forty-seven votes. In 1875 he was appointed judge in the Court of Common Pleas, was duly knighted, and ultimately transferred to the Court of Exchequer on the death of Mr. Baron Pigott. He married Lady Diana Beauclerk, sister of the Duke of St. Albans.

14.--Died, at Clermont Terrace, Queen's Road, Norwich, Sarah, widow of John Barnard, formerly of Beccles, in her 101st year.

18.--Mr. S. Hoare, M.P., delivered a farewell address to his constituents, at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, previous to his departure for India.

19.--A heavy fall of snow, accompanied by sharp frost, occurred on this date. Skating became general throughout the county.

26.--Ginnett's Circus opened for the winter season at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich.

27.--Died, at Lynn, Mr. John Osborne Smetham, aged 78. He was six times Mayor of the borough, and had been an alderman thirty-four years, and held various public offices in the town.

30.--An influential meeting, convened by the Mayor, was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, to inaugurate a fund for the relief of the unemployed and necessitous poor of the city. About 900 was subscribed in the room, and active measures were taken for the relief of public distress.

1891.

JANUARY.

1.--A sudden break-up occurred of the severe frost, which had lasted twenty-one consecutive days, but at sunset it froze again with increased severity. This was stated to have been the longest frost recorded in Norfolk since 1813. On the 20th another thaw took place, followed by heavy rain; but during the night the frost reasserted itself, and became very severe on the 21st and 22nd. Then the temperature gradually increased, bright sunshine followed, and the wind having veered to the south rain fell. On the 24th the river steamer Alpha cut her way through the ice on the Yare, and opened up between Norwich and Yarmouth the traffic which for five weeks had been suspended.

2.--Died, at Weasenham, Mr. Henry Overman, aged 65. He established a wide reputation as a breeder of shorthorns, Southdown, and Oxford Down sheep, hackneys and cart horses. Mr. Overman was an extreme Radical, "but his political extravagancies were amply condoned by his warmth and kindliness of heart."

6.--The last of the "Science Lectures for the People" was delivered at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, by Dr. Andrew Wilson on "Sea Serpents and other curious Animals, real and fictitious." (_See_ January 19th, 1892.)

9.--The Cambridge crew, owing to the river Cam being icebound, had rowing practice upon the Estuary Cut, at Lynn.

10.--An "ice carnival" took place on Diss Mere. The performers and spectators numbered five thousand.

12.--The second lecture of the course arranged by the Norwich Free Library Committee was given at Blackfriars' Hall by Mr. G. C. Davies on "Life and Scenery Abroad." The Rev. W. F. Creeny, F.S.A., lectured on February 3rd on "Sweden and Gothland"; Mr. Bosworth Harcourt on March 3rd on "An Hour with Douglas Jerrold"; and Mr. H. F. Euren on April 14th on "Our Fens and Marshes." (_See_ February 24th, 1892.)

17.--Mr. R. E. Crosse was appointed house surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on the resignation of Mr. H. C. Nance.

19.--Died, at Unthank's Road, Norwich, Mr. Benjamin Viny Winch, aged 60. Mr. Winch had been upwards of twenty years postmaster of Norwich. He entered the service at the General Post Office, St. Martin's le Grand, in February, 1852, and continued there until August 31st, 1870, when he was appointed to Norwich on the retirement of Mr. Samuel Base, the former postmaster. The postal arrangements in the city were greatly developed during Mr. Winch's tenure of office. The business was removed from Post Office Street (now Exchange Street) to the Crown Bank premises, where the work in the various departments commenced on August 16th, 1875. Mr. Winch was an enthusiastic yachtsman, had filled the office of Commodore of the Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club, and was one of the principal founders of the Yare Sailing Club.

20.--Immense quantities of sprats were captured at Lynn. Such enormous shoals had never before, it was stated, been found in the Wash.

--The Norwich Town Council considered a report upon the proposed purchase of the Waterworks, and appointed a special committee to determine the value of the undertaking, with the view of making an offer to the company. On May 26th the Council proposed to offer a sum not exceeding 10 per cent., the actual market value of the shares and capital of the company. The offer was declined, and on December 15th it was decided that no further steps be taken in the matter. (_See_ February 22nd, 1898.)

21.--"General" Booth visited Norwich in furtherance of a new "social scheme" advocated in his recently-published book, "In Darkest England." He attended a conference at Noverre's Rooms in the afternoon, and addressed a large meeting which took place at St. Andrew's Hall in the evening.

FEBRUARY.

7.--Mr. B. N. Thoms, assistant surveyor at the General Post Office, was appointed to fill the postmastership of Norwich, vacant by the death of Mr. Winch. Mr. Thoms was a son of Mr. William J. Thoms, the originator and editor of "Notes and Queries," and a librarian of the House of Lords. In the month of April Mr. Thoms removed to Nottingham, and was succeeded by Mr. Sturgeon, of Birkenhead, who, in the Egyptian campaign of 1882-85, commanded the Army Post Office Corps. For his valuable services he was decorated by the Queen in person, and granted the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, with permission to wear the uniform of his corps, the 24th Middlesex (Post Office) Rifle Volunteers.

21.--Died, at his town residence, 8, Portman Square, the Right Hon. George Thomas Keppel, sixth Earl of Albemarle. He was born June 13th, 1799, and was second son of William Charles, fourth earl, by his marriage with Elizabeth Southwell, fourth daughter of Edward Lord De Clifford. In 1815 he received an ensign's commission in the 14th Regiment of Foot, and within a month joined the Army in Flanders. He was present at the battle of Waterloo, and at the engagement which immediately preceded it. "The very youngest officer on the field of Waterloo, he was, with one exception, the very last of the survivors of all the Waterloo officers."

22.--Died, at 7, Hertford Street, Mayfair, Mr. Charles Wild, eldest son of Mr. Edward Wild, Mayor of Norwich, aged 29. Educated at King Edward VI. Grammar School, he pursued his medical studies at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital; afterwards proceeded to Cambridge University, and finally entered the London School of Medicine. Mr. Wild gained the Brodie scholarship at St. George's Hospital, and was awarded the Thompson gold medal.

MARCH.

7.--Died, aged 60, Mr. Edmund Beck, agent for the Sandringham estate. Mr. Beck was a member of an old family of Norfolk farmers, and was born at Mileham. For a considerable time he was in partnership with his father as an auctioneer and estate agent, and was one of the best known agricultural authorities in the kingdom.

31.--Mr. Samuel Hoare, M.P., arrived at Cromer on his return from his tour in India. He sailed for the East on January 4th, accompanied by his daughters, the Misses Annie and Muriel Hoare, and formally opened the Bengal and Nagpur Railway, of which he was chairman.

APRIL.

2.--The Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced at Noverre's Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Bishop of the Diocese, and was concluded on the 3rd.

2.--The Countess of Leicester performed the opening ceremony at a grand Venetian _Fete_ and Bazaar held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, in aid of the Norfolk County Cricket Club. The proceedings were continued on the 3rd.

5.--Died, at Gaywood Hall, King's Lynn, Mr. Richard Bagge, aged 80. He was twin brother of Sir William Bagge, M.P., and was educated at Charterhouse, and by private tutor. In 1831 Mr. Bagge was elected a member of the old Corporation of Lynn, and served the office of Mayor of that borough in 1836 and 1857. He was a justice of the peace, and a Deputy Lieutenant for the county, and was High Sheriff in 1880. As a sportsman Mr. Bagge was well known in the coursing and cricket fields, and in politics was a staunch Conservative.

7.--Died, at Melbourne, during a tour in Australia for the benefit of his health, the Rev. R. Hobson, pastor of the Old Meeting Congregational chapel, Norwich. Mr. Hobson, who was in his 52nd year, was appointed to the chapel in 1878; he took part in many social and philanthropic movements in the city, and was most highly esteemed by Churchmen and Nonconformists. He was the founder of the St. George's Home for Working Girls.

--Mr. Samuel Hoare, M.P., and Mrs. Hoare celebrated their silver wedding at Cliff House, Cromer, and received many congratulations and presents from their friends in the town and district. On April 20th Mr. and Mrs. Hoare were presented, at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, with a valuable silver tea and coffee service and an illuminated address by the members of the Conservative associations and clubs in the city.

11.--At the annual meeting of the Governors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital the Board of Management reported that Miss Adams, the Lady Superintendent, had been received into the Roman Catholic Church. In view of the matter forming the subject for discussion there was a large attendance, but the Lord Bishop, who presided, ruled the question to be "special," and that it was necessary for formal notice to be given before a resolution could be moved.

--The fastest run made by a special train on the Great Eastern Railway was accomplished on this date, when the Prince of Wales travelled from St. Pancras to Lynn, a distance of 98 miles, in one hour fifty-five minutes.

18.--The memorial stone of a new church for East and West Beckham was laid by Mrs. Hoare, wife of Mr. Samuel Hoare, M.P. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich on October 13th.

20.--Viscount Cross, Secretary of State for India, visited Norwich and formally opened the Patteson Conservative Club. In the evening his lordship addressed a large meeting held at St. Andrew's Hall under the auspices of the National Union of Conservative Associations.

25.--Dr. F. C. Burton, of Adenbrook's Hospital, Cambridge, was appointed to the vacancy in the medical staff of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital occasioned by the retirement of Dr. Shepherd Taylor.

27.--The South-West Norfolk Conservative Association met at Swaffham under the presidency of Lord Walsingham, and adopted Mr. Thomas Leigh Hare Conservative candidate for the constituency in place of Mr. Tyssen Amherst, M.P., who had expressed his intention to retire at the next General Election.

MAY.

14.--The Very Rev. E. M. Goulburn, formerly Dean of Norwich, preached from a new pulpit erected by public subscription in the choir of the Cathedral as a memorial of his twenty-three years' devoted ministry. The pulpit was designed by Mr. John Pollard Seddon, F.R.I.B.A., and executed by Mr. Harry Hems, of Exeter.

18.--On this day (Whit-Monday) occurred the memorable fall of snow which covered the ground to the depth of five inches, and occasioned the abandonment of all out-door sports and holiday amusements. On the previous Wednesday (the 13th) the shade temperature registered in the neighbourhood of Norwich was 72.7; at 9 a.m. on the 16th it stood at 37.2; and on the same day the thermometer in the screen fell to 29.8, and on the grass to 21.5. On Sunday, the 17th, there were frequent storms of hail and snow, and at 2 p.m. the temperature registered 37.4.

--A military tournament given by the 8th Hussars in aid of the local charities, commenced at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, and concluded on the 23rd.

21.--The Duke of Clarence and Avondale (in the absence of the Prince of Wales, who was unable to attend in consequence of indisposition) opened a bazaar at Yarmouth in aid of a fund for the restoration of the parish church; and in the evening was present at a ball given by the officers of the Norfolk Artillery.

23.--The Norfolk County Council resolved to offer scholarships of the value of 10 each per annum, and not exceeding fifty in number, to boys and girls who, having passed the 6th and 7th Standards in elementary schools, were prepared, after examination, to attend for three years some secondary school possessing to the satisfaction of the committee the necessary qualifications for technical instruction. On the 26th the Norwich Town Council decided to provide a school for technical education and manual instruction.

30.--The Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture adopted, by 66 votes against 32, a resolution in favour of making legal in England the practice of the dishorning of cattle.

JUNE.

8.--Mr. Wilson Barrett commenced a week's engagement at Norwich Theatre, in the character of Belphegor. His other impersonations included Claud Melnotte, Chatterton, The Stranger, and Hamlet.

12.--The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. Edward Wild) unveiled at Norwich Cathedral a window inserted in the south aisle to the memory of officers of the Norfolk Regiment. The window was the gift of the officers and men of the regiment.

--The British Training Squadron, consisting of the Active, the Calypso, the Volage, and the Ruby, entered Yarmouth Roads, and sailed on the 14th for the north. Each ship's company numbered about 500 men and boys.

15.--A Select Committee of the House of Commons inquired into the merits of the St. Faith's Allotment Bill, by which it was sought to obtain Parliamentary sanction to the compulsory purchase of 18.5 acres of land owned by the Countess de Rechberg, in the parish of Horsham St. Faith's, for the purpose of providing allotments for forty applicants under the Allotments Acts, 1887 and 1890. On the 17th the chairman (Sir Stafford Northcote) announced that the Committee were of opinion that the preamble of the Bill was proved, and that the order should be confirmed, but they thought the justice of the case would be met if 10a. 2r. 6p. were given up for allotments, and the Countess de Rechberg be ordered to pay her own costs and one-third of the costs of the promoters. The Local Government Board subsequently held an inquiry to decide the amount to be paid to the Countess for the compulsory purchase of the land. The Countess demanded 1,291 6s. (originally 1,451); the County Council offered 1,025 8s. 6d.; and the Local Government Board inspector awarded 1,131 15s. 6d.

16.--Lord Walsingham was elected High Steward of Cambridge University, and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. His lordship was introduced as a distinguished member of the Eton and Cambridge elevens, as an excellent shot, and as a great authority on shooting game. Further, he was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and had given special attention to the study of microlepidoptera.

24.--The Goulburn pulpit, erected in the nave of Norwich Cathedral, was dedicated on this date. It was the gift of the Very Rev. E. M. Goulburn, formerly Dean of Norwich, and was executed in Caen stone by Mr. James Forsyth, of Hampstead, from designs by Mr. R. Herbert Carpenter, F.S.A., and Mr. Benjamin Ingelow.

27.--The Norwich Census returns were published on this date, as follow:--Tenements of less than five rooms, 7,654; inhabited houses, 23,268; uninhabited, 1,739; building, 205. Persons: Males, 46,615; females, 54,348; total, 100,964.

JULY.

8.--The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Wymondham, and was continued on the 9th. The Earl of Kimberley was president for the year.

10.--A prolonged strike in the building trade, at Norwich, was settled on this date. The bricklayers' strike commenced on May 4th, and that of the carpenters and joiners on June 1st. In both cases the men demanded an extra payment of one penny per hour, and the acceptance by the masters of a code of rules framed by them. The employers declined to accede to these demands, but submitted a code of their own, and offered a halfpenny advance. The Mayor (Mr. Wild) intervened, and although at the time his action had no effect, the men ultimately accepted the masters' code of rules.

14.--Dedication services were held at the parish church of Great Yarmouth on the completion of the extensive and protracted work of restoration. The undertaking was commenced in 1847 by the Rev. Henry Mackenzie, afterwards Suffragan Bishop of Nottingham, and continued from time to time by the three successive vicars, Bishop Hills, of British Columbia, Archdeacon Nevill, and Canon Venables. The latest portion of the work was begun in the spring of 1890, and cost about 1,500. About 40,000 was expended upon the entire restoration.

17.--Died, at Eastbourne, Mr. Willoughby Smith, the distinguished electrician, who was born at Yarmouth on April 16th, 1828. He superintended the manufacture and laying of the first submarine cable. In 1866 he was electrician on board the Great Eastern steamship during the laying of the first successful Atlantic cable and on the recovery and completion of the cable that had been lost the year before. For these services Mr. Smith received a gold medal and an address from the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. In 1883 he was President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, and in 1888 published a work, entitled "Yarmouth Past and Present."

21.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council a letter from the Privy Council was read, in which it was stated, with reference to a scheme for altering the boundaries of the wards of the city, that such alteration could not be permitted unless an alteration was also made in the number of the wards. (_See_ March 15th, 1892.)

25.--An exhibition of the works of Edward Thomas Daniell, comprising etchings, water-colours, and oil paintings, was held at the rooms of the Norwich Art Circle.

--The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions Norfolk Regiment, encamped at Great Yarmouth under the command of Brigadier-General Bulwer.

27.--Lord Walsingham presided at a meeting of the subscribers to the Norwich Castle Museum scheme, at which it was decided to extend, at an additional cost of between 4,000 and 5,000, the original scheme for converting the Castle and the surrounding buildings to the purposes of a Museum. It was announced that the Prince of Wales had contributed to the fund a further donation of fifty guineas. (_See_ August 4th, 1894.)

30.--A thunderstorm of extraordinary severity burst over Ellingham Park, the seat of Mr. Henry Smith. "The lightning seemed literally to sweep the park with a sheet of fire, and immediately after the storm six bullocks and heifers were found lying dead under an elm tree. Other cattle were injured, and the tree itself was split in half, and some of the branches hurled a considerable distance." Further thunderstorms occurred in other parts of the county on August 2nd.

AUGUST.

3.--Norwich Cricket Week commenced. Matches were played against the Eton Ramblers, and the Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire Clubs, and in each instance the Norfolk County Cricket Club was victorious. "The achievement of three victories in the week had not previously been accomplished since the institution of the festival in 1881." On the 6th and 7th Sir Kenneth Kemp's company of amateurs gave performances of "The Bookmaker" at the Theatre Royal.

7.--The Norwich School Board decided to abolish the fees in all their schools, the Higher Grade School excepted, from September 1st, the date on which the Free Education Act came into operation.

8.--Lord Ashbourne, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, addressed a great Primrose League gathering at Didlington Park, held in celebration of the inauguration of the Margaret Tyssen Amherst Habitation.

SEPTEMBER.

5.--The Norfolk County Council decided to found an agricultural side for technical education in connection with the County School at Elmham.

7.--The Countess of Leicester laid the foundation-stone of a public hall to be erected at Burnham Thorpe as a memorial of Lord Nelson, who was born in the parish, where his father was rector, in 1758. The hall, which formed part of a scheme initiated by the Prince of Wales, the main feature of which was the restoration of the parish church at the cost of 10,000, was opened on June 9th, 1892.

30.--Mr. Harry Furniss gave his lecture, "The Humours of Parliament," at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich.

--The first annual show of the Mitford and Launditch Agricultural Association was held at East Dereham. General Bulwer presided at the dinner, at which the principal speakers were Mr. R. T. Gurdon and Mr. C. S. Read.

OCTOBER.

13.--A severe gale did great damage inland, and resulted in many shipping casualties on the Norfolk coast.

15.--Died, at King's Lynn, Mr. John Dyker Thew, in his 68th year. He was proprietor of the "Lynn Advertiser," and for many years represented the South Ward in the Town Council. In 1871, 1876, and 1885 Mr. Thew was elected to the office of Mayor of the borough, and in the last-named year was appointed alderman. He was leader of the Conservative party at Lynn.

16.--The Lord Mayor of London (Sir Joseph Savory) and the Lady Mayoress visited Norwich for the purpose of opening the new buildings of the Asylum and School for the Indigent Blind.

17.--The prospectus of the Norwich Electricity Company was published. A capital of 50,000 was raised in 5,000 ordinary shares of 10 each, and the company was formed "for the purpose of supplying electricity for lighting and motive purposes."

19.--Died, at Beeston Park, Sir Jacob Henry Preston, Bart., aged 79. He was a Deputy Lieutenant and magistrate for the county, and in 1847 served the office of High Sheriff.

25.--A severe storm commenced on this date, and continued until the 27th. Several vessels were wrecked and lives lost on the coast.

31.--A meeting in furtherance of a scheme for providing playing fields and open spaces for the city was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. Wild). A committee known as the Norwich Playing-fields and Open Spaces Committee was appointed.

NOVEMBER.

1.--A serious fire at Sandringham House did damage to a considerable amount.

9.--Mr. G. M. Chamberlin was elected Mayor, and Mr. Harry Reeve appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

11.--A gale which swept over many parts of England did much injury in Norfolk, and was severely felt at Yarmouth and at other places on the coast.

14.--The Duke of Clarence and Avondale, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Fife and the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, opened a trades and industrial exhibition at St. James's Hall, Lynn.

DECEMBER.

7.--At the annual distribution of prizes to the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Norwich, Major Dawson was introduced to the corps as the future commanding officer, on the retirement of Lieutenant-Colonel Mansel. At about this date the Dean of Norwich was appointed chaplain to the corps in place of the Rev. Canon Patteson.

9.--The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. G. M. Chamberlin) sent, on behalf of the citizens, letters of congratulation to the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, and the Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, upon the announcement of the intended marriage of the Duke and Princess.

11.--A storm of great severity raged throughout the county, and much damage, was reported, especially in Mid Norfolk. In several places the Yare and Bure overflowed their banks.

14.--The church of St. Mary, Great Plumstead, was severely damaged by fire. The building, in the Perpendicular style, consisted of nave, chancel, and tower, which were restored in 1876 and 1878. The fire completely destroyed the interior fittings and roof. On December 14th, 1892, the church was re-opened after thorough restoration.

18.--A severe frost set in, and on the 22nd skating became general.

--The Duke of Clarence and Avondale terminated a visit to Mr. Tyssen Amherst, M.P., at Didlington Hall.

20.--Died, at Honingham vicarage, the Rev. Canon John Robert Feilden, vicar of Honingham and East Tuddenham, in his 65th year. He was the fourth son of Mr. Joseph Feilden, M.P., of Whitton Park, Blackburn, and was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. After ordination he served a curacy at Malpas, Cheshire, and was chaplain to George Horatio, second Marquis Cholmondeley. In 1861 he was presented to the rectory of Baconsthorpe, and in 1881 to the living which he held at the time of his death. Mr. Feilden was a Commissioner under the Pluralities Act, for the Archdeaconry of Norfolk, and for nine years was a member of the Board of Management of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. He was appointed honorary canon of Norwich Cathedral in 1888. Canon Feilden married, in 1861, Frances Blanche Ann, second daughter of Frederick, fourth Baron Calthorpe.

26.--Ginnett's Circus opened at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, for the winter season.

--Upwards of one thousand of the aged poor of Norwich were entertained by the Mayor (Mr. G. M. Chamberlin) and the Sheriff (Mr. Harry Reeve), at St. Andrew's Hall.

27.--Died, at Saham, the Rev. Coker Adams, for fifteen years rector of the parish. Mr. Adams was the author of several pamphlets on Church doctrine and defence.

1892.

JANUARY.

2.--A meeting, convened by the Lord Lieutenant of the county (the Earl of Leicester) and the High Sheriff (Mr. S. Gurney Buxton), was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, to consider what steps should be taken to provide a present from Norfolk to the Duke of Clarence and Avondale and Princess Mary Victoria on the occasion of their marriage. It was resolved to open a public subscription. A similar movement was inaugurated by the citizens of Norwich.

--The Norfolk County Council appointed Mr. H. C. Bolingbroke "accountant officer" to fill the vacancy occasioned by the retirement of Mr. H. W. Day from the office of County Treasurer.

14.--Died, at Sandringham, his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. The intelligence of the death of the young Prince was received in Norwich with many manifestations of public sorrow and sympathy. The church bells were tolled, flags were hoisted at half-mast upon all public buildings, and the windows of business establishments and private residences were shaded. The High Sheriff at once sent to the Comptroller of the Household of the Prince and Princess of Wales a telegram of sympathy on behalf of himself and the whole county of Norfolk, and on the 15th a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council was held, and addresses of condolence were ordered to be sent to the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck. On Sunday, the 17th, many touching references to the sad event were made in Church and Nonconformist places of worship; and on the 20th, on which day the remains of the deceased Prince were removed from Sandringham to Windsor for interment, a memorial service, attended by the Mayor and Corporation, was held at Norwich Cathedral, and the Dean preached an eloquent sermon. At Prince's Street Congregational church, at Trinity Presbyterian church, and at St. Mary's Baptist chapel similar services were held, business was suspended in the city, and the licensed victuallers and hotel proprietors closed their establishments from two o'clock until five o'clock. In every town and village the day was observed with profound solemnity.

18.--An important meeting was held at the Deanery, Norwich, to discuss what measures should be taken to complete the sum of 2,500 then being raised by the Church Schools' Aid Association for the special purpose of increasing and improving the accommodation of the Church day schools in the city. It was resolved that it was the imperative duty of Churchmen to preserve the Church schools in a state of efficiency, and with this object it was decided that the clergy and laity form local branches to augment the fund.

19.--Another series of "Science Lectures for the People" commenced at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, when Sir Robert Stawell Ball spoke on "Invisible Stars." On February 16th the Rev. J. Miller Hamilton lectured on "The Forth Bridge"; and on March 14th Dr. Andrew Wilson on "The Curiosities of Brain Action, Dreams, Mesmerism, and Ghost Seeing." A second course began on November 16th with a lecture by Sir Robert Ball on "How came the Great Ice Age?" (_See_ January 12th, 1893.)

23.--Influenza raged with great severity in city and county, and many prominent people were attacked by the complaint. "It is producing many deaths among the aged; the mortality in Norwich last week was 40.1 per thousand." In the week ending January 30th the mortality in the city had increased to 44 per thousand.