Chapter C: E. Bartram 112 (1)

J. H. Harrison 84

July 11th.—The Lord Bishop had laid the corner-stone of St. John’s Church. Mr. J. A. Hakewell was the architect. Mr. A. W. Morant supervised the erection, and Mr. R. Steward was the contractor for the entire work at £1,246.

The Bishop preached from Col. iii., 1, 2, 3 and 4.

July 18th.—There was to be no Regatta this year.

Mr. Harmer’s coloured photographic portraits were much admired.

Mackerel had been scarce, owing, it was supposed, to the coldness of the weather.

July 25th.—A detachment of Royal Artillery, about 145 strong, was encamped on the North-denes.

James Ablett a pauper nurse at the Workhouse, had been committed for trial at the Assizes for the wilful murder of Angus Steward.

July 29th.—The Committee (which consisted of the Earl of March, chairman, Mr. H. M. Clifford, Mr. C. J. Dupre, Mr. W. J. Garnet, and Colonel Maxwell), was sitting upon the petition against the return of Messrs. McCullagh and Watkin as M.P.’s for the Borough.

Aug. 1st.—This Committee had unseated both those gentlemen.

At the Water Frolic for the first match the following entries were made:—

Kathleen Messrs. Diver and Chamberlin Belvidere Mr. T. Read, jun. Victorine Mr. J. Fiddes Ontario Mr. F. Frere Pysche Mr. J. Fenn, jun. Iris Mr. A. D. Stone

At the finish the Kathleen beat the Belvidere by some 300 yards.

The second match was won by Mr. Green’s “Enchantress” (latteen.)

Aug. 5th.—There had been a monstre Liberal Demonstration, when Mr. A. W. Young and Mr. J. Mellor, Q.C., were accepted as the candidates of that party. Some 10,000 to 12,000 persons were present.

Aug. 8th.—Among the Tories “vacillation, uncertainty, and lukewarmness prevailed.” Sir Samuel Hogg, Mr. Mackenzie, and Sir Henry Stracey had been tried without avail.

The Hon. Ernest Duncombe had visited the Borough, and left without taking further action; so Sir Edmund Lacon was still alone in the field as a Conservative candidate.

Aug. 13th.—Sir E. Lacon had retired from the contest.

The nomination had taken place outside the Town Hall, when Mr. J. W. Shelly proposed, and Mr. H. Danby-Palmer seconded Mr. A. W. Young; and Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. P. Pullyn seconded Mr. J. Mellor, Q.C., and there being no other nomination, those gentlemen were declared duly elected.

Messrs. McCullagh and Watkin subsequently addressed the electors from the Star Hotel.

Aug. 23rd.—About 90 ladies and gentlemen had attended the Race Ball at the Town Hall.

Mr. Allen’s tender of £3,156 11s. 5d. for the erection of the Britannia Pier, and Mr. Thompson’s tender of £200 for making the approaches to it, had been accepted.

Herrings were selling at from £20 to £26 per last.

Sept. 12th.—A new organ had been built for St. Peter’s Church at a cost of £400.

Sept. 23rd.—The Mayor had convened a meeting for the purpose of raising a fund for the relief of the sufferers by the Indian Mutiny. Among those present were—Sir Eaton Travers, the Revs. G. Hills, J. S. Russell, J. B. Brampton, B. Vaux and D. Oliver, Dr. Dunne, and Messrs. J. W. Shelly, S. Tolver, P. Pullyn, J. G. Fisher, R. Ferrier, sen., S. Dowson, A. R. Palmer, G. Blake, E. P. Youell, C. Preston, E. R. Aldred, W. Davie, &c.; the sum of £233 17s. was subscribed in the room.

Sept. 30th.—The following shareholders had attended the ordinary general meeting of the Yarmouth and Haddiscoe Railway Company:—Sir E. H. K. Lacon (Chairman), Sir M. Peto, R. Hammond, J. Clowes, B. Fenn, C. E. Bartram, and W. H. Palmer, Esqs., &c., and power was given to the Directors to raise £25 000 by way of mortgage.

Oct. 3rd.—The Britannia Pier Works were being actively pushed on.

Mr. J. H. Harrison (the Ballast lessee) had called a meeting of 120 masters of vessels at the St. George’s Hall, for the purpose of receiving a statement from that gentleman, during which he said that he proposed to give a donation of £8 to the Fishermen’s Hospital, which sum he had received from a dispute (in which he did not concur) with the Corporation. Mr. Harrison was loudly cheered by the meeting, which he regaled with choice wines and spirits.

The Rev. J. S. Russell had preached his farewell sermon at the King Street Chapel, where he had laboured for the past 14 years.

Oct. 10th.—The Day of National Fast and Humiliation had been observed in the town “in a most becoming manner.”

Herring was selling at from £10 to £18 per last.

Oct. 17th.—Three hundred pounds had been collected for the Indian Relief Fund.

Oct. 21st.—Contains the following report:—“A Vestry meeting was held in the Town-hall, on Friday, for the purpose of considering the propriety of making a Church rate. There was a large attendance; the minister of the parish (the Rev. G. Hills, B.D.), of course presided.—The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, stated that the rate which would be proposed would be, in all respects, a legal one; it would include a charge for St. Peter’s Church, as the Churchwardens had been advised that that edifice was chargeable upon the rate in the same way that the Parish Church was. With regard to the new church of St. John’s, a fund had been raised which would be invested for keeping it in repair, so that it might never become chargeable to the parishioners. The Churchwardens, in order to preserve as much harmony as possible, would only ask for a rate for the repair of the fabrics, and for the payment of such legal charges as they were compelled to include in the rate; the items which would be left out would, therefore, amount to between £60 and £70, and would have to be defrayed by voluntary contribution.—Messrs. C. S. D. Steward and E. R. Aldred, the Churchwardens, moved and seconded that a rate of 1½d. in the pound be levied for the ensuing year; the amounts which it was estimated would be required were—for the Parish Church, £142 5s. 4d.; for St. George’s Chapel, £32 6s. 6d.; for St. Peter’s Church £32; and for general purposes £35.—Mr. W. T. Fisher moved, and Mr. J. Lawn seconded, “That at a time when it is expected that the Government will pass a bill for the abolition of Church rates, it appears to this vestry that it is inexpedient to increase the rates by including St. Peter’s Church, as it may ultimately add to increased taxation.” Mr. Fisher also moved, and Mr. Joseph Neave seconded, “That time be given for the ratepayers to examine the estimates, and that the meeting do therefore adjourn for three weeks for that purpose.”—The Chairman refused to put either of the above amendments—the first because Mr. Fisher would not alter it by leaving out the words “By including St. Peter’s Church,” and the second because he did not consider it to be a _bona fide_ objection.—Mr. Fisher entered written protests, signed by himself, against the decision of the chairman, which protests he requested might be entered in the Vestry Clerk’s minutes of the meeting.—Mr. J. H. Harrison moved, “That until after the committee, which was appointed in April last to confer with the Churchwardens relative to the property belonging to the Parish Church, had made its report to a further vestry, it is inexpedient to make a rate.” Mr. F. Starling seconded the amendment.—The Chairman, in endeavouring to prevail upon Mr. Harrison to withdraw his amendment, stated that in March next, property which now let at from £29 to £30 a year, and that in September, 1859, property which now realised £50 per annum, would fall in; he agreed with them that the greatest care ought to be taken in properly administering this property, and said he believed its value would be increased threefold.—The amendment was carried by an immense majority, and the meeting, therefore, was adjourned _sine die_.

Oct. 28th.—Many vessels had been lost, and amongst them the “Betsy” (G. D. Palmer, Esq., owner), on Palling Beach. (N.B.—She was at that time the oldest vessel afloat hailing from the port, and had belonged to the Palmer family for more than 100 years.)

Oct. 31st.—The Liberal electors had held a grand soireè at the Town Hall, Messrs. A. W. Young, M.P., and J. Mellor, Q.C., M.P., being present; 220 persons attended, amongst whom were R. Hammond, Esq., (Chairman), and Messrs. G. D. Palmer, J. W. Shelley, W. N. Burroughs, P. Pullyn, C. E. Bartram, D. A. Gourlay, J. Clowes, G. Blake, W. T. Clarke, F. Palmer, H. D. Palmer, D. B. Palmer, W. T. Fisher, J. Cobb, J. Mainprice, W. Briggs, J. H. Harrison, J. Owles, J. Neave, &c. Mr. McCullagh was unable to attend, but the meeting was addressed by Messrs. Young, Mellor, and Watkin, and the utmost unanimity prevailed.

Nov. 4th.—Some 2,000 persons had attended an open-air Liberal Demonstration on the Hall-quay, at which G. Danby-Palmer, Esq., presided, and which was addressed by Mr. Watkin.

At the Municipal Election the Tories had been successful, the Liberals “not going in to win.” At the close of the poll the Conservative procession, consisting of a band of music, some flags, bearing such inscriptions as “Cheap Bread and Economy,” and about four or five cabs formed and paraded through the principal thoroughfares. The returns were—

_Regent Ward_. Sir E. H. K. Lacon, (C) 118 J. Cherry, (C) 114 J. Owles, (L) 82 F. Palmer, (L) 78 _Market Ward_. J. E. Barnby, (C) 128 J. Fenn, (C) 126 J. Scott, (L) 110 G. W. Clowes, (L) 107 _St. George’s Ward_. W. J. Foreman, (C) 121 H. Jay, (C) 117 A. D. Stone, (L) 85 J. Fill, (L) 80 _Nelson Ward_. S. V. Moore, (L) 211 J. Clark, (C) 151 J. Clowes, (L) 127 _North Ward_. S. Nightingale, (C) 144 W. H. Bessey, (C) 132 J. Mainprice, (L) 126 J. Cobb, (L) 109 _St. Andrew’s Ward_. J. Hammond, (C) 185 William H. Palmer, (C) 174 Henry Danby-Palmer, (L) 164 J. Barker, (L) 150

Mr. J. Clowes had entered a protest against the return in the Nelson Ward “on the ground of the presiding alderman having left his post during the election.”

Nov. 7th.—The first general meeting of the Shareholders of the Britannia Pier Company had been held, the accounts showing £1,365 received, and £781 12s. 6d expended.

Nov. 11th.—At the Council Meeting, Mr. E. H. L. Preston proposed, and Mr. Palmer (Deputy-Mayor) seconded, Mr. Francis Worship for the office of Mayor. Mr. R. Steward then proposed Mr. W. H. Bessey, who declining the honour, Mr. Steward suggested the name of Mr. Plummer, who also refusing to serve, the Mayor declared Mr. Worship unanimously elected to the office.

The Poor’s rate was 1s. 4d. in the £.

Nov. 14th.—Thirty-six gentlemen had attended the dinner given to the Ex-Mayor at the Town Hall.

Herring was selling at from £12 to £20 a last.

The adjourned Vestry Meeting for the purpose of considering the propriety of making a Church rate had been held in the Town Hall. There was a large attendance of ratepayers, who were, of course, presided over by the minister of the parish. The Committee appointed to consider the value of the Church property recommended that that which had fallen in, and which would fall in on the 25th of March next, should be re-let on repairing leases of 14 years’ duration, at a rental of £76 16s.—Mr. J. H. Harrison, one of the committee, gave a detailed account of all the Church property, both of that which fell in in September last, and that which will fall in during next year and 1859 and 1860. He had no doubt, whatever, that if the property was properly managed, there would be no necessity for asking for a Church rate after 1860.—Mr. C. S. D. Steward and Mr. E. R. Aldred, the Churchwardens, moved and seconded respectively, “That in consequence of the increased rental of the estate belonging to St. Nicholas’ Church not being available for the current year, a rate of 1½d in the pound be now made and assessed.”—Mr. J. H. Harrison thought that St. Peter’s Church ought not to be included in the rate, and moved as an amendment, “That St. Peter’s Church having been erected by voluntary contributions, with an understanding that it should be maintained and supported by its pew rents, and should in no way become a charge upon the parish, this Vestry deems it advisable to refuse making a rate until the Churchwardens do exclude the said Church of St. Peter wholly from their estimate.”—Mr. J. Lawn seconded the amendment, but the Chairman refused to put it, on the ground that he could not consistently with his duty do so.—After considerable discussion, in the course of which the Clerk stated that St. Peter’s Church could be legally included in the rate, Mr. W. T. Fisher moved, and Mr. J. Lawn seconded, on the ground that the Church property, if re-let at its full value, would realize more than sufficient for the necessary repairs of the Parish Church, and that money, which could afterwards be repaid out of the surplus, could be borrowed to defray the expenses for the next two years,—“That this meeting resolves to adjourn for four weeks, to obtain the necessary amount and thereby to avoid the necessity of making a Church rate.”—The Chairman conscientiously refused to put this amendment on the ground that it was not a _bona fide_ one, and also the following amendment, which was likewise moved by Mr. W. T. Fisher, “That in order to give the Churchwardens time to prepare a proper estimate, the Vestry to adjourn for three weeks.”—Mr. J. H. Harrison then moved, “That it is inexpedient and inadvisable to make a Church rate at this meeting.”—The Chairman, however, refused to put this, as also another amendment by Mr. J. H. Harrison to the effect, “That a Church rate of a farthing in the pound be levied.”—After a great deal of uproar, the motion of the Churchwardens was lost by a considerable majority. A poll was then demanded, when the Chairman appointed Mr. J. L. Cufaude to be the assessor, and the meeting adjourned. The following numbers were polled during the afternoon:—For the rate 225, against it 195.

Nov. 18th.—The polling of the Vestry had been concluded as follows:—

For the Rate 651 Against 771

and at 10 o’clock on Saturday, Mr. Hills stated that the poll would not be re-opened.

On the following day (Sunday) the clocks at the Parish Church and St. George’s Chapel were stopped, and the bells “tolled” at the hour for performance of divine service.

Nov. 21st.—Mr. D. Tomkins, of the British School, had again satisfied the Government Inspector.

R. Hammond, Esq., had presented 40 cwt. of coal to the inmates of the Fisherman’s Hospital.

Nov. 28th.—It was calculated that there were 400 boats then engaged in the Herring Fishing belonging to Yarmouth.

Dec. 12th.—The Mayor’s “feast” had been held at the Town Hall, 120 gentlemen being present, including Lord Sondes (High Steward), Sir E. N. Buxton, Bart., M.P., Sir H. Stracey, Bart., Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., Colonel Elmhirst, Colonel Sankey, Major Taylor, Captain Nugent, Captain Dunt, the Revs. B. Vaux, J. Gunn, M. Waters and J. B. Bampton, Messrs. R. Hammond, W. N. Burroughs, C. J. Palmer, C. Cory, E. H. L. Preston, E. P. Youell, W. Yetts, R. Steward, B. Jay, C. H. Chamberlin, R. S. Watling, I. Preston, jun., W. C. Reynolds, R. Ferrier, W. H. Palmer, C. Preston, F. Palmer, H. D Palmer, J. C. Smith, D. A. Gourlay, &c.

The “recruiting staff” of the 9th Regiment, then at Yarmouth, consisted of Lieut.-Colonel C. Elmhirst, Brevt-Colonel Sankey, Major A. Taylor, Captains W. Dunt, H. F. Manton, W. Nugent, D. A. Barnett, R. P. O’Shea, J. W. MacFarlane, — Carden, and J. Graham, Lieutenants H. G. H. Grubbe, H. Gipps, and A. F. B. Wright, Adjutant Bolton, Ensigns C. S. Perry, J. L. Bradshaw, S. Lynne and C. T. Coote, Quarter-Master Arrowsmith, and 19 Sergeants and 10 Corporals.

Dec. 30th.—There were 30 prisoners in the Gaol, and they had been regaled with a Christmas dinner by the Mayor.

The Clocks at the Parish Church and St. George’s Chapel had been set going again at the instance of the Town Council.

1858.

Jan. 2nd.—Contains the following article on the Old Year:—“1857 has been a good year for our port. Our fisheries have prospered; our mercantile and shipping report is favourable; and our commercial credit has stood firm and upright against the pressure of a severe monetary crisis. We have proved the elasticity of our resources, and have demonstrated the strength and stability of our enterprise. The fashionable season has also been one on which we have to congratulate ourselves. During the summer and autumn of 1857, Yarmouth was full of visitors; our beach was crowded with company; and our hotels and lodging houses were all full. In short, on New Year’s Day we find that we can strike a balance on the right side, and look forward with hope based on the solid foundation of proved success. There is but one great drawback to the seasonable satisfaction such a state of things affords. Our political divisions have materially diminished the account in our favour, and have seriously interfered with the social harmony of the town. We have suffered ourselves to be led away into personal altercations, and have so departed from the straight road of a defined and thought-out principle. This has been a grave mistake, as we are now beginning to discover. But generally we have yet to learn that political zeal is not inconsistent with the courtesies of society, and that ill-tempered advocacy is worse than useless. Let us hope, however, that the moderate men of both political opinions, who must, we are sure, see the error of this course, will for the future guard against indiscretions, which are as inherently wrong as they are manifestly prejudicial to any cause that stands upon Principle and is supported by its own Truth. We know we express the opinion of the thinking portion of the constituency in advising an abstinence from the littleness of factious strife, and in suggesting a more elevated view of political verities, we are satisfied we are answering to the wish of the most respectable members of the opposing parties, and are explaining what is only wanting to consolidate the established prosperity of Yarmouth.”

The Hospital meeting showed a deficit of from £40 to £50 on the annual accounts.

Jan. 6th.—It was rumoured than an addition would shortly be made to the local Magistracy.

Jan. 9th.—Mr. C. J. Palmer occupied the chair at the annual Library Meeting. It was stated that there were then nearly 10,000 volumes belonging to that Institution, of which about 22 were circulated daily.

Jan. 13th.—Mr. Roach (Station-master) was, much to the regret of the inhabitants, leaving Yarmouth.

Jan. 16th.—Mr. George Danby-Palmer had presided at a dinner given to B. Fenn, Esq., when that gentleman was presented with 203 oz. of plate (value £100) by the Great Yarmouth Provident Fisherman’s Society, of which he had acted as Hon. Sec. for 30 years.

The Russian guns were to be placed at the South end of the Hall Quay.

Court “Star of the East,” A.O.F., had held its anniversary at the Regent Tavern.

Jan. 23rd.—The Rev. F. W. Johnson had been appointed minister at St. John’s Church.

A meeting of the Town Council had been held to consider the question of the proposed appointment of Justices, when Mr. E. H. L. Preston moved, and Mr. B. Fenn seconded, the adoption of a memorial to the Lord Chancellor, deprecating the proposed appointment of Messrs. P. Pullyn, D. A. Gourlay, Frederick Palmer, William T. Clarke, John Barker, and John Owles, and Mr. George Danby-Palmer moved, and Mr. Chapman seconded, an amendment in favour of such appointments, which, on a division, was lost by 25 to 5 votes. The Mayor made some warm remarks of a personal nature, which brought a similar retort from Mr. Chapman, and it was stated that “the last portion of these remarks was given amid applause in the gallery and laughter of the members, the meeting breaking up in great confusion.”

Feb. 6th.—The same question had been discussed at a meeting of Magistrates, when the Clerk was directed to apply to the Lord Chancellor for the correspondence with regard to the proposed appointments.

Feb. 10th.—This request had been declined by his Lordship, and it appeared that the Roll had been sent for, which led to a discussion of a personal character.

Feb. 13th.—The Town Council, on the motion of Mr. C. J. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Burroughs, had voted an address to the Queen on the occasion of the marriage of the Princess Royal.

A letter was read at the same meeting, stating that the Lord Chancellor had added the names of the six before mentioned gentlemen to the Commission of the Peace.

Feb. 20th.—It was proposed to extend the Marine Parade.

The 9th Regiment of Foot had left Yarmouth for Bradford. During its stay here some 200 recruits had been obtained.

Mr. Frederick Palmer had qualified as a Justice of the Peace.

St. John’s Church had been opened for service, when the Revs. F. W. Johnson and George Hills preached in the morning and afternoon respectively.

Feb. 24th.—The cost of the maintenance of the poor of the parish had increased since the passing of the 9th and 10th Vic. cap. 56 from about £9,000 to £10,376 per annum.

Messrs. J. Barker and P. Pullyn had qualified as Magistrates.

Feb. 27th.—The 24-pounders at the Batteries were to be replaced by 74 pound guns.

March 6th.—Records the death of Rear-Admiral Sir Eaton Travers, K.H., aged 70. The dates of his appointments were—Lieutenant 1804, Commander 1814, Captain 1829, Rear-Admiral 1855. He had seen much service, and was nominated a K.H. on 4th of February, 1834. He possessed the silver naval medal with one clasp, had a good service pension, and was a D.L. for the county. Sir Eaton married in April, 1815, Anne Palmer, eldest daughter of William Steward, Esq., by whom he had issue five sons and two daughters.

It was hoped that the Yarmouth and Haddiscoe Railway would be opened by the 1st of September next.

March 13th.—A dispute had arisen between the Local Board of Health and George Danby-Palmer, Esq., with regard to certain land at the south-end of the town, and Mr. Chamberlin, acting as Mr. Palmer’s solicitor, had complained to the Bench of having been assaulted by Mr. Morant (Town Surveyor), upon the “locus in quo,” and what was described as a “scene” had ensued.

March 20th.—The Naval Hospital was being fitted up for the reception of sick and wounded men from India; it was noticed that although fitted up in a similar way during the Russian war, it had never then been used.

Complaint was made of the “niggardly” way in which the Southtown Road was lighted.

March 24th.—Lord Sondes had presented a petition from the Town Council to the House of Lords on the subject of the Magisterial appointments, but after an explanation by the Lord Chancellor, who justified his action, “the subject dropped.”

March 27th.—Mr. J. S. Cobb had delivered a lecture on “Chemistry.”

April 3rd.—Mr. R. Steward had protested against the Senior Magistrate taking the chair in Petty Session as a matter of right.

April 7th.—Ten publicans had been fined for keeping their houses open at illegal hours.

April 10th.—At the appointment of Overseers, Mr. E. H. L. Preston moved the appointment of Messrs. William Green, James Borking, John Clayton, and William Harbord; and Mr. Owles proposed Mr. James H. Harrison in the place of Mr. Green. Upon the votes being taken, there appeared: For Mr. Preston’s list—The Mayor and Messrs. William Danby-Palmer, E. H. L. Preston, J. C. Smith, W. Yetts, W. Thurtell, B. Jay, W. H. Bessey, J. Fenn, William Hurry Palmer, J. Cherry, R. Steward, C. C. Aldred, J. G. Plummer, and B. Fenn; and for Mr. Owles’ list—Messrs. Geo. Danby-Palmer, J. W. Shelley, W. Johnson, R. Hammond, P. Pullyn, D. A. Gourlay, Frederick Palmer, W. T. Clarke, J. Barker, and J. Owles.

April 17th.—From 3,000 to 4,000 persons had witnessed the launch of the “Froderica,” of 600 tons burthen, from Mr. Branford’s yard.

April 24th.—St. John’s Church had been consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Norwich.

H.M.S. “Edinburgh,” 74 tons, and two gun-boats had passed through the Roads.

April 28th.—Mr. John Clowes had been returned as a Councillor for the Nelson Ward without opposition in the place of Mr. Samuel V. Moore, deceased.

May 1st.—Ninety ladies and gentlemen had attended a ball at the Town Hall.

The sum of £137 had been collected at the Consecration Services at St. John’s Church. The Communion plate and stone pulpit in this church had been paid for from the proceeds arising from the sale of the second edition of the “Story of John Brock.”

May 5th.—Reference is made to the drowning of the only son of Captain Ellis, R.N., at Southwold.

The Poor’s rate was 1s. 4d. in the £.

The Summer excursion trains had commenced running, and had brought many visitors from Norwich.

May 8th.—Seventy invalids from Colchester camp were under treatment at the Naval Hospital. The officers in charge were Captain Jervois, Commandant; Captain Naylor, Pay-master; Staff-Surgeons, Bradford and Joy, and Mr. Rippon, Purveyor.

May 15th.—Disturbances had taken place between some of the Fermanagh Militia and townsmen at Southtown, and the conduct of the Mayor was impugned with regard to his desire to repress the report of this, when Mr. de Caux vindicated the reports sent by him to the newspapers he represented.

May 22nd.—The mackerel fleet (about 100 sail) were nearly all at sea, and prices had varied from 35s. to 45s. per hundred.

The “Nil Desperandum” (500 tons) had been launched from Mr. Rust’s yard.

June 12th.—Records the death of Sir E. N. Buxton, Bart., one of the M.P’s. for East Norfolk.

June 16th.—Sir Henry Stracey, a candidate for the seat thus vacant, had met the Conservative electors at the Angel-hotel, when Mr. E. H. L. Preston occupied the chair. It was stated that “Sir Henry is a favourite in Yarmouth from the interest he has taken in all that relates to the interest of the town.”

June 19th.—The Liberals had met at the Star Hotel, Mr. B. Dowson in the chair, when a resolution accepting the Hon. Wenman Clarence Walpole Coke as the candidate in the Whig interest had been adopted.

John Berry had committed suicide by shooting himself on the South Denes.

June 26th.—Mr. Falcke (a gentleman whose father formerly lived in the town) had given subscriptions to the Hospital and the Ragged and British Schools.

June 30th.—At the County election, Mr. E. Fellowes, M.P., proposed, and Colonel Fitzroy seconded Sir H. J. Stracey, Bart., and Mr. Bulwer proposed, and Mr. Upcher seconded the Hon. Wenman C. W. Coke; the show of hands was in favour of Sir H. J. Stracey, whereupon Mr. Bulwer demanded a poll on behalf of the Hon. Mr. Coke.

July 3rd.—The poll had been declared as follows:—

The Hon. W. C. W. Coke 2933 Sir H. J. Stracey 2720 Majority 213

An analysis of the polling at Yarmouth showed—

Coke. Stracey. Yarmouth Voters 288 301 E&W. Flegg ,, 150 195 Out ,, 36 58 Gorleston ,, 6 4 Southtown ,, 14 14

Mr. Isaac Shuckford had been elected an Alderman in the place of Alderman T. Foreman deceased.

A fight had taken place on the North Denes between Plumb (of Bungay) and Swash (of Yarmouth) for £10 a side. It lasted 1 h. and 35 min., and 93 rounds were fought. Ultimately Swash was beaten.

July 10th.—The “Minstrel” had been launched from Mr. Symonds’ and the “Success” from Mr. Chapman’s yard.

July 14th.—“Frequent collisions” were taking place between the Irish Militia and the inhabitants.

July 17th.—Britannia Pier had been opened. The Mayor attended with the “civic authorities;” on his arrival two rockets were let off and cannon were discharged. At the “dejeuner” subsequently held, C. C. Aldred and C. Cory, Esqs., presided at the tables, faced by D. A. Gourlay, and G. B. Palmer, Esqs.

A “Marine Horticultural Fête” had been held on this pier.

July 21st.—A Provincial Grand Lodge of Norfolk Freemasons had been held at the Priory Hall, which 150 brethren attended. Subsequently a banquet was held at the Town Hall, when P.G.M. Bro. B. Bond Cabbell presided, Bros. Sir H. J. Stracey and C. H. Chamberlin occupying the vice-chairs.

July 24th.—Fifty-seven sick and wounded soldiers, mostly Indian sufferers, had arrived at the Royal Naval Hospital.

July 28th.—It was computed that there were between 8,000 and 9,000 visitors then in the town.

There had been a heavy gale from the S.W.

July 31st.—At the Regatta, which was held from the Wellington Pier,—umpires, Lieut.-Col. Beckham and Mr. M. Butcher; hon. secretary, Mr. Henry R. Harmer;—in the first yacht race the “Violet” (J. E. Kirby) beat the “Aretion” (J. Goodson, Esq.), and the “Silver Star” (— Mann, Esq.). The following yawls competed as under:—

Came in H. M. S. Eclipse 54 ft. 6 0 32 Royal Standard 49 ft. 5 58 40 Queen Victoria 63 ft. 5 50 20 Lady Hume 59 ft. 5 54 30 Young Prince 47 ft. withdrew Glance 47 ft. 6 3 23

In the next race (for small yachts) the “Kestrel” (W. Butcher) beat the “Belvidere” (T. Read), “Isabella” (O. Diver), “Rover” (T. Palmer), and “Gipsy Queen” (Harcourt); there were several other races. On this occasion 1,700 persons visited the Wellington Pier, upwards of £40 was taken at the gates, and it was computed that some 12,000 persons were on the Beach; 3,000 persons visited the Victoria Gardens, where “Sam Collins” performed, and Mr. Coe had the management of the display of fireworks.

Aug. 4th.—The acting Charity Trustees, Messrs. George Danby-Palmer and Thomas Brightwen, had selected the following additional Trustees of the Town Charity Estate:—The Rev. George Hills, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, and Messrs. C. J. Palmer, J. Brightwen, B. Jay, E. H. L. Preston, C. C. Aldred, Charles Cory, William H. Palmer, R. Hammond, W. P. Dowson, W. N. Burroughs, and J. W. Shelley. Objection had been taken to the names of Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Messrs. Aldred, Cory, C. J. Palmer, E. H. L. Preston, and W. P. Dowson, and the names of Messrs. Pullyn, C. Miller, G. Blake and J. Fenn proposed as Trustees.

Aug. 7th.—At the Water Frolic, Mr. O. Diver acted as hon. secretary, and in the first match the following yachts competed:—

Endora (latteen) Cooke Horstead 13 feet Nautilus (cutter) — Bungay 12 ,, Clara (cutter) C. Smith Aylsham 14 ,, Fairy Queen (latteen) R. Morton ,, 13 ,, Unique (cutter) W. Teasdel Gorleston 14 ,,

The Endora won. In the second race the entries were:—

Belvidere T. Read Yarmouth 28 feet Victorine J. Fiddes ,, — Iris A. D. Stone ,, 27 „ Tantivy Messrs. Morgan Norwich 19 ,,

The Belvidere won. The third contest was for a cup, presented by D. Falcke, Esq., for shrimp boats; the “Smack” won.

During the sports Mr. Gardiner (editor of the _Yarmouth Independent_) was knocked overboard by the boom of Mr. Diver’s boat, but, being a swimmer, escaped with a “good ducking.”

Aug. 14th.—A meeting had been held for the purpose of establishing a “Beachman’s Institute.” The Mayor occupied the chair, and G. Harcourt, Esq., addressed the meeting at some length; Mr. Fisher and the Rev. G. Hills also took part in these proceedings.

A mirage had been seen off the coast, presenting the appearance of a number of ships sailing between two chalk cliffs, thought by some to pourtray the Isle of Wight. Nothing of a similar kind had been seen in Yarmouth for 75 years. It was noticed the weather had been close and sultry and the tides low.

Aug. 18th.—The sum of £139 18s. 6d. had been contributed for the Beachman’s Institute.

Aug. 25th.—The Norfolk Hotel, Marine Drive, had been purchased by Messrs. Hills and Underwood for the sum of £2,160.

Sept. 1st.—The sum of £448 had been subscribed for the restoration of the Nelson Monument.

About 100 vessels were then engaged in the North Sea herring fishing, the fish realising from £12 15s. to £26 per last.

George Wells Holt, Esq., who had officiated as Magistrates’ Clerk for more than 22 years, had resigned that appointment.

Mr. W. Holt (son of the late Clerk), Mr. H. R. Harmer and Mr. Costerton were candidates for the office.

Sept. 8th.—The following Magistrates attended on the appointment being filled up:—F. Worship, Esq., (Mayor), R. Hammond, B. Fenn, J. G. Plummer, W. Johnson, P. Pullyn, F. Palmer, R. Steward, D. A. Gourlay, W. T. Clarke, J. Fenn, E. H. L. Preston, B. Jay, W. H. Palmer, W. Yetts, C. C. Aldred, W. H. Bessey, G. D. Palmer, W. Thurtell, T. Brightwen, J. Owles, and J. C. Smith, Esqs., and on the motion of Mr. Hammond, seconded by Mr. Steward, Mr. William Holt was unanimously elected.

The emoluments of the office were then about £375 per annum.

Messrs. Mellor and Young, the M.P’s. for the town, had arrived, the former at the Norfolk, and the latter at the Royal Hotel.

The Artillery Militia had assembled for 21 days’ drill.

There had been further disturbances between the Fermanagh Militia and the townspeople, which had led to a conference between the Magistrates and the officer commanding that Regiment, since which the soldiers had not been allowed to enter the town after 6.30 p.m., and a picket had been stationed on the Bridge.

A fancy fair in aid of the Sailors’ Institute was being held in three marquees fronting the Norfolk Hotel.

H.M.S. “Pembroke,” 60 guns, had sailed for Harwich, after remaining in the Roads 14 days. During her stay 40 volunteers had been entered upon her books.

The King of Prussia’s yacht “Grille” had arrived in the Harbour; she was of 400 tons, and rigged as a three-masted schooner. The officers on board were Captain baron Bothwell, Lieutenants Baron St. Paul, Baron Dobenack, and Count Moate.

Sept. 15th.—The Fermanagh Militia had left Yarmouth for Bradford, and were to be succeeded by the Louth Rifles.

The comet (visible with the naked eye) was getting brighter every night.

Sept. 22nd.—One of a recently-arrived advance party of the Louth Rifles named John Carret had been found drowned in the Yare.

Sept. 25th.—Herring were selling at from £3 to £4 per last for manure.

Sept. 29th.—The subscriptions to the Races amounted to only £289 18s. 6d., leaving the balance to be raised by sale of race-cards, &c.

Mr. Colley was acting as House Surgeon at the Hospital.

Oct. 2nd.—The East Norfolk Militia had been inspected by Colonel Lewis prior to being disbanded.

The Louth Rifles, 500 strong, had arrived, and marched into the Southtown Barracks. The officers were Colonel Lord Bellew, Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. Robinson, Bart.; Major Taaffe, Adjutant Bellingham, Surgeon Dixon, Quarter-Master Edward Burke, Paymaster J. Burke, Captains O’Reiley, Smith, Singleton, and Murray, Lieutenants Evans, Osborne, Townley, Murphy, and Cormack, and Ensigns Mason, Lindsay, Standidge, O’Donald and Twentyman.

Oct. 6th.—The mortality in the town was then 23 in 1,000 persons.

Oct. 9th.—The fishing had improved, and herring was selling at from £19 5s. to £22 per last.

William Holt, Esq., had given a dinner at the Crown and Anchor to the officials connected with the Police Court.

Mr. S. J. F. Stafford had been elected Surgeon for the North District.

Oct. 16th.—The County Revision had been held before Mr. R. Couch at the Tolhouse, Mr. Clowes appearing for the Liberals and Mr. Cufaude for the Tories; also for the Borough, when Mr. Costerton appeared for the Liberals, and Mr. Cufaude for the Tories. The Liberals claimed gains on both these registers.

Oct. 20th.—It was understood that R. Steward, Esq., would be Mayor for the ensuing year.

The Mayor (with Messrs. Pilgrim and Cooper as assessors) had held the Municipal Revision, Mr. Costerton appearing for the Liberals and Mr. Cufaude for the Conservatives; the former claimed a gain of 73 on the proceedings.

Oct. 27th.—Lieutenant Mends, R.N., had been presented with a handsome gold pencil-case by the crew of H.M.S. “Dolphin,” (Revenue cruiser on this station), on his resigning his command.

Oct. 30th.—The Bishop of Norwich had confirmed 115 persons at St. Nicholas’ Church.

Nov. 3rd.—The following Councillors had been elected without opposition:—_North Ward_: Messrs. W. Worship and J. B. Hylton. _Market Ward_: Messrs. E. R. Aldred and D. A. Gourlay. _Regent Ward_: Messrs. R. D. Barber and R. R. B. Norman. _St. George’s Ward_: Messrs. R. Ferrier and B. Jay. _Nelson Ward_: Messrs. Charles J. Palmer and Charles Woolverton. _St. Andrew’s Ward_: Messrs. Robert Steward and William T. Clarke.

Captain Ryder, R.N., Government Inspector, had examined 42 pupils at the School of Navigation.

Nov. 6th.—It was “confidently reported” that the Vicar (the Rev. G. Hills) had been appointed Bishop of British Columbia.

Nov. 10th—A claim had been made by a person whose father had served in the army from 1802 to 1816, to sell excisable articles without a license, under the 56 George III. cap. 67.

Nov. 13th.—At the Council meeting held on the 9th, Mr. William H. Palmer proposed, and Mr. Hylton seconded, Robert Steward, Esq., as Mayor for the ensuing year, and he was declared unanimously elected, but as “the late Mayor was about to invest him with the chain of office, His Worship rather prematurely took hold of the chain and placed it on the seat.”

A complimentary dinner had been given by the Council to the ex-Mayor, at which C. J. Palmer, Esq., presided.

Nov. 17th.—The Mayor had dispensed with the formality of being preceded by the maces and other insignia of the Corporation in attending divine service and taking his seat on the Bench. He had also declined wearing the gold chain on the same occasions.

Nov. 20th.—Attention was directed to the “Wonders of the Microscope, published by Mr. Harmer, the photographist of Great Yarmouth.”

Dec. 4th.—The Royal National Lifeboat Institution had sent one of its 30 foot single-banked boats to this station.

The Mayor had issued invitations for a dinner at the Town Hall to 170 gentlemen connected with the town and district.

The Rev. R. H. Nevill had been appointed to the Vicarage, which was supposed to be worth some £350 per annum.

Dec. 11th.—Mr. J. H. Harrison had lent the St. George’s Hall to the tradesmen, who were getting up a concert for the benefit of the Hospital.

Dec. 15th.—The Mayor, Sir John Robinson, Bart., S. C. Marsh and C. J. Palmer, Esqs., had acted as Stewards of the first Subscription Ball, and there were also present—the Mayoress, Captain Winyard, R.N., Captain O’Reiley, Dr. Dixon, Captain Smith, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Harcourt, Mrs. and Miss Gwynne, Mrs. C. J. Palmer, Mr. Cubitt and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ferrier, Mr. W. Travers, Mr. E. and Miss Preston, Mrs. S. C. Marsh and family, Mr. H. Lacon, Mr. and Mrs. Barber and family, Mr. Jolly, Mr. F. Danby-Palmer, Mr. Bullock, Mrs. A. Thompson, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Venning, Mrs. and Miss Pearson, Dr. Button, Mr. and Mrs. Biddulph, Mrs. R. Steward, Rev. Mr. Gott and family, Mr. Harmer, &c.

Mr. J. Petts had been promoted to be Chief Coastguard Officer at Yarmouth.

Dec. 11th.—It was proposed to present Bishop Hills with a silver Communion Service.

1859.

Jan. 5th.—A meeting had been held (C. J. Palmer, Esq., in the chair) for the purpose of raising a fund with a view to presenting a testimonial to the Rev. George Hills. Sir E. H. K. Lacon, and Messrs. R. Hammond, T. Brightwen, C. C. Aldred, E. H. L. Preston, C. S. D. Steward, and C. Cory, took part in the proceedings, and £145 was raised in the room.

The Mayor (R. Steward, Esq.), had given away 300 cwts. of coal to poor persons.

Jan. 12th.—It was reported that 20 missionary clergymen would accompany the Rev. G. Hills to his new mission, and that Mr. Lupson, Scripture Reader, should be ordained and go as one of these.

Jan. 15th.—The members of the Ship Insurance Society, to the number of 30, had held their annual dinner at the “Crown and Anchor”; Mr. D. A. Gourlay occupied the chair, and Mr. D. B. Palmer the vice-chair.

Jan. 22nd.—The East Suffolk Railway was to be opened on the 1st March.

Jan. 29th.—The Rev. G. Hills had preached his farewell sermon.

The Mayor had given a Juvenile Ball to 130 children at the Town Hall. Among those present were members of the following families:—Reynolds, Youell, Harcourt, Cufaude, Marsh, Impey, Tompson, Clarke, Donald, Norman, Bond, Aldred, Lettis, Woolverton, Butcher, Barnby, Ayers, Reeve, Laws, Bayly, Chamberlin, Dashwood, Bracey, Palmer, Shuckford, Smith, Smyth, Plummer, Barber, &c.

Bro. John Cobb had been installed W.M. of Lodge “Friendship” by Bros. O. Diver and J. W. Bunn, and he had appointed the following officers:—Bros. W. Wright, S.W.; G. Harley, J.W.; C. L. Chipperfield, S.D.; J. H. Bly, J.D.; and George Knox, I.G.

Feb. 5th.—The ladies had presented plate to the value of 50 guineas to the Rev. G. Hills.

Mrs. Gray had given a “ball and reception” at the Town Hall.

Feb. 9th.—About 100 Foresters had attended the funeral of Bro. Hatch, at Gorleston, on Sunday, which proceeding had been objected to by the Vicar.

Feb. 12th.—A “Reform” Meeting had been held, Mr. Livingston in the chair.

Feb. 16th.—Mr. Boning, of Cambridge, had accidentally injured himself while shooting on the Caister Marshes. Dr. Smyth, Mr. F. Palmer, Mr. Skinner and Mr. Colley (Hospital) were attending the sufferer.

Feb. 19th.—Mr. Nevill, the new Incumbent, had arrived, and was going “to read himself in” on the next Sunday.

Feb. 23rd.—This ceremony had been duly performed by him.

A Reading-room had been established in connection with the Subscription Library on the Quay.

Mr. J. C. Smith had presided at Mrs. Sizeland’s annual dinner at the Royal Hotel.

A high tide had washed over the Beach up to the Marine Drive wall.

Feb. 26th.—The Foresters had held a dinner at the Corn Hall; 100 brethren attended. The Chief Ranger (Bro. Franklin) presided, and Bros. Steele, Horne, E. Stagg, Dr. Smyth, Dumbleton and Thompson took part in the proceedings.

March 2nd.—Dr. Hills had been consecrated Bishop of British Columbia at Westminster Abbey.

The first train from Yarmouth had run over the East Suffolk line.

March 5th.—A search for treasure had been made at the “Stone Cairn” on the North Denes, it seems from the report, without effect.

The old Jetty was to be repaired.

The officers of the Louth Rifles had given a Ball at the Town Hall, for which about 180 invitations were issued.

March 19th.—Messrs. Mellor and Young had attended a Reform Meeting at the Corn Hall; from 1,000 to 1,200 persons were present. Among the gentlemen accompanying the M.P.’s were Messrs. R. Hammond, P. Pullyn, Gourlay, F. Palmer, Clowes, Briggs, Barker, &c.

March 23rd—There was a “rage” for new buildings in the town.

March 30th.—A Court of Foresters had been opened at Hasbro’, the officiating officers being D.C.R. Stratford and C.R. Franklin (of Court “Crown and Anchor.”)

April 2nd.—The question as to who were to be the Liberal candidates for the Borough was being “mooted”; it was reported that Mr. McCullagh was to be put on one side, that Mr. Mellor would withdraw, and that Messrs. Watkin and Young would take the field.

A new Coastguard Station was being erected at a cost of £3,500. Mr. Norfor, contractor.

April 6th.—The action of “Morant _v._ Chamberlin” had been referred to Mr. Barstow.

April 9th.—Both parties had been waiting for notice of the Dissolution of Parliament. Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Sir H. J. Stracey were making a house-to-house canvas, accompanied by Messrs. W. Yetts, W. Thurtell, R. Ferrier, C. Cory, S. C. Marsh, W. Worship, E. H. L. Preston, J. G. Plummer, F. Ferrier, J. Fenn, &c.

The Liberals had held a meeting on the Hall Plain, which 3,000 persons attended. Mr. Briggs occupied the chair, and Messrs. J. Clowes, R. Hammond, J. Owles, J. W. Shelly, and P. Pullyn took part in the proceedings, which eventuated in the selection of Messrs. Watkin and Young as the Liberal candidates.

April 13th.—Both parties had held meetings, the Liberals at the “Star” and the Conservatives at the “Fish Stall House.”

April 16th.—Both parties expressed themselves confident of success, but it was supposed that Gorleston would turn the scale; the voters there were described as “dangerous men.”

The barque “Athelstan” (Captain John Bracey) was to be launched from Fellows’ yard on the 19th.

April 20th.—The Liberal electors “and their wives” had met at the Corn Exchange, while the Conservatives had held a meeting at the Victoria Gardens.

April 23rd.—Contains the following report as to

“THE ELECTION.”

The greatest activity prevails on both sides, and as the decisive day
approaches, the feelings of partizanship are becoming greatly
intensified. The printers have had a lively time of it, and turn out
a great quantity of matter, an opinion appearing to be prevalent that
quality is a secondary consideration. During the last few days,
songs, parodies upon songs, speeches, and gross personal abuse have
been issued by the supporters of Mr. Watkin, (for it must be admitted
that Mr. Young holds himself aloof from this scurrility) with the
object, we suppose, of doing that gentleman some good. In our
opinion they will have a contrary effect, as we have heard many
respectable Liberal electors express themselves disgusted with such
unnecessary vulgarity. It may be very true, that in addressing the
people, it is necessary to call a spade a spade, but it cannot be at
all requisite that the minds of the people should be attempted to be
influenced by strong specimens of the Billingsgate vocabulary. Where
wit is lacking, silence is preferable to blackguardism. On the
Conservative side there has also been a fair number of coloured bills
and printed addresses issued; but the writers in this interest have
abstained from attempting to be funny. In printed abuse, however,
they endeavour to rival their opponents. Betting, if that may be
considered a piece of electioneering business, is decidedly in favour
of the Conservative candidates. Each party attributes motives of the
most improper kind to the other, and it will be seen that Mr. Watkin
fears that his opponents may indulge in “corruption.” On the other
hand, Sir E. Lacon says voters had told him they dare not support
him, as they should be inclined to do, in consequence of persons on
the Liberal side having put the “screw” upon them. Tradesmen
generally will be glad when the contest is over, as it is daily
creating much personal animosity.

The “Athelstan” had been launched; she was of 500 tons burden, and was to take out Bishop Hills’ effects to British Columbia.

The “Haddiscoe Swamp” had caused a great difficulty on the East Suffolk line, which was consequently still not open for traffic.

William Howlett, “Red” bill-poster, and Robert Crisp, “Blue” bill-poster, had been before the Magistrates owing to a dispute arising out of the election placards.

April 30th.—Both parties had been holding nightly meetings of a “convivial character.” On Wednesday some 300 to 400 persons had paraded the town shouting “Down with Lacon and Stracey,” and had broken the windows of the Red Committee rooms in the Market-place.

“THE NOMINATION”