Chapter XXV: Preface (25)

30.--Died, at the Shrubbery, St. Stephen's Road, Norwich, Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett. He was born November 1st, 1818, at Quay Side, St. Martin-at-Palace, Norwich, and was son of Mr. Jacob Tillett, a dyer. His grandfather was a schoolmaster, whose attainments in mathematics, navigation, and gunnery brought him into some prominence in his day. Young Tillett was educated at King Edward VI. Grammar School, and on leaving school served his articles with Mr. John Rising Staff, then a leading solicitor in Norwich. In 1839 he opened an office for himself in Post Office Street, and obtained a large and lucrative connection. Literary rather than legal work best accorded with Mr. Tillett's natural tastes. In 1845 he founded the "Norfolk News," and with the conduct of that journal he was thenceforward associated throughout his life, as chairman of the company and as editor, in which position he not only controlled the policy of the paper, but weekly contributed its leading articles. For many years Mr. Tillett was a member of the Town Council, and twice served the office of Mayor, first in 1859-60 and again in 1875-76. He was twice returned to a seat on the Norwich School Board, and on the second occasion was elected Chairman. In 1874 he was appointed a justice of the peace, but he never qualified. Although he was not attached to any particular sect, he identified himself with various religious movements in the city. Mr. Tillett was the most potent political personal force that the century produced in Norwich. He contested the city in 1868 unsuccessfully, Sir Henry Stracey and Sir Wm. Russell being returned. That election was invalidated on petition. In May, 1870, when a new writ was issued for the vacant seat, Mr. Tillett was returned by 4,236 votes against 3,874 polled by Mr. J. W. Huddleston. A petition followed, and Mr. Tillett was unseated. At the dissolution in 1874 the Conservatives brought forward Sir Henry Stracey and Mr. Huddleston, and the Liberal cause was again championed by Mr. Tillett, with Mr. Colman as his colleague. Mr. Colman was returned at the head of the poll with 6,138 votes, and Mr. Huddleston was the other successful candidate, with 5,823 votes. Mr. Tillett polled 5,776 and Sir Henry Stracey 5,290 votes. Early in 1875 Mr. Huddleston was raised to the judicial bench, and at the bye-election Mr. Tillett entered the lists against Colonel Wilkinson. The contest took place on March 5th, and resulted in Mr. Tillett's return by a majority of 799. Then came the third petition, on which Mr. Tillett was again unseated, and a Royal Commission followed. The writ was suspended until the dissolution in 1880, when the Conservatives were represented by Mr. H. Harben and the Hon. Massey Mainwaring. The seats were carried by Mr. Colman and Mr. Tillett on a poll of 6,549 for the former and 6,512 for the latter, the votes for the Conservative candidates being 5,242 for Mr. Harben and 5,032 for Mr. Mainwaring. The successful candidates were allowed to retain their seats undisturbed; but Mr. Tillett reached the goal of his ambition too late to derive any satisfaction from it, and the five years he spent in Parliament were among the most irksome and worrying of any in his life. At the dissolution in 1885 he announced his intention not to again offer himself for the representation of the city; but in 1886 he was once more induced to stand, and, with Mr. Colman, opposed the return of Mr. Samuel Hoare and Mr. C. S. Read. The result of the poll was as follows:--Colman, 6,295; Hoare, 6,156; Tillett, 6,119; Read, 5,564. With this campaign Mr. Tillett practically closed his electioneering career. Whatever the Conservative party may have thought of his political faults and shortcomings, Mr. Tillett was no Socialist or Revolutionist. He was staunch in his loyalty to the Throne, and would have strongly opposed any attack upon the free monarchial constitution. Although he stood at the 1886 election as a Gladstonian, his convictions were in favour of the maintenance of the Union. For the private character of this eminent citizen it was impossible to entertain but one sentiment, that of the highest esteem and regard, for he was naturally of a kind, considerate, and affectionate disposition.

FEBRUARY.

6.--Official notice was received at Norwich of the final settlement of the scheme proposed by the Attorney-General for the administration of the Norwich Town Close Estate Charity. The scheme provided that the charity and its property and endowments should be vested in an official trustee of charity lands for the city of Norwich, and the management, preservation, and letting of the estate and the collecting of the income by a receiver would be exercised by trustees consisting of the trustees for the time being of the municipal charities of the city, known as the General Charities, as _ex-officio_ trustees of the Town Close Estate, and by six representative trustees appointed by the freemen for a term of five years.

15.--The Compton Comedy Company commenced, at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, an engagement, during which were produced several favourite comedies of the old English stage.

18.--Archdeacon Perowne unveiled, at the church of St. Laurence, Norwich, a bronze memorial in commemoration of the work done by Miss Sarah Ann Glover in the cause of sol-fa music. Miss Glover was the author of the sol-fa notation, from which sprang the tonic sol-fa system.

20.--Died, at his residence, Unthank's Road, Norwich, Mr. Henry Norton, F.G.S., in his 81st year. He was the eldest son of Mr. William Norton, of Old Buckenham, and in his early days was articled to Messrs. Mitchell and Clarke, a well-known firm of solicitors at Wymondham. Much of his time was subsequently spent in roaming over the greater part of Europe, and in about 1860 he settled in Norwich. As a scholar and a man of science Mr. Norton was possessed of a store of information such as few had acquired. Sanskrit and geology were his favourite studies. He was an omnivorous reader and lover of books, and bequeathed his valuable library and collection of manuscripts to the Norfolk and Norwich Library.

24.--The course of lectures arranged by the committee of the Norwich Free Library was continued at Blackfriars' Hall, when Mr. M. P. Squirrell spoke on "The Orkney and Shetland Islands." Mr. C. Stacy Watson, on March 23rd, lectured on "The Herring."

MARCH.

1.--Died, at Gimingham Rectory, the Ven. Ralph Blakelock, aged 88. He was born at Red Hall, Leeds, and was educated at St. Catherine's College, Cambridge, of which he became Fellow and tutor. In his Cambridge days he published some mathematical treatises, which added considerably to his reputation as a college tutor. On withdrawing from the University he became rector of Gimingham in 1833, and an active worker on behalf of many diocesan organizations. He paid special regard to the social improvement of the labourers, and was known as "the father of the allotment system." For many years Mr. Blakelock was Archdeacon of Norfolk.

9.--Died, at Rippon Hall, Hevingham, the Rev. Henry Philip Marsham, aged 75. He was a son of Mr. Robert Marsham, of Stratton Hall, and his taste for country life and love of nature had descended to him from his great grandfather, Robert Marsham, the ardent naturalist and frequent correspondent with White, of Selborne. The annual records of the earliest dates, when many common plants were observed to flower, together with similar natural history data, as commenced by the elder naturalist, were continued by the younger.

14.--The memorial stones of a permanent building, to be used as the headquarters of the Salvation Army in Norwich, were laid by Mr. George White and other prominent Nonconformists, on a site at the rear of Mortimer's Hotel, St. Giles' Street. The building, which, inclusive of the site, cost about 4,000, was opened on October 30th.

15.--A scheme for altering the number and bounderies of the wards in Norwich was unanimously adopted by the Town Council. The Privy Council on June 16th were petitioned to approve the scheme, and on July 8th the formal order was received for dividing the city into sixteen wards. Mr. Charles Neve Creswell, the Commissioner appointed to prepare the scheme for determining the boundaries of the wards and for apportioning councillors among them, held a public inquiry at the Guildhall on July 28th, at which evidence was given by representatives of the Town Council and others. The first municipal elections under the provisions of the redistribution scheme took place on November 1st, when members were returned for sixteen wards instead of for eight.

16.--The first sale of shire horses, the property of the Prince of Wales, was held at Wolferton by Messrs. Sexton and Grimwade. Forty-nine animals were sold for the total sum of 5,200.

21.--At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Mathew and a special jury, was tried the action, Bullard and others _v._ Saul. The case was brought by the plaintiffs as trustees of the charities of St. Swithin, Norwich, for an alleged slander uttered by the defendant at an inquiry held before an assistant Charity Commissioner at Norwich on January 15th. By the words that the defendant used on that occasion the plaintiffs said they understood him to mean that they had been guilty of maladministration of the charity funds, and had administered them for base and political purposes, and as vehicles of all sorts of corruption. The defendant denied that the words set out in the statement of claim were a correct report of the words used by him at the inquiry, and he further denied that they had any slanderous meaning. A verdict was given for the plaintiffs--damages 5.

25.--In the Court of Arches Lord Penzance decided in favour of the Bishop of Norwich, who had convicted the appellant, the Rev. Mr. O'Malley, of drunkenness, and sentenced him to two years' suspension. Lord Penzance declined to hear Mr. O'Malley's appeal until he had given security for the Bishop's costs, and limited the time during which the appellant should find such security to four months. (_See_ June 1st, 1899.)

26.--Died, at Unthank's Road, Norwich, Mrs. Sarah Fletcher, aged 87. Mrs. Fletcher had given active support to many philanthropic movements, and was one of the founders of the Orphan Home for Girls, originally started in Pottergate Street, and afterwards transferred to Chapel Field.

27.--Died, at Unthank's Road, Norwich, the Rev. Charles Heath Hosken, Baptist minister, in his 81st year. In his early days he was sent to Ireland for missionary work by the Baptist Irish Missionary Society, and subsequently laboured at Belize in the Bay of Honduras; at West Troy in the State of New York, and at Crayford in Kent. "The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon sent his first two students to Mr. Hosken to be trained; thus the deceased was really associated with the foundation of the Pastors' College."

28.--Sir Harry and Lady Bullard celebrated their silver wedding at Hellesdon House, Norwich, and were the recipients of many presents from friends in county and city, and from the staff of the Anchor Brewery.

30.--Died, at Sheringham Hall, Mr. Henry Ramey Upcher, aged 82. He was a son of the Rev. Abbot Upcher, and coming to the estate when only nine years old, he had probably been in possession of his property longer than any landowner in England. When at Harrow he played in the cricket eleven, and on leaving Cambridge University took a leading part in athletic games, and was well-known throughout the country as a clever cricketer, a good horseman, and an excellent shot. Mr. Upcher married, on July 3rd, 1838, Miss Caroline Morris. In politics he was a Liberal of the old school, and a valued supporter of his party.

APRIL.

21.--The Norwich Diocesan Conference was opened at Noverre's Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop, and continued on the 22nd.

25.--The Norina Grand Opera Company appeared at Norwich Theatre in "La Fille de Madame Angot" and "The Daughter of the Regiment."

26.--Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., was presented with a piece of plate by the Gladstonian party in Norwich in recognition of his twenty-one years' Parliamentary services.

MAY.

12.--The Gildencroft Recreation Ground, the site of which, with the buildings thereon, was purchased by the Corporation of Norwich for the sum of 2,700, was formally opened to the public by the Mayor. (_See_ June 6th, 1894.)

14.--A new lifeboat, the gift of Mrs. Burch, in memory of her late husband, Mr. John Burch, was launched at Yarmouth. The craft was named by Miss Jane Burden the Abraham Thomas.

24.--The name of Dr. Frederic Bateman, senior physician of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, was included in the list of gentlemen who were to receive the honour of knighthood. Dr. Bateman, on July 5th, was presented to the Queen at Windsor Castle.

25.--Died, at Cromer Hall, Mr. Benjamin Bond Bond-Cabbell. He had devoted himself largely to the public life of the county, and was a major in the 3rd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Mr. Bond-Cabbell, who had been nominated for the office of High Sheriff in the ensuing year, was one of the most popular men in Norfolk, and his death was widely lamented.

JUNE.

15.--Died, at Norwich, Dr. William Guy, aged 57. In 1871, when the city was visited by a serious outbreak of smallpox, Dr. Guy was brought prominently into public notice. With characteristic courage and zeal he undertook the medical charge of the isolation hospital; and was afterwards appointed to the post of public vaccinator. It was said that for years Norwich was the best vaccinated town in the kingdom.

16.--The Didlington herd of red polled cattle, the property of Mr. Tyssen Amherst, M.P., was sold by auction by Mr. John Thornton. Forty-one cows and nine bulls were disposed of, and the total amount realised was 892 guineas--an average for the cows of 47 10s. 7d., and for the bulls of 24 4s. 2d.

21.--The Mayor and Mayoress of Norwich (Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Chamberlin) were presented with a "silver cradle" to commemorate the birth on March 11th of their soil, Geoffrey Lefroy.

28.--A thunderstorm of extraordinary severity burst over the county, and was said to have been the most alarming that had been experienced for many years. It was remarkable more for its long duration than for any serious results.

29.--The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at King's Lynn under the presidency of Mr. Thomas Leigh Hare. The exhibition was continued on the 30th.

JULY.

1.--The nomination took place at East Dereham of candidates for the representation of Mid Norfolk. The Unionist candidate was Mr. Robert Thornhagh Gurdon, and the Gladstonian candidate Mr. Clement Higgins, Q.C., Trebovir Road, South Kensington, S.W. The polling was on the 13th, and the declaration on the 14th: Higgins, 4,069; Gordon 3,599.

2.--The following candidates were nominated for the representation of Norwich:--Mr. James Bedford, 388, Bethnal Green Road, E., tailor (Gladstonian); Mr. Jeremiah James Colman (Gladstonian), and Mr. Samuel Hoare (Conservative). The polling on the 6th resulted as follows:--Hoare, 7,718; Colman, 7,407; Bedford, 6,811.

--The nomination of candidates for South Norfolk was held at the Town Hall, Aylsham. Mr. John Cator, of Woodbastwick Hall, was the Unionist, and Mr. Herbert Hardy Cozens-Hardy, the Gladstonian candidate. The polling was on the 16th, and the declaration on the 18th:--Cozens-Hardy, 4,561; Cator, 3,278.

--For the representation of Lynn were nominated Mr. Thomas Gibson Bowles, of Newton Tony, Salisbury, hon. lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve (Unionist), and Mr. Thomas Richardson Kemp, Q.C., 5, Queen's Gate Terrace, London (Gladstonian). The polling on the 4th resulted as follows:--Bowles, 1,319; Kemp, 1,308.

5.--The nominations for East Norfolk were made at the Shirehall, Norwich. Sir Edward Birkbeck, Bart., was nominated by the Unionists, and Mr. Robert John Price, barrister-at-law, 104, Sloane Street, S.W., by the Gladstonians. The polling took place on the 12th, and the poll was declared on the 13th as follows:--Price, 4,743; Birkbeck, 4,303.

--The nomination of candidates for South Norfolk was held at the Shirehall, Norwich. Mr. Francis Taylor, of Diss, was the Liberal-Unionist, and Mr. Albert George Kitching, Chase Court, Enfield, the Gladstonian nominee. The polling took place on the 11th, and the declaration on the 12th: Taylor 4,288; Kitching, 3,535.

--Polling took place at Yarmouth. The candidates were Mr. J. M. Moorsom, Q.C., London (Gladstonian), and Sir Henry Tyler (Conservative). The contest resulted as follows:--Moorsom, 2,972; Tyler, 2,704.

7.--Mr. Justice Romer delivered judgment in the action, Micklethwaite _v._ Vincent, which raised an important question as to the rights of the public over the Norfolk broads. The plaintiff asked for an injunction to restrain the defendant from shooting or fishing on that part of the Hickling Broad which was in the parish of Hickling, and from boating over it except in a certain channel. The defendant contended that the Broad was open to the public for all purposes, and that he as one of the public was entitled to shoot and fish over it. The judge held that the plaintiff had established his right to the part of the Broad in question. Admittedly there was a public way over the Broad, but this was restricted to the channel. The plaintiff asked for an injunction to restrain the defendant from going on the Broad at all except in this channel. He was satisfied on the evidence that this right of way was not so restricted, and that part of plaintiff's claim failed and must be dismissed. It was not necessary for his lordship to decide how far the plaintiff's right extended beyond the channel. The plaintiff must get from the defendant the bare costs of the action, except so far as those costs had been increased by the claim to restrict the right of way to the channel, which had failed. So far as the defendant's costs had been increased by the last mentioned claim he would get them from the plaintiff with the set-off.

8.--Mr. P. P. Marshall, City Engineer, of Norwich, resigned his office, in which he was succeeded by Mr. Buchan.

14.--Polling took place in North-West Norfolk. The candidates were Mr. Joseph Arch, President of the National Agricultural Labourers' Union, of Barford, Warwickshire (Gladstonian), and Lord Henry Bentinck, of Congham Hall, and 58, Sloane Street, S.W. (Unionist). Result: Arch, 4,911; Bentinck, 3,822.

15.--The South-West Norfolk election took place. The candidates were Mr. Thos. Leigh Hare, Stow Bardolph (Unionist), and Mr. Henry Lee Warner, the Paddocks, Swaffham, (Gladstonian). The poll was declared at Swaffham on the 16th as follows:--Hare, 4,077; Lee Warner, 3,739.

16.*--"The 'London Gazette' announces that the Victoria Cross is conferred upon Lieutenant J. Manners Smith for his conspicuous bravery when leading the storming party at the attack and capture of a strong position occupied by the enemy near Nilt in the Hunza-Nagur country on December 20th, 1891. Lieutenant Smith, who was serving in the Indian Staff Corps, is a Norfolk man, and was educated at the Norwich Grammar School."

19.--The Norwich Town Council decided to create and issue 3 per cent. redeemable stock, and on October 11th a series of formal resolutions in completion of the scheme was adopted.

21.--The St. George's Vase was won at the Bisley meeting by Private Gray, 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, with the highest possible score of 35 points.

22.--In the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, before Mr. Justice North, the action, Boswell _v._ Coaks, came on for hearing. It was brought for the purpose of re-opening the question which, after protracted litigation, had been settled in the House of Lords. The present action was founded on allegations of fraud on the part of one of the successful litigants in the conduct of the litigation. The judge did not call for a reply. He said he had come to the conclusion that each allegation of fraud afforded no probable cause for thinking that the plaintiff could possibly succeed at the trial. After this matter had been thrashed out at such an enormous expenditure of time and money he thought there would be a grievous miscarriage of justice if he did not, so far as he could, put a closure to steps to open up a matter upon suggestions so unfounded and baseless as he considered the plaintiff's pleadings to make. He did not mean to suggest that plaintiff's advisers had instituted the action for the purpose of vexation, but in his opinion nothing could be more vexatious than that an action should be proceeded with in which any chance of success was absolutely hopeless. Notice of appeal was given by the plaintiff on August 17th. In the Court of Appeal on November 2nd the case was re-opened, and after a hearing which lasted several hours their lordships reserved judgment. Mr. Justice A. L. Smith read the judgment of the Court on November 5th, which was in favour of the respondent, with costs. Judgment was confirmed in the Court of Appeal on February 9th, 1893, by Lords Justices Lopes and Kay. (_See_ December 14th, 1893.)

23.--The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions Norfolk Regiment went into camp at Yarmouth.

31.--The greater portion of the tower of Hindolveston church collapsed, carrying with it a large part of the nave, and forcing one of the chancel windows some distance into the churchyard. The tower had already been reported to be unsafe, and a fund had been opened for its restoration.

AUGUST.

2.--The Cricket Week theatricals at Norwich Theatre included performances of "Old Cronies," "In Honour Bound," and "Done on Both Sides." This was the last occasion upon which performances were given by Sir Kenneth Kemp's company. The Cricket Week was continued in subsequent years in the first week of August.

3.--Mr. Arthur Wilson Fox, one of the assistant Commissioners appointed by the Royal Commission on Labour, held an inquiry at the Assembly Rooms, Swaffham, with the view of ascertaining the position and earnings of agricultural labourers. Similar inquiries were held in other parts of the county.

7.--Died, at Eastbourne, the Rev. George Charles Hoste, in his 79th year. He was born in Norwich, and was the eldest son of Colonel Sir George Hoste, of the Royal Engineers. He graduated at Caius College, Cambridge, in 1835, and in 1856 was presented by Bishop Hinds to the important parish of Heigham. In 1847 he married Anne, daughter of Mr. John Brenchley, of Wombwell Hall, near Gravesend. Mr. Hoste made great efforts to provide increased church accommodation in Heigham, and in 1861 secured sufficient money to build the church dedicated to the Holy Trinity. On retiring from Heigham he was given the living of Boyton, Suffolk.

20.--The Queen, it was announced, had conferred the dignity of a peerage upon Mr. William Amhurst Tyssen-Amherst, of Didlington Hall. The "London Gazette" of September 23rd announced that the new peer had adopted the title of Baron Amherst of Hackney.

30.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council it was decided to rescind a former resolution of the Council passed with the view of preventing the erection of the Roman Catholic church presbytery beyond the building line at Unthank's Road, and permission was granted for carrying out the original plans. (_See_ August 29th, 1894.)

SEPTEMBER.

1.--The students entered into occupation of the Norwich and Ely Training College for female teachers in elementary schools. The cost of the college was about 10,000, and of the practising schools 2,122. The buildings were designed by Messrs. Oliver and Leeson, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and erected by Messrs. J. Youngs and Son. The college was formally opened on October 12th by the Bishops of Norwich and Ely.

--Died the Rev. John Marjoribanks Nisbet, Canon of Norwich Cathedral, and rector of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, London. He was 67 years of age, and was appointed to his canonry in 1867. In 1885 Canon Nisbet was elected proctor in Convocation for the Norwich Chapter.

5.--Thorpe Market church was re-opened after extensive restoration. The building was erected in 1796 by the second Lord Suffield on the site formerly occupied by the original church, which had fallen into decay, and was in consequence demolished.

--A fire of a most disastrous character occurred at Norwich in the north-east angle of the large block of buildings lying between Bank Street and Queen Street. The outbreak was confined to a three-storey building occupied by Mr. R. A. Cooper, wholesale confectioner, of Queen Street. Police-constable Hook was struck by falling masonry, and sustained a fractured spine, from which he died in Hospital on the 10th.

12.--Mr. C. E. Cooke, of Litcham, sold his famous eight-years-old hackney stallion. Cadet 1,251, for 3,000 to Mr. Alexander J. Cassatt, president of the American Hackney Horse Society.

14.--Mr. Ben Greet's company of pastoral players performed the garden scenes in "Twelfth Night" in the grounds of Mr. A. R. Chamberlin, the Grove, Ipswich Road, Norwich, in aid of the funds of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

17.--Died, at Weston House, Colonel Sir Hambleton Custance, K.C.B., aged 82. He was a son of Mr. Hambleton Thomas Custance, of Weston, by Mary, only child of Miles Bower, and was born at Norwich. He married, in 1840, Frances, daughter of Sir Edmund Bacon, premier baronet of England, and widow of the Rev. Henry Walpole Nevill. For more than fifty years he held a commission in the old First or West Norfolk Militia, from the command of which he retired in 1881 with the rank of honorary colonel, when he received the dignity of K.C.B. From 1863 to 1878 he was vice-chairman of the General Committee of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival, a justice of the peace, and Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk, and in 1859 served the office of High Sheriff. Lady Custance died on October 4th.

22.--Died, Mr. Thomas R. Tallack, formerly secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. He had done useful archaeological work, and among the most important of his undertakings was the putting of the city archives into good order and making them easy of access for reference. Mr. Tallack had also made a valuable transcript for the Norfolk and Norwich Archaeological Society of the Tanner MS.

OCTOBER.

3.--The annual provincial meeting of the Incorporated Law Society commenced at Norwich. The Mayor and Mrs. G. M. Chamberlin held a reception at St. Andrew's Hall; a banquet was given on the 4th; and the Sheriff and Mrs. Reeve invited the members to a ball on the 5th. Mr. Richard Pennington presided at the meetings of the society.

4.--Died, at Lynn, aged 61, Mr. William Thompson, who was elected Mayor of the borough in 1877, and again served the office from April to November, 1880, on the sudden death of Mr. Seppings.

12.--Madame Adelina Patti, supported by Mdlle. Donilly, Mdlle. Alice Gomez, Mr. Charles Chilley, Signor Novara, Miss Fanny Davies, Mdlle. Levallois, and M. Sieveking, appeared at a grand concert given at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich.

--Died, at Bramerton Lodge, Major John Penrice, aged 73. He was a justice of the peace for Norfolk, and took an active part in the administration of county business. Major Penrice was chairman of the Yarmouth Port and Haven Commission.

16.--Died, at Saxlingham Rectory, the Rev. George King, M.A., honorary canon of Norwich Cathedral, in his 90th year. Canon King was one of the oldest clergymen in the Church of England.

17.--A complimentary dinner, attended by 300 guests, was given at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. G. M. Chamberlin), to Mr. Henry Flowers in commemoration of his election to the Grand Mastership of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows.

20.--Mr. D. L. Moody, the "American Evangelist," opened a three days' mission at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich.

21.--A heavy fall of snow occurred in Norfolk, and was followed by severe frost. The weather for some time previously had been unprecedently wet, and the heavy rainfall had swollen the rivers and flooded the marshes and low-lying lands. During the first half of the month more than 4.5 inches of rain were registered at Sprowston. It was the wettest October that had been experienced for years past.

22.--Died, at 45, St. Giles' Street, Norwich, Mr. Thomas William Crosse, F.R.C.S., in his 67th year. He was a son of the distinguished John Green Crosse, and was educated at Mr. Perowne's school, Norwich, and at King's College School, London. After a course of study at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and at the Dublin, Leeds, and Norwich Hospitals, Mr. Crosse became, in 1847, M.R.C.S. and L.S.A., and in 1860, after examination, was admitted a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. In Norwich he gained the reputation of being a bold, skilful, and successful surgeon. He was appointed assistant-surgeon to the Hospital in 1857, became full surgeon on October 26th, 1872, and retired from the staff in 1888. In April, 1892, having previously filled the office of vice-chairman, he was made chairman of the Board of Management. For many years Mr. Crosse discharged with conspicuous ability the honorary duties of curator of the pathological museum at the Hospital. He was a member of the Council of the British Medical Association, and among his contributions to surgical literature were articles on "Urinary Calculus" in Heath's "System of Surgery." Mr. Crosse was a governor of the Grammar School and of the Middle School, and an _ex-officio_ member of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum. For some years he represented the Sixth Ward in the Conservative interest, and was appointed on January 21st, 1873, Medical Officer of Health for the city, and continued to discharge his duties until within a short time of his death. Mr. Crosse married, in 1857, a daughter of Mr. Adam Taylor.

--Died, at his residence, Beechamwell Hall, Mr. Joshua Fielden, aged 44. He was a son of Mr. John Fielden, of Green Bank, Caton, near Lancaster, and was educated at Eton and Cambridge. Mr. Fielden was a justice of the peace and a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1884.

26.--A "World's Fair," promoted in aid of the funds for paying off the debt on the vicarage house and the completion of the restoration of the tower of St. Peter Mancroft church, was opened at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, by the Mayor. The bazaar, which closed on the 28th, produced receipts to the amount of 575.

NOVEMBER.

2.--The inmates of Norwich Workhouse were entertained by Mr. Hoare, M.P., and Mrs. Hoare in celebration of the marriage of their daughter. Miss Elma Hoare, with the Rev. H. L. Paget, on October 27th.

9.--Mr. Alexander Robert Chamberlin was elected Mayor, and Mr. Russell J. Colman appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

16.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council the Liberal members elected a committee to select the names of persons to be submitted to the Lord Chancellor for appointment as magistrates. The Conservative members declined to take part in the proceedings on the ground that the movement was purely political. On December 20th the special committee reported that their proceedings had been abortive.

26.--Mr. C. S. Read made an important speech at the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture in opening a discussion upon the question of agricultural depression. It was decided to support the proposed National Agricultural Conference to be held in London. At an adjourned meeting of the Chamber on the 10th the proceedings of the Conference were discussed, and a resolution adopted in favour of the formation of an Agricultural Union by widening and popularising the Central Chamber of Agriculture and kindred societies.

29.--The Earl of Leicester, in a letter to the "Daily Telegraph," gave a remarkable account of the annual rents on the Holkham Estate when he entered into possession in 1842, in 1878, when they were at their highest, and in 1891, when the last payment was made. Summarised the statement was as follows:--

_Year ending at Michaelmas_, _1842_.

s. d.
Annual rents 40,419 1 5.25
Expenditure 7,608 4 5.5
Net income 32,810 16 11.75

_Year ending at Michaelmas_, _1878_.
(Highest rental.)

s. d.
Annual rents 60,218 1 6.5
Expenditure 20,653 12 3
Net income 39,564 9 3.5

_Year ending at Michaelmas_, _1891_.

s. d.
Annual rents 43,790 15 7.75
Expenditure 20,323 2 11.5
Net income 23,467 12 8.25

REMARKS.--Decrease 27.25 per cent. The tithe was paid by the landlord in 1878 and 1891, and three-fourths by the tenants in 1842.

s. d. s. d. The amount expended by the late 536,992 0 0 Earl of Leicester in buildings and repairs from 1776 to Michaelmas, 1841, was The amount expended by the 367,981 0 0 present Earl of Leicester in buildings and repairs, gates and fences, and under-draining, from Michaelmas, 1841, to Michaelmas, 1891, was For purchase of estates 190,175 0 0 558,156 0 0 1,095,148 0 0

DECEMBER.

1.--The first lecture of a series on Ecclesiastical History was delivered in the nave of Norwich Cathedral by Archdeacon Farrar on "Ignatius and Polycarp." (_See_ January 5th, 1893.)

8.--Died suddenly, at Bristol, Mr. William James Metcalfe, Q.C., Recorder of Norwich, and judge of the Bristol County Court. He was a son of the Rev. W. Metcalfe, of Foulmire, Cambridgeshire, and was born in 1818. Educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he took his M.A. degree, he was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1845, and became Queen's Counsel in 1873. Mr. Metcalfe was Recorder of Ipswich from 1866 to 1874, and succeeded Mr. P. O'Malley, Q.C., in the Recordership of Norwich. In 1879 he was appointed to his County Court judgeship. He was succeeded as Recorder of Norwich by Mr. Thomas Richardson Kemp, Q.C.

12.--Captain Lugard addressed two influential meetings at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, upon the situation in Uganda. A resolution expressive of satisfaction with the action of the Government was adopted.

18.--Died, at Portland Place, Bath, Mr. James Hunt Holley, aged 88. He was a son of Mr. James Hunt Holley, of Blickling, and was educated under Valpy at Norwich School. Possessed of considerable landed property, he took great interest in agriculture, and in 1858 purchased the estate of Oaklands, Okehampton, in Devonshire, on the borders of Dartmoor, where, remote from railways, agriculture had been neglected. The improvements which he carried out in the district gave great impetus to trade. He was an active magistrate, and during the earlier part of his life a staunch Free-trader and a Whig of the old school; but being unable to follow the extreme views of his party he ultimately withdrew from politics. Mr. Holley married a daughter of Admiral Windham, of Felbrigg Hall.

19.--The Prince of Wales presided at a dinner given at the Hotel Metropole, London, to Lord Suffield, on his retirement from the command of the Prince of Wales's Own Norfolk Artillery.

26.--The Compton Comedy Company commenced a twelve nights' engagement at Norwich Theatre, and Ginnett's Circus began its winter season at the Agricultural Hall.

1893.

JANUARY.

1.--The issue of second-class tickets was abolished throughout the system of the Great Eastern Railway Company, except in the case of trains running in the metropolitan suburban districts.

2.--"Sidney Carton," a dramatised version of Dickens' "Tale of Two Cities," was performed for the first time on any stage at Norwich Theatre by the Compton Comedy Company.

5.--The frost continued to be very severe. Large numbers of skaters visited Wroxham and Surlingham Broads.

--The course of lectures on Ecclesiastical History was continued at Norwich Cathedral by the Rev. J. A. Robinson, Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge, who dealt with "The Apology of Aristides." On February 1st the Rev. Prebendary Meyrick lectured on "The Life and Times of Justin Martyr"; and on March 8th the Rev. Stanley Leathes, D.D., Prebendary of St. Paul's, on "The Life and Times of Irenaeus." The second course was commenced by the Rev. G. A. Schneider, who lectured on "Tertullian: His Life and Times," on December 1st, and on "The Works on Tertullian," on December 19th. (_See_ April 2nd, 1895.)

7.--Died, at Woodbastwick, William Fryer, for seventy-four years parish clerk, in his 92nd year. He entered into office in June, 1819, and continued to discharge his duties to within a short period of his death. If not the oldest parish clerk in point of age, there was reason to believe that Fryer had held office longer than any other parish clerk in the kingdom. He was for many years postmaster, general shopkeeper, and village carpenter and blacksmith.

11.--The first meeting in Norfolk of the National Agricultural Union promoted by Lord Winchilsea was held at the Corn Hall, Harleston, under the presidency of Mr. J. Sancroft Holmes. Other meetings of the Union were held during the year in various parts of the county.

12.--The series of Science Lectures for the People was resumed at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, by Dr. Andrew Wilson, on the subject of "The Distribution of Animals, and what it Teaches." On February 8th Dr. Drinkwater lectured on "Light and Colour from the Sun."

21.--At the instance of the Rate Basis Committee of the County Council a conference of delegates from all the Unions of Norfolk was held at Norwich, to consider the advisability of adopting a uniform system of assessment through the county. A resolution was carried recommending Assessment Committees to make the annual value of property as determined for the purpose of Schedule A the basis of rating. It was also decided that the Rate Basis Committee send out to the different Unions a general or consolidated scale of deductions.

25.--The Norwich Board of Guardians resolved to request the Local Government Board to repeal parts of the Norwich Poor Act of 1863 in order to make the general law as to franchise and election of Guardians applicable to Norwich.

28.--It was authoritatively announced that the Bishop of Norwich had placed his resignation in the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury. An Order in Council, passed in the presence of her Majesty, on May 16th, declared the See of Norwich vacant. (_See_ May 31st.)

31.--Archdeacon Crosse was installed a Canon Residentiary of Norwich Cathedral.

FEBRUARY.

2.--At a full-dress parade of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment Brigadier-General Bulwer decorated several officers of the battalion with the new Volunteer Decoration.

20.--Miss Grace Hawthorne appeared at Norwich Theatre in Sardou's play, "Theodora." A feature of the performance was the introduction of a cage of live lions in act I., scene 3.

MARCH.

7.--The honorary freedom of Norwich was presented to Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., by the Town Council, in recognition of his distinguished services to the city.

12.--The thermometer on the afternoon of this date registered 60 deg. Fah. in the shade; on the 17th there was a downfall of snow.

23.--The Norwich Isolation Hospital, erected upon a site near the Cemetery, was opened by the Mayor (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin). It was designed by Mr. P. P. Marshall, City Engineer, and the tender for its erection amounted to 4,290.

25.--Particulars were published of the measures to be adopted in Norwich in the event of the threatened outbreak of cholera. During the week ending this date official visits were made to Yarmouth, Cromer, and other places on the Norfolk coast by Dr. S. Monckton Copeman, one of the Medical Officers of the Local Government Board.

27.--Died, at Bracondale, Norwich, Mr. Thomas Gabriel Bayfield, aged 76. In his school days he formed the acquaintance of Mr. B. B. Woodward, afterwards Queen's Librarian, and of Mr. S. P. Woodward, the subsequent author of the manual on Mollusca, both sons of Samuel Woodward, and from them he imbibed a love for archaeology and natural history. Mr. Bayfield was regarded as an authority on ancient seals, and rendered great assistance to Dean Goulburn in the compilation of his work on Norwich Cathedral. In geology he laboured at the chalk and Norwich crag, and made a valuable collection of fossils; those from the chalk were subsequently acquired by the British Museum. He was one of the most active members of the Norwich Geological Society, and an enthusiastic member of the Norwich Science Club and of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society. Upon relinquishing his business as an ironmonger in Magdalen Street, Mr. Bayfield obtained the appointment of master of the Blind School.

30.--Died Mr. Richard Charles Browne, of Elsing Hall, East Dereham, in his 63rd year. "A son of the Rev. Richard Browne, he was head of one of the oldest houses in England, the Hastings, of Elsing. He was lineally descended from Hugh Hastings, of Elsing, and consequently from Malcolm, King of Scotland. On the death of Hugh Hastings in the sixteenth century, the Barony of Hastings (1264) fell into abeyance between the two daughters, Anne, the elder, and Elizabeth. Mr. Browne descended from the latter. The abeyance lasted till about 1840, when Lord John Russell advised her Majesty to terminate it in favour of Sir Jacob Astley, who descended from Hugh Hastings' brother. It was thought that Lord John's decision was not unconnected with politics."

APRIL.

6.--The Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced its two days' sittings at Noverre's Rooms, Norwich. Bishop Pelham presided for the last time, and in his presidential address alluded to his approaching retirement.

8.*--"The Hon. Robert Marsham having received Royal Licence to take the additional name of Townshend, the surname of himself and his family will henceforth be Marsham-Townshend instead of Marsham."

21.--A great Unionist demonstration took place at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, as a protest against the Home Rule Bill. Colonel Bignold, leader of the Conservative party, presided, and Lord Ashbourne was the principal speaker.

--Died, at Bradenham Hall, Mr. William Meybohm Rider Haggard, aged 76. Mr. Haggard came of a Scandinavian family, and for several generations his ancestors had been Norfolk squires. He was lord of the manor of West Bradenham, a Deputy Lieutenant, and one of the most active magistrates in the county. For many years he acted as a Chairman of Norfolk Quarter Sessions held by adjournment at Swaffham, and afterwards at Lynn, and for a long period was a member of the Committee of Visitors to Norwich Castle. After the passing of the Local Government Act, by which the business previously transacted at Quarter Sessions was transferred to the County Council, Mr. Haggard, like so many representatives of the old county gentry, retired from active participation in public affairs. He was educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, called to the Bar in 1842, and married, in 1844, Ella, elder daughter of Mr. Doveton, of the Bombay Civil Service. Mrs. Haggard was an exceedingly gifted woman, and possessed of brilliant literary powers.

23.--Died, at Cambridge, Mr. Robert Lubbock Bensly, M.A., Senior Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, and Lord Almoner's Professor of Arabic, aged 61. Professor Bensly, who was widely known as an Oriental scholar, was the eldest surviving son of Mr. Robert Bensly, of Eaton. He was educated at King's College, London, and afterwards at Gonville and Caius College, where he graduated in the Classical Tripos in 1855, and was elected Tyrwhitt Hebrew Scholar in 1857. After spending two years at the Universities of Bonn and Halle, he returned to Cambridge, where he was appointed Hebrew lecturer at his college, and subsequently became the Senior Fellow. He was an active and valued member of the Old Testament Revision Committee, and was for many years an examiner in the theological and Semitic languages triposes, and succeeded the Hon. Ion Keith Falconer as Lord Almoner's Professor of Arabic. Afterwards he was appointed University lecturer in Oriental Languages. The closing work of his life was connected with a discovery of extreme importance and value, which he made in company with his former pupil, Mr. F. C. Burkett, of a manuscript found by Mrs. Lewis, of Cambridge, in 1892, in the Convent of St. Catharine on Mount Sinai. A careful examination of photographs taken by her from this MS., which was a palimpsest, revealed the important fact that the nearly obliterated Syriac characters bore a close resemblance to the fragmentary text found by Cureton in 1842, and that the newly-found text comprised nearly all the four Gospels. This discovery led to an expedition in the present year (1893) to Mount Sinai, where the intricate task of deciphering and transcribing the MS. was undertaken by Professor Bensly, Mr. Burkett, and Mr. Rendel Harris. The Professor was well known as the discoverer and editor of "The Missing Fragment of the Fourth Book of Ezra." He also edited the Harklean version of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and at the time of his death was engaged in preparing other important works for the press.

24.--In a letter to the Press on this date Mr. James Emery, of Stibbard, wrote:--"This is the earliest spring for more than one hundred years in Norfolk. I have this day gathered some hawthorn in full blossom. I have seen more than sixty summers; my father lived to be seventy-four, and he has told me many times he never saw hawthorn in flower by the first of May. Nor have I ever seen it till this season before the first of May."

25.--The Fletcher Convalescent Home, at Cromer, built by the munificence of Mr. B. E. Fletcher, and endowed by the Earl of Leicester, as an adjunct to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, was opened by the Countess of Leicester. Mr. Edward Boardman, of Norwich, was the architect. The cost of the building was not disclosed by the donor; the endowment fund amounted to 15,000, which Lord Leicester augmented to 20,000 in February, 1894.

MAY.

5.--The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin) sent to the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Teck, and the Duke of York and Princess Victoria Mary, the congratulations of himself and the citizens on the announcement of the betrothal of the Duke and Princess. On June 30th the Mayor, the Sheriff (Mr. Russell J. Colman), and the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. G. M. Chamberlin) proceeded to Marlborough House, and presented to the Duke of York a valuable dessert service, the gift of the citizens, with a richly-illuminated vellum containing a congratulatory address and the names of the subscribers.

17.--Died, at Heigham Grove, Norwich, Mr. William John Utten Browne, barrister-at-law, aged 88. Mr. Browne had been for many years an active and painstaking magistrate, and in the early decades of the century occupied a very prominent position in the public life of the city. In 1833 he served as one of the Sheriffs of Norwich, and was elected Mayor in 1860. In July, 1837, he contested in the Conservative interest the borough of Ashburton, Devonshire, and was defeated by Mr. Lushington. On attaining his 80th birthday he was entertained to a banquet by his colleagues on the Bench. Mr. Browne was a staunch Tory and High Churchman.

20.*--"A meeting of owners and occupiers of property at Thorpe St. Andrew was recently held to protest against a proposal of the Norwich Town Council to annex Thorpe to their municipal district. It was resolved that a fund be guaranteed for the purpose of opposing by every possible means any attempt at annexation on the part of Norwich. The sum of 5,000 was guaranteed in the room."

21.--Mrs. Brown, a woman in humble circumstances, living at Winterton, celebrated her one hundredth birthday. She had been a widow from her 81st year, and was entirely dependent upon her daughter, aged 77, with whom she lived. Mrs. Brown had never travelled further than the neighbouring town of Gorleston.

27.--A special meeting of the Norfolk County School Association was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, at which the chairman of the directors and trustees, the Rev. H. Smith, proposed, and it was agreed, "That it has been proved to the satisfaction of the association that it cannot by reason of its liabilities continue its business, and that it is desirable that the same should be wound up voluntarily, and that the company be wound up accordingly." The original scheme, it was stated, was too large and ambitious, and the association was weighted at the outset with a capital expenditure and an annual working outlay beyond its strength and capacity. On September 9th it was announced: "After struggling for some years under heavy mortgage and liabilities the Norfolk County School Association has been compelled to wind up. The property has passed into the hands of Lord Leicester, who has made arrangements which will enable the late head-master, Mr. W. E. Humphreys, to re-open next term."

--The Conservative and Unionist voters of East Norfolk adopted Colonel McCalmont, C.B., Unionist candidate for the constituency. Colonel McCalmont retired in March, 1895. Mr. H. Rider Haggard was then announced as the Conservative candidate.

31.--The _conge d'elire_ for the election of a new Bishop of Norwich having been received, a meeting of the Dean and Chapter was held at the residence of Canon Heaviside, when the Rev. John Sheepshanks, M.A., of St. Margaret's, Anfield, Liverpool, was elected. The election was confirmed at Bow Church, Cheapside, London, on June 28th; the ceremony of consecration was performed at St. Paul's Cathedral on the 29th; and Bishop Sheepshanks did homage to her Majesty at Windsor Castle on June 30th. His lordship was enthroned and installed at Norwich Cathedral on July 13th with the usual ceremonial. The Dean afterwards entertained a large company to luncheon at the Deanery, and in the afternoon the clergy waited upon his lordship at the Palace and presented him with an address.

JUNE.

1.--A meeting was held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, to protest against the Suspensory Bill for the Church in Wales. Lord Egerton of Tatton presided, and Mr. Stanley Leighton, M.P., and Mr. W. S. de Winton, M.P., were among the speakers.

22.--Mr. Albert Chevalier gave his first recital in Norwich at the Agricultural Hall, and repeated the entertainment on the 23rd.

27.--The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at the Grove, Ipswich Road, Norwich, the residence of the Mayor (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin), who was this year president of the society. The exhibition closed on the 29th. This was the only occasion upon which a three days' show had been held by the association.

JULY.

6.--The marriage of the Duke of York and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck was celebrated throughout the county. At Norwich the Artillery Volunteers and the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment paraded in the Market Place and fired a _feu-de-joie_, and a Royal salute was fired upon Mousehold Heath by the mounted battery of the first-named corps. One thousand persons above sixty-five years of age were presented with gifts by the Mayor and Sheriff at the Agricultural Hall; and in the afternoon the 8th Hussars and the Volunteers were reviewed on Mousehold. An illuminated _fete_ was given in the evening in Chapel Field Gardens, and the day's festivities concluded with a ball given by the Mayor at St. Andrew's Hall.

8.--A severe thunderstorm occurred after very close and sultry weather. Another storm took place on the 9th and 10th, and on the 11th it raged with increased violence, and did much damage in various parts of the county. A man was killed by lightning at Long Stratton.

13.--The third biennial sale of shorthorns and Southdowns, the property of the Prince of Wales, was conducted at Wolferton by Mr. John Thornton, and resulted in a total of 2,151.

18.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Mathew, Sarah Bligh (22), domestic servant, was indicted for the wilful murder of her child, Isaac Bligh, at Holme Hale, on June 7th. She was found guilty and strongly recommended to mercy. The judge, without assuming the black cap, passed sentence of death. The capital sentence was subsequently commuted.

19.--The first squadron of the 8th Hussars marched from the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, and the remaining squadrons left on the 20th. Prior to their departure the non-commissioned officers were presented with gifts for their mess, subscribed for by the citizens. The 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel H. P. Douglas Willan, marched in on the same dates.

22.--Mr. Clement Higgins, Q.C., M.P., intimated his intention to the electors of Mid Norfolk not to seek re-election for the division at the next election. Mr. F. W. Wilson was subsequently adopted the Gladstonian candidate.

28.--Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Dawson Paul celebrated their silver wedding at Norwich.

29.--The 3rd and 4th Volunteer Battalions Norfolk Regiment went into camp at Colchester.

AUGUST.

30.--A meeting was held at Norwich at which it was decided to take steps for the formation of golf links. On November 8th an adjourned meeting took place, at which it was announced that land had been acquired for the purpose at Hellesdon. The Royal Norwich Golf Club, with the Duke of York as president, was then formed, and the links were opened on February 1st, 1894.

SEPTEMBER.

7.--In consequence of a telegram received from the War Office the 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards left Norwich for the scene of the colliery riots in the Midland counties. The regiment entrained at Trowse, the horses being conveyed in bullock trucks. A Squadron proceeded to Mansfield, B to Rotherham, C to Wakefield, and D to Dewsbury. On the 8th 50 men of the Norfolk Constabulary, under the Chief Constable (Mr. Paynton Pigott), were drafted to Nottingham, and on the 9th 20 men of the Norwich city police proceeded to the scene of the disturbances.

OCTOBER.

2.--Died, in London, Lady Eastlake, widow of Sir C. L. Eastlake, a former President of the Royal Academy. Her ladyship, who was in her 84th year, was a daughter of Dr. Edward Rigby, of Norwich, and was distinguished for her literary work.