THIRD SERIES, 1851–60. (continued 2)

Thirty boats were gone to the Scotch fisheries, and herring was selling at from £8 to £14 per last.

A foot race for £5 over 100 yards had been run on the South-denes, when Mr. Browne beat Mr. George Diver by half a yard.

Sep. 6th.—The gas lamps at Gorleston and Southtown had been lighted for the first time.

No minister had attended at St. Mary’s, Southtown, to conduct the Sunday morning service.

Sep. 9th.—The Justices had again refused to grant any fresh licenses.

Sep. 18th.—The “Ada,” a barque of 435 tons, had been launched from Mr. Thomas Barber’s yard.

The Russian Barque “Carolina” had been sold by E. H. L. Preston, Esq., at the Star, for £1,110, and her cargo of 321 tons of salt for £347, making a total of £1,457.

Sep. 20th.—The proposed grant of a piece of land by the Corporation, for the purpose of a cemetery, had been approved by the Secretary of State.

Sep. 23rd.—The French frigate “Expeditive,” 20 guns, was anchored in the Roads, and a dead body had been landed from her for interment.

Sept. 27th.—The coal trade was unusually brisk; during the week 70 colliers had arrived at the port, and these, with the other daft there, crowded the Harbour.

After the 1st of October the drapers had determined to close their shops at seven o’clock.

Messrs. Mann, Giles, and Freeman, “extensive fish salesmen,” had been summoned for allowing “swills” to remain on the Quay longer than necessary for their business purposes.

Oct. 4th.—At the revision of the Burgess List, the Liberals had lodged 59 objections and put in 347 new claims, and the Tories had made 373 objections.

The telegraphic announcement of the great victory of the allied armies over the Russians (Battle of the Alma) had been received shortly after eleven o’clock, and created intense excitement; the flags had been hoisted on the Town Hall and the Church, and but for the interference with divine service, the bells, doubtless, would have sent forth a merry peal.

Thanksgivings had been offered in all places of worship for the abundant harvest.

Oct. 7th.—The Borough Revision Court had been engaged with the Lists for three days and a half; the Liberals sustained 300 claims, as against 50 sustained by the Tories.

Oct. 11th.—Mr. Wright (who had been objected to) was charged before the Justices for assaulting Sergeant James Gowen (the Tory objector) and bound over to keep the peace. There was a warm discussion on the Bench during these proceedings between Mr. R. Hammond and Mr. R. Steward.

At the Revision of the Parliamentary List, Mr. Cufaude and Mr. Preston appeared for the Tories, and Mr. Costerton for the Liberals, and the latter claimed a gain upon the proceedings.

Oct. 18th.—A “great meeting” of Liberals had been held at the Star Inn; G. Danby-Palmer, Esq., (chairman), Captain Pearson, R.N., J. W. Shelly, Esq., R. Hammond, Esq., W. T. McCullagh, Esq., J. Clowes, Esq., J. Owles, Esq., and Mr. Jackson took part in the proceedings.

At the Gaol Sessions, N. Palmer, Esq., (Recorder) and R. Steward, Esq., (acting as Visiting Justices) had dismissed the Gaol Chaplain (Rev. George Hills). This action was deprecated by some of the Justices, and ultimately the question was referred by them to the Quarter Sessions.

An “impudent thief” had picked a woman’s pocket, while she was in the Police-court.

Oct. 21st.—The New Bridge had been completed, and formally opened to the public, at a cost of little less than £60,000.

H.M. yacht “Fairy” had arrived in the Harbour.

Ladies were collecting linen rags for the wounded soldiers in the East.

Oct. 25th.—Mr. R. Hammond and the Mayor (Mr. Cherry) were at “loggerheads” with regard to certain statements made by the former gentleman at the Liberal meeting.

The “Gælan,” a French man-of-war, had entered the Harbour for the purpose of coaling.

One hundred and thirteen young persons had been confirmed at St. Nicholas’ Church by the Bishop of Norwich.

Nov. 1st.—A “patriotic fund” meeting had been held at the Town Hall, the Mayor (J. Cherry, Esq.) in the chair. Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Sir E. Travers, K. H., Rev. J. S. Russell, Rev. B. Vaux, Rev. J. B. Bampton, Rev. McSwiney, C. J. Palmer, R. Steward, R. Hammond, George Danby-Palmer, J. W. Shelly, C. C. Aldred, Esqs., and Captains Gilbertson and Roberts, and others were present, and a subscription list opened, which was headed by donations of £25 each from Messrs. Gurney & Co., George Danby-Palmer, Esq., and Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P.

Nov. 4th.—At the Municipal Election “it was rumoured that no small amount of ready cash had been sent into circulation.”

The result of the polling was—

St. George’s Ward.

Mr. H. Jay (C) 137

Mr. R. Ferrier, junr. (C) 139

Captain Pearson R.N. (L) 99

Mr. Jas. Scott (L) 99

Regent Ward.

Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart. (C) 128

Mr. J. Cherry (C) 126

Mr. John Clowes (L) 88

Mr. Henry Danby-Palmer (L) 87

Market Ward.

Mr. J. Fenn (C) 186

Mr. J. E. Barnby (C) 184

Mr. J. Cobb (L) 133

Mr. D. R. Fowler (L) 123

St. Nicholas’ Ward.

Mr. S. Nightingale (C) 203

Mr. W. H. Bessey (C) 187

Mr. R. Hammond (L) 187

Mr. H. Boulter (L) 173

And the Alderman gave his casting vote in favour of Mr. Bessey.

Nelson Ward.

Mr. J. Clark (C) 184

Mr. S. V. Moore (L) 182

Mr. J. H. Harrison (L) 122

Gorleston Ward.

Mr. William H. Palmer (C) 131

Mr. W. Hammond (C) 118

Mr. G. Blake (L) 61

Mr. Sterry (L) 46

Messrs. Henry Palmer, C. J. Palmer, C. H. Chamberlin, William T. Clarke, E. R. Palmer, and F. W. Ferrier had been appointed Admiralty Commissioners.

Nov. 11th.—At the Council meeting Mr. E. H. L. Preston proposed and Mr. Worship seconded, Charles J. Palmer, Esq., as Mayor for the ensuing year, and he was elected to that office without opposition.

Nov. 15th.—The question of the formation of a “Burial Board” was being discussed.

The Naval Hospital was being prepared for 350 sick and wounded from the Black Sea fleet.

Nov. 18th.—The Mayor (C. J. Palmer, Esq.), had issued cards for an entertainment at the Town Hall on the 30th inst.

Mr. J. L. Porter had been appointed manager of the National Provincial Bank at Yarmouth.

The Police had contributed one day’s pay to the Patriotic Fund.

The “Tourist,” London passenger steamer, Captain Dawson, had been lost on the North Sand. She was a very old vessel, and it was stated that this would have been her last voyage if no accident had happened to her; she was fully insured.

Nov. 22nd.—Messrs. Gurney & Co’s. new Bank had been opened.

A poll had been taken on the question of the formation of a “Burial Board,” when the voting on the first day was—

For the Board 312

Against it 311

A meeting of Ratepayers was subsequently held and the scheme denounced by several speakers.

Nov. 29th.—The Town Council had re-appointed the Rev. G. Hills, gaol chaplain “with only two dissentients.”

Nearly £1,000 had been raised for the Patriotic Fund.

The polling for the Burial Board had closed as under—

For 468

Against 544

Majority 76

The “Sir William Jolliffe” had been placed on the station in the place of the “Tourist.”

Dec. 13th.—Messrs. Dumbleton, Bradbeer, Palmer, and Bunn had complained to the Bench of the obstructions on the Quay.

Dec. 23rd.—The Council had “suspended” the sexton for alleged misconduct.

The grocers and drapers had determined to close their shops on the day following Christmas Day.

“The Skimmer of the Sea,” a barque of 320 tons, had been launched from Mr. Branford’s yard.

Dec. 30th.—The East Norfolk Militia having been permanently embodied, had assembled under the command of Colonel Mason, but the Norfolk Militia Artillery had not been called up.

T. Brightwen, Esq., had qualified as a Magistrate.

Several large packages of warm clothing had been forwarded by the ladies of the town for the use of the soldiers in the Crimea.

C. J. Palmer, Esq., had entertained the inmates of the Gaol.

Pickpockets were again in town, and John Webb had been robbed by them of £4 15s.

Mr. Smyth had been appointed Surgeon to the Gaol in the place of Mr. H. Worship deceased.

1855.

Jan. 6th.—There had been a high tide and heavy flood; 130 yards of the rails between Yarmouth and Reedham had been carried away by the latter.

The following gentlemen had been chosen as the Library Committee.—The Mayor (C. J. Palmer, Esq.), Rev. J. B. Bampton, Rev. H. Squire, and Messrs. B. Fenn, R. R. B. Norman, J. Bayly, and S. C. Burton.

It was considered too cold to drill the Militia on the South-denes.

Jan. 13th.—The following quantity of fish had been forwarded from Yarmouth during the preceding year:—

Packages. Tons. Cwt.

From Jan. to Sep. 282,441 10,591 10

,, Oct. to Dec. 250,981 9,411 15

Total 533,422 20,003 5

During the week 20 men of the East Norfolk Militia had volunteered for the line.

At the Tract Lenders’ Festival 400 persons had partaken of tea at the Priory. They were addressed by the Rev. G. Hills, Rev. G. W. Grogan and other friends.

Jan. 17th.—The Norfolk Artillery Militia had received an order to be permanently embodied from the 23rd inst.

Jan. 20th.—Sixty more men had volunteered from the East Norfolk Militia for the line, making a total of 300 of such volunteers in all.

Winter had set in “with all the vigour and severity peculiar to this portion of the Eastern Coast.”

Jan. 24th.—The weather continued intensely cold, and the navigation of the rivers were stopped by the accumulation of ice.

The District Visiting Society was doing great work in the way of alleviating distress.

Pickpockets were still at work. A woman had been robbed by one of them in the Market Row of 8s. 6d., and Mrs. Pole, of Burgh Castle, had suffered a loss of £2 17s. in this way.

Jan. 27th.—The Norfolk Artillery Militia had assembled,—156 non-commissioned officers and men, with the following officers: Captain Astley, Lieutenants Penrice, Tredcroft and North, Adjutant Gilberton, and Surgeon C. C. Aldred. Lord Hastings had not yet joined them.

The Rev. Bowyer Vaux had announced to the Hospital Committee that the Medical Library of the late Mr. Harry Worship would be presented to that Institution.

Bro. William Lucia had been elected W.M. of Lodge “Friendship,” in succession to Bro. Oswald Diver.

Feb. 14th.—The business of the Port had been much affected by the rigour of the weather.

Feb. 17th.—Thirty-four men had volunteered from the Norfolk Militia Artillery for the Royal Artillery.

The South-quay was blocked by the coal carts near the Town Hall, and great complaints being made about this it was suggested that the colliers should unload at a wider part of the quay.

Feb. 21st.—The Subscription Ball had been attended by the Mayor and Mrs. Charles Palmer, Lieutenant-Colonel Mason, the Honourable Mr. Harbord, Mr. Astley, Mr. Graver Brown, Mrs. E. Graver Brown, Reverend A. B. Smyth, Captain Gay, Captain and Mrs. Rippingall, Captain and Mrs. Mathew, Captain, Mrs., and Miss Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. Meadwell, Mr., Mrs., and Miss E. H. L. Preston, Mr., Mrs., and Miss Marsh, Mr., Mrs., and the Misses Steward, Mr. and Miss Chevallier, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, Mr. and Mrs. Ferrier, Mr. Smith, (East Norfolk Militia) Mr. Smyth (East Norfolk Militia) and Mrs. Smyth, Mr. Palgrave, Mr. and the Misses Barber, Mr. Boycott, Mr. Press, Mr. Aldred, Mr. Eyre, &c., &c.

The town was infested by a gang of thieves.

Four deserters from the Royal Navy had been captured in the town.

A meeting had been held for the relief of the poor, the Mayor presided, and the Rev. G. Hills, and Messrs. R. Hammond, E. H. L. Preston, T. Brightwen, S. Dowson, R. Steward, R. Ferrier, and W. N. Burroughs took part in the proceedings. Mr. George Danby-Palmer sent £10 to the fund, and more than £200 was then collected in the room.

Feb. 24th.—Full power to act as a Burial Board had been vested in the Town Council, and the following Committee of that body appointed to carry out the Act:—The Mayor, and Messrs. R. Ferrier, F. Worship, E. R. Aldred, W. N. Burroughs, J. Jackson, C. E. Bartram, P. Pullyn, and T. Foreman.

Feb. 28th.—A thaw had commenced, and it was hoped that the River traffic would soon be able to be resumed.

Mr. Gyngell had superintended a grand display of fireworks on the Star Quay, which was witnessed by about 7,000 or 8,000 persons.

March 3rd.—A ship of war was likely to be stationed in the Roads to protect the shipping there.

The first of the frozen-in wherries had been liberated at Reedham, and the Steam Packet communication had been resumed with London.

March 10th.—The Norfolk Militia Artillery had been removed to London en route for Eastbourne; when 170 men and the following officers, Captain Penrice, Adjutant Gilbertson, Lieutenants Tredcroft, North, and Micklewaite, left the town.

A meeting, at the Angel Hotel, had been held for the purpose of establishing a pack of harriers; Mr. H. Grimmer was chairman, Mr. Jex, of Hopton, undertook to purchase the hounds, and Mr. J. L. Cufaude to act as honorary secretary to the Committee.

March 14th.—The Market was to be held on Tuesday the 20th, as Wednesday, the 21st, had been proclaimed a day for fasting and humiliation.

The Batteries were being armed with 24-pounders, and it was proposed to construct a fort on Gorleston Cliff, to be armed with 68 pound guns.

March 17th.—Lectures had been delivered by the Rev. R. Cory on “Jerusalem,” and by Mr Craft (a man of colour) upon “American Slavery.”

Bro. Robert Harmer had presided at the annual dinner of the “Druids, Trinity Lodge, 220.”

March 21st.—Several complaints had been made of unprovoked assaults by members of the East Norfolk Militia upon respectable inhabitants of the town.

March 24th.—At the Quarter Sessions, the Grand Jury presented the foul state of the Court House at the Tolhouse.

The national Fast Day had been strictly observed.

Robberies continued to be very frequently committed in the town.

April 4th.—H.M.S. “Harrier” (17 guns) was then stationed in the Roads, and a rendezvous had been opened for Volunteers to the North Sea fleet.

Three hundred men of the East Norfolk Militia had claimed a right to be dismissed, having served 56 days in the then year under the terms of their enlistments, and they were dismissed accordingly.

April 7th.—Messrs. Green, Borking, Clayton, and Harbord had been appointed Overseers, which, as a “partizan” step, was justified by Mr. C. C. Aldred, and objected to by Mr. R. Hammond.

April 14th.—A militiaman had been buried with military honours.

Messrs. Aldred and Steward had been re-elected Churchwardens by the Vestry.

The Vestry decided on the question of making a Church rate, when there appeared 64 for and 87 against the rate, but the majority did not press the matter any further, and ultimately a rate of 1½d. in the £ was agreed to.

The Guardians’ Election had resulted as follows:—

North Ward.

Mr. J. Jackson (L) 258

Mr. J. Mainprice (L) 252

Mr. J. W. Craske (L) 198

Mr. S. Nightingale (C) 246

Mr. E. H. L. Preston (C) 214

Mr. W. Wright (C) 193

Market Ward.

Mr. D. A. Gourlay (L) 226

Mr. C. Steward (L) 165

Mr. A. Ames (L) 136

Mr. H. Laws (C) 252

Mr. C. C. Aldred (C) 247

Mr. J. Browne (C) 200

Regent Ward.

Mr. John Clowes (L) 120

Mr. F. Palmer (L) 147

Mr. J. A. Norman (L) 147

Mr. W. Worship (C) 198

Mr. S. C. Marsh (C) 196

Mr. T. Foreman (C) 164

St. George’s Ward.

Mr. T. Lettis, Jun., (L) 159

Mr. J. Scott (L) 127

Mr. B. Fenn (C) 223

Mr. R. Ferrier (C) 217

Mr. J. G. Plummer (C) 194

Nelson Ward.

Mr. J. H. Harrison (L) 203

Mr. G. Danby-Palmer (L) 225

Mr. S. V. Moore (L) 193

Mr. W. T. Fisher (L) 131

Mr. W. C. Reynolds (C) 176

Mr. J. Clark (C) 187

Mr. C. Woolverton (C) 249

Mr. T. Brightwen (C) 218

April 18th.—A proposal had been made to have all the houses in the town numbered.

April 25th.—A purse of money had been presented to Mr. Farrow, the Secretary of the Liberal Association, “for his long-continued service in the Reform cause.”

April 28th.—The Poor’s Rate was estimated at 1s. 6d. in the £, to meet £3,000 required by the Guardians for the Quarter, who had then £430 in hand to meet demands amounting to £1,450.

May 2nd.—Mr. Lane had been appointed Collector of Poor’s rates for the Market Ward.

George Danby-Palmer, Esq., had almost entirely recovered from the indisposition which he had been suffering from during the winter, and it was proposed to entertain him at a public dinner.

May 5th.—The new burial ground comprised about 10 acres in extent, and the following tender was recommended by the Committee to the Council: J. Thompson, for walls, £1,388; gates, £50; levelling, £110; total, £1,548, with respect to fitting it for use.

Nelson’s Column was still allowed to fall into decay.

May 9th.—Mr. Allcock had been appointed Poor’s Rate Collector for the Nelson and Regent Wards.

The sale of part of the landed property of the late Mr. Ambrose Palmer had taken place, the ship-yard and docks bringing £1,100 and £900 respectively. The leasehold premises on the west side of the river were bought by Mr. Joseph Powell, and the building sites near Queen’s Road fetched about 20s. per foot frontage with a ground rental of about 2s. per yard upon the same.

Letters could now be posted as late as 8.10 p.m.

Water had been conveyed by the Company’s mains to Yarmouth from Ormesby for the first time. One of these pipes burst near the “Gallon Can.”

May 12th.—The Victoria Gardens had been laid out and were likely to outvie any in the neighbourhood.

May 19th.—Mr. Lummis had resigned the office of Librarian.

The Workhouse had been lighted with gas.

A meeting for the purpose of advocating “Administrative Reform” had been held at the Town Hall, when Mr. R. Hammond presided, and Mr. McCullagh delivered a stirring address.

The Tories complained that this meeting was “got up” by the Liberals for party purposes.

May 23rd.—The Water Company had offered to supply water for street-watering purposes free of expense.

H.M.S. “Harrier” had been firing shell to a distance of 1,200 yards in the direction of Scroby; the Queen’s Birthday had been observed in the usual way.

May 26th.—The Water Works had been opened, and in the evening 80 gentlemen dined at the Town Hall, under the presidency of the Mayor (C. J. Palmer, Esq.), who was supported by Sir E. H. K. Lacon, M.P., and Lieut.-Col. Mason.

Mr. F. Maryson and Mr. D. D. Offord, the candidates for the post of Librarian, having each obtained 27 votes, the Mayor gave his casting vote in favour of Mr. Offord, who was thus elected to the post.

Eight additional gas lamps had been placed on the Wellington Pier.

May 30th.—The first stone of the Wesleyan Free Church, on the Regent Road, had been laid by S. C. Marsh, Esq.

June 2nd.—The Russian brig “Phœnix” had been brought in by a prize crew.

June 9th.—The mackerel fishing was going on badly, and many boats had lost nets.

July 18th.—A brace of tench, weighing between eight and nine pounds, had been taken at Ormesby.

Mr. Stracey (afterwards Sir Edward Stracey, Bart.), the Tory candidate for East Norfolk had visited the town. (He was returned, on this occasion, without opposition.)

July 21st.—At the Regatta the following prizes were offered for luggers:—£50, £20, and £10, and there were ten entries; during the match the “Race-horse” (Mr. I. Shuckford) was run down by the “Ocean Star” (Smith and Son). Her crew was rescued by the yawls “Queen Victoria” and “Standard,” but the master of the lugger (Lark) had two of his ribs broken. The “Brothers” (T. Lettis, jun.) won the first prize, the “Henry” (H. Swann, jun.) and the “Prima Donna” (J. Minns) taking the other two prizes. The yawl prizes were not awarded.

The following notice again appeared with regard to the case of

“REGINA v. EAGLETON.”

“The defendant, John Eagleton, a baker, at Yarmouth, who had contracted with the Guardians of Yarmouth to supply the poor with bread, was tried before the Recorder, N. Palmer, Esq., at the Quarter Sessions in March, 1854, upon an indictment charging him, in the seven first counts, with an offence at common law, in fraudulently supplying the poor with bread of short weight; and, in the three last counts, with attempting to obtain payment from the Guardians, by falsely pretending that he had supplied full weight. He was found guilty by the jury, but the Recorder reserved a case for the opinion of the Court of Criminal Appeal, as to the proprietory of the conviction in point of law. On the first argument on April 29th, 1854, before Pollock, C.B., Parke, B., Creswell, J., and Williams, J., the case was referred back to the Recorder, for him to state the whole evidence given at the trial, which he did accordingly, and the case, as re-stated, was, on the following 3rd of June, argued before Lord Campbell, C. J., Alderson, B., Coleridge, J., Martin, B., and Crowder, J., and they, having doubts as to the proprietory of the conviction, desired the case to be argued before the 15 judges, and on the 2nd December, 1854, it was argued before Jervis, C. J., Pollock, C. B., Parke, B., Maule, J., Wightman, J., Erle, J., Platt, B., Martin, B., and Crompton, J., and again on the 3rd of February last, before Jervis, C. J., Parke, B., Maule, J., Wightman, J., Creswell, J., Erle, J., Platt, B., Williams, J., Martin, B., and Crompton, J.—Mr. Bulwer appeared in support of the conviction, and Mr. Bodkin, Mr. Clerk, and Mr. J. H. Mills on behalf of the Defendant. The Judges took time to consider, and on July the 9th, Mr. Baron Parke delivered their judgment, affirming the conviction on the last three counts. The defendant will, therefore, have to appear before the Recorder at the next October Sessions to receive judgment.”

July 25th.—One hundred and thirty ladies and gentlemen had attended the Regatta Ball at the Town Hall, among whom were—the Mayor and Mrs. Palmer, Lord Hastings, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Lieut.-Col. Mason, Captains Longe, Markham Gay, and other Officers of the East Norfolk Militia, &c. Howlett’s band attended, and dancing was kept up until 4.30.

July 28th.—The Grand Jury had found a true bill against Messrs. R. Ferrier, sen., and R. Ferrier, jun., for assault upon John William de Caux, and it was stated that the case would be tried at the next Assizes.

Aug. 4th.—The Mayor had presided at a meeting called to consider the “Small Tenements Act.”

Eighty-five boats engaged in the Mackerel Fishery had taken fish to the value of £27,994.

Aug. 18th.—All hope of raising the “Racehorse,” which was sunk at the Regatta, had been abandoned. The attempt to do so had cost £150.

Aug. 22nd.—C. J. Palmer, Esq., Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., and Captain D. Lane had acted as Stewards of the Races, and 6,000 persons had been brought to the sports by rail.

Between £170 and £180 had been raised by a bazaar for the Congregational Chapel, King Street.

Aug. 25th.—Mr. E. H. L. Preston had had the small bone of his arm broken whilst endeavouring to quell a disturbance which had arisen between some of the Artillery Militiamen.

Eighty ladies and gentlemen had attended the Race Ball.

Aug. 29th.—Mr. J. H. Tillett had produced the “Bench Warrant” for the apprehension of the Messrs. Ferrier for the assault upon Mr. J. W. de Caux, reporter to the Mercury and Norfolk News; bail was placed at £100 and two securities of £50 in each case.

Sept. 8th.—150 men of the Horse Artillery had been encamped on the North Denes, under the command of Captain Mountain and three Lieutenants.

Sept. 12th.—These troops had been reviewed on the South Denes in the presence of several thousands of persons.

Sept. 15th.—The news of the evacuation of the Southern part of Sebastopol by the Russians had been received by the general public with incredulity, they saying “too good news to be true.”

Sept. 22nd.—A hare had taken to the sea, and was picked up by a person who went after it in a boat; having killed it, he sold it for 2s. 6d.

Oct. 3rd.—Sunday had been a day of thanksgiving for the success of the allied armies in the Crimea.

Oct. 10th.—The “Scampo,” a Russian prize, had been brought into the Harbour.

At the Quarter Sessions there was another discussion between the Recorder and Mr. Steward on the one hand and the Visiting Justices on the other side, as to the validity of the appointment of the Rev. G. Hills as Chaplain to the Gaol.

John Eagleton had been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.

Oct. 17th.—The Liberals claimed a gain of 44 on the Municipal Revision, when Mr. Costerton appeared for the Liberal, and Mr. Cufaude for the Tory, party.

Oct. 20th.—A very brisk corn trade was being carried on, vessels coming in light to load with corn for France and Holland.

Robert Steward, Esq., had been fined 20s. and costs for obstructing the Quay-head.

Oct. 27th.—The East Suffolk Railway was projected.

In 1855, 258,121 quarters of corn had been shipped at this port.

The “Hopton Harriers” had held their first meet at the Kennel at Hopton. Mr. W. Jex provided luncheon. The next meet was to be at Haddiscoe.

Oct. 31st.—Messrs. Beeching and Son had launched a beautiful lifeboat for the Gorleston beachmen.

Nov. 3rd.—Only two Wards had been contested. The returns were:—

St. Nicholas’ Ward.

W. Worship (C) 405

J. B. Hilton (C) 405

Henry Danby-Palmer (L) 262

John Mainprice (L) 262

Regent Ward.

R. D. Barber (C) 224

R. R. B. Norman (C) 224

John Clowes (L) 159

John Fish (L) 159

The names of the other re-elected Councillors are not given.

Four gun-boats had come into the Roads from the Baltic.

Nov. 10th.—The Mayor of Norwich had given a grand ball, in St. Andrew’s Hall; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Marsh, the Officers of the East Norfolk Militia and Norfolk Artillery Militia, the Misses Steward, the Mayor of Yarmouth and Mrs. Palmer, Mr. W. Danby-Palmer, Mr. F. Danby-Palmer, and others had attended it from Yarmouth.

Nov. 14th.—The “Meander,” 44 gun frigate, was at anchor off the Monument.

Nov. 28th.—Lieut. Matthew Gooda, late of the East Norfolk Militia, had died at Southtown, aged 76.

Dec. 1st.—The dinner, commemorative of the re-election of C. J. Palmer, Esq., to the office of Chief Magistrate, had been held at the Town Hall. His Worship was supported on his right by the Hon. H. Byng, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Lieut.-Colonel Astley, the Rev. George Hills, and J. Harcourt, Esq., and on his left by the Recorder (N. Palmer, Esq.), Sir H. J. Stracey, Bart., M.P., the Mayor of Norwich and Captain Broadhead, R.N. The Mayor’s guests on this occasion numbered upwards of 100 persons.

George Danby-Palmer, Esq., had presided at a meeting called for the purpose of promoting a national testimonial to Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.

Dec. 8th.—Mr. Wright (of the Adelphi) had been performing at the Theatre.

Dec. 12th.—The Mayor had attended the magnificent reception given to the King of Sardinia by the Corporation of London.

Dec. 22nd.—The stormy easterly winds had driven several vessels on to the Beach.

On the north of the Jetty were four brigs, viz., the “Friends,” of London; the “George,” of Yarmouth; the “Boa,” of Colchester; and another. And on the south, one brig, a sloop (the “Telegraph,”) and a billy-boy.

Dec. 26th.—The Norfolk Artillery Militia had marched into the Southtown Barracks under the command of Colonel Astley.

The following Magistrates had been selected to hear salvage cases:—George Danby-Palmer, R. Steward, R. Hammond, J. G. Plummer, J. W. Shelly, B. Fenn, E. H. L. Preston, and W. H. Palmer, Esqs.

Dec. 29th.—The Hon. Colonel Vereker was spoken of as a colleague for Sir E. H. K. Lacon, should Mr. Rumbold resign his seat, but this rumour as to Mr. Rumbold’s resignation, the Globe stated on authority, was without foundation.

At the Quarter Sessions, a conviction of R. Steward, Esq., by the Justices, for obstructing the quay, was quashed with costs.

The question of the legality of the Rev. G. Hills’ appointment as chaplain to the gaol was again considered by the Recorder and Justices.

N.B.—The file for the Year 1856 is missing.

1857.

Jan. 3rd.—The fourth anniversary of Court “Crown and Anchor” A.O.F. had been celebrated by a dinner at Bro. Franklin’s, Hall Quay. Mr. C. B. Dashwood occupied the chair, and it was stated that the Court then consisted of 90 members.

Jan. 10th.—There had been a loan exhibition at the Priory Hall.

Messrs. Charles J. Palmer, B. Fenn, Rev. H. Squire, Dumbleton, R. R. B. Norman, Burton, and J. Bayly had been elected the members of the Public Library Committee.

Jan. 17th.—The “Britannia Pier Bill” was projected, and the Wellington Pier Company had determined not to oppose that undertaking.

The body of a whale, which had been taken at Winterton, was being exhibited on the Church Plain.

The Rev. W. D. Wade, the new minister of St. Mary’s, Southtown, had, before leaving Southsea, been presented with a purse of £61.

Jan. 21st.—The “Sisters” had been in collision with one of the stone piers of the Bridge, which it had considerably damaged.

Feb. 4th.—An Anti-Income Tax meeting had been held at the Town Hall. The Mayor presided, and the following took part in the proceedings:—Messrs. George Danby-Palmer, Bradbeer, Garson Blake, W. Livingston, S. B. Cory, R. Hammond, J. Clowes, J. H. Harrison, J. Rivett and J. Fiddes. Mr. S. Bradbeer appeared to be the mover in this matter.

The Poor’s Rate was 1s. 6d. for the quarter.

Feb. 18th.—H.M. Line of Battle-ship “Blenheim,” 74, had steamed into the Roads.

Feb. 21st.—A “Poor’s Rate” meeting had been held at the Masonic Hall. Mr. W. Livingston presided, and a resolution protesting against the 1s. 6d. quarterly rate was adopted. Messrs J. Rivett, Joseph Neave, Royal, R. Bailey, Nichols, and F. Starling spoke on the subject, while the conduct of the Guardians was defended by Mr. J. H. Harrison, one of the Board.

Feb. 25th.—A case which excited considerable interest, had been heard at the County Court, Tolhouse-hall, before the Judge (T. J. Birch, Esq.) The plaintiff was Mr. John Cobb, leather merchant, for whom Mr. C. H. Chamberlin appeared; the defendants were Messrs. W. N. Burroughs and G. D. Palmer, who were represented by Mr. J. L. Cufaude. The plaintiff stated that he was a candidate for the office of Councillor for the Market-ward, in November, 1851, and that he became such at the solicitation of Messrs. W. N. Burroughs and G. D. Palmer. At the time he became a candidate he distinctly told them that he would not pay out of his own pocket more than £10 towards the expenses of the election, and it was understood that the Liberal party, to which he belonged, would subscribe the remainder. The evening before the election he received an estimate of what the expenses were likely to be, and in consequence of that he at once saw both Mr. Burroughs and Mr. G. D. Palmer. That estimate, he believed, amounted to about £45, while the subscriptions altogether amounted to but £42. After some conversation they agreed to hold him harmless of the amount of the expenses that might exceed the sum subscribed, and he and Mr. Burroughs then went to the Committee-room of the North-ward, where Mr. Burroughs said they had made arrangements for their friend John Cobb winning the Market-ward. The expenses of the election, which he (the plaintiff) lost, amounted altogether to £58 1s. 7d. The balance, therefore, which he now claimed from the defendants was £16 1s. 7d.—The plaintiff, in cross-examination by Mr. Cufaude, admitted that £39 of the whole amount was for — —.—Mr. Cufaude contended that if, as the plaintiff stated, the defendants had given him a guarantee for the surplus expenses, the guarantee ought to have been in writing. And, assuming the evidence was true, which, however, he disputed, it was impossible for the plaintiff to recover, inasmuch as he himself had allowed that a large part of the whole of the expenses was for — —, which was an illegal act.—Mr. Chamberlin contended that the plaintiff, after receiving the promise from the defendants, acted only upon the faith of that promise, and that therefore, as they had entered upon an engagement to pay the money, they were liable. The money, moreover, had not been spent by the plaintiff, but by the committee appointed to conduct the election, and until the election was over, the plaintiff was not aware that any of the money had been spent in — —.—His Honour said it was clear the guarantee should have been in writing. He was of opinion, also, that the plaintiff was not bound to pay the illegal charges, and consequently he could not bring his action for the money which he claimed.—The plaintiff was, accordingly, non-suited.

March 4th.—The “Branch,” a schooner of 150 tons, had been launched from Messrs. Fellows and Son’s yard.

A distress warrant had been issued against the effects of Mr. James Lawn, draper, Broad Row, for 5s. 3d. due for Church rate. Mr. Cufaude, who appeared for the Churchwardens, stated that the amount of defalcations on the present rate was “about £14 or £15.”

A meeting of the shareholders in the Yarmouth and Haddiscoe Railway had been held at the Star Hotel. R. Hammond, Esq., presided, and there were present—C. C. Aldred, Esq., (the Mayor), C. J. Palmer, T. Brightwen, William H. Palmer, E. H. L. Preston, W. C. Reynolds, E. P. Youell, G. G. Day, H. Danby-Palmer, and William Day, Esqs.

March 11th.—N. Palmer, Esq., (Recorder), had appointed John B. Bales (late Sergeant-at-Mace) an Inspector of Weights and Measures in the room of Mr. Wall.

The address of Messrs. Torrens McCullagh and Edward Watkin to the electors appears in this issue.

March 14th.—The Liberal electors had held a meeting at the Corn Exchange, J. Shelly, Esq., in the chair, when both candidates delivered addresses, and a resolution pledging the meeting to support them was unanimously carried.

Mr. Cufaude had applied for 17 more summonses against Church Rate defaulters, and Mr. Garson Blake had been summoned for a like default by the Gorleston Churchwardens.

There had been a high tide, which had dashed over the new Marine Drive works.

March 16th.—Mr. J. W. Shelly had presided over a meeting at the ‘Star,’ when Messrs. McCullagh and Watkin were adopted as the Liberal candidates.

There was a suggestion of a local gentleman’s name as a candidate, to which the Editor refers to by the quotation—“and palm to palm is holy Palmer’s kiss.”

March 18th.—The Liberal electors and non-electors had been addressed by both the Liberal candidates at the Duke’s Head public-house at Gorleston. S. Dowson, Esq., presided, and there were present—Messrs. J. H. Fellows, N. Sterry, A. Markland, Captains Manthorpe, Stanford, and Tunbridge, and Messrs. J. Page, A. King, J. Ling, G. Reynolds, C. E. Bartram, and J. Cobb.

The four candidates, Messrs. McCullagh and Watkin and Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Colonel Vereker, had been invited to attend a meeting of electors at the Masonic-hall. None of them were present, but, nevertheless, a resolution pledging the meeting to support the Liberal candidates was carried.

The “Venus,” 150 tons register, had been launched from Mr. Rust’s yard.

March 21st.—D. A. Gourlay, Esq., had presided at a great Liberal meeting held in the Corn Exchange, when Messrs. J. W. Shelly, P. Pullyn, S. Dowson, F. S. Costerton, W. Briggs, C. Sayers, S. Palmer, C. E. Bartram, J. D. Chapman, J. Bailey, F. Dendy, J. Cobb and others were present.

The Conservatives had also convened a meeting at Crowe’s Assembly-rooms, Chapel-denes, when E. H. L. Preston, Esq., presided. Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Colonel Vereker, and J. Cherry, Esq., addressed the assembly.

Sir E. N. Buxton, Bart., and Major-General C. A. Windham, the Liberal candidates for East Norfolk, had held a meeting in the Corn-hall. Mr. R. Hammond presided, and was supported by Messrs. Benjamin Dowson, J. Clowes, C. H. Chamberlin, P. Pullyn, A. W. Biddulph, S. Palmer, T. Burton Steward, F. Palmer, W. N. Burroughs, C. E. Bartram, E. R. Palmer, J. H. Harrison, J. Owles, J. Cobb, &c.

George Tewsley, Sergeant in the London Constabulary, had been elected Superintendent of the Borough Police Force.

The case against Mr. Garson Blake had been heard as to non-payment of Church Rate and the usual order made.

Mr. S. Waters Spelman had submitted to public competition various freehold estates, belonging to the late Mrs. Ann Marsh, which realised £8,672.

March 25th.—The Election was “assuming all the features of a bitter, as well as a strong contest.”

J. Shelly, Esq., had presided at another Liberal meeting held in the Corn Hall, and Mr. J. Royal at a meeting of non-electors in the same interest held at the Masonic Hall.

The Church Rate question had again been before the Justices, when Mr. Chamberlin appeared for the defaulters, who were Henry Boulter (baker), 4s. 6d.; Joseph Neave (twine-spinner), 1s. 9½d.; George Goodrich (shoemaker), 3s. 6d.; Henry Blyth (shoemaker), 4s.; George Clowes (ironmonger), 5s.; William Curtis (cork-cutter), 5s. 1d.; James Rivett (baker), 4s.; Frederick Starling (shoemaker), 1s. 10½d.; Angelina Cox and W. P. Brown (brokers), 4s. 2½d.; John Clowes (grocer), 4s.; William Livingston (draper), 3s.; Robert Browne (gentleman), 2s.; George Danby-Palmer (Esquire), 8s. 6¾d.; and George Danby-Palmer and Salmon Palmer (Esquires), 3s. 6d.

Mr. W. Sidney had again opened the Theatre.

March 28th.—A monster meeting of Liberals had been held on the Hall Quay in front of the Star, when Mr. W. Briggs occupied the chair; 500 Liberals had attended a meeting at the Globe Inn, Gorleston, where Mr. T. Burton Steward presided. Both meetings were very enthusiastic. It was said the Tory candidates were “Sir Edmund Lay—on and Colonel Very—queer.”

April 1st.—The polling had resulted as follows;—

Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. One. Two. Three. Four.

McCullagh 161 304 416 527 562 587 600 609

Watkin 150 296 405 507 541 568 582 596

Lacon 122 234 335 430 443 481 492 521

Vereker 115 220 305 383 393 419 428 451

Majority for the Liberals: 158.

After the declaration of the poll Messrs. McCullagh and Watkin addressed from 12,000 to 15,000 persons from the Star leads.

April 8th.—Messrs. W. Green, J. Borking, J. Clayton, and W. Harbord had been re-appointed overseers of the parish.

April 11th.—At the Election of Haven Commissioners Captain Scott proposed, and Mr. J. H. Harrison seconded the re-election of George Danby-Palmer, Esq., “to whom the town was greatly indebted for his long and valuable services.” Mr. T. Lettis, junr., proposed, and Mr. Henry Danby-Palmer seconded Mr. J. Barker. Mr. F. Palmer proposed and Captain Briggs seconded H. Hammond Esq.; and Mr. G. Blake proposed, and Captain Manthorpe seconded Mr. D. A. Gourlay, whereupon the two former were declared to be elected Commissioners, and the two latter Supernumerary Commissioners.

Mr. J. Owles had presided at a meeting of the Liberal Registration Society.

The following was the result of the Guardians’ Election:—North Ward: Messrs. J. Mainprice, S. Nightingale, and E. H. L. Preston re-elected. Market Ward: Messrs. D. A. Gourlay, C. C. Aldred, and W. Laws, re-elected. Regent Ward: Messrs. W. Worship, S. C. Marsh, and R. D. Barber, re-elected. St. George’s Ward: Messrs. B. Fenn and J. G. Plummer, re-elected, with Mr. T. Foreman in the place of Mr. J. Clark resigned, and in the Nelson Ward (Mr. J. H. Harrison having resigned) the polling was—Brightwen 402, Woolverton 431, Reynolds 309, Clark 339, and Moore 287, Mr. Clark thus taking the place of Mr. Harrison.

April 18th.—At the annual Vestry Meeting there was a large attendance. The Rev. George Hills presided, and Mr. Hammond proposed, and Mr. T. Brightwen seconded, the re-election of C. S. D. Steward as Churchwarden. Mr. Lawn then proposed Mr. George Danby-Palmer, but that gentleman declined the honour and explained that the reason why he would not pay the Church Rate was that the Churchwardens, while pressing the poor, discharged the rich, and especially Mr. Talbot, from payment of that tax. Mr. B. Fenn proposed, and Mr. S. C. Marsh seconded Mr. Edward Aldred; Mr. J. H. Harrison and Mr. Neave addressed the meeting amid “great uproar,” and eventually the appointment of Mr. Steward and Mr. Aldred was carried by a large majority. Messrs. Hammond, Fenn, and Harrison were appointed a Committee to look into the question of the St. Nicholas Estate, and Mr. R. Hammond was re-appointed Auditor of the Vestry’s accounts.

Measures were being taken by Mr. M. Butcher and others with a view to establishing a School of Art.

April 22nd.—The Artillery Band was performing on the Hall-quay.

Trade at the Fair “had been brisk.”

April 25th.—The Rope-walks “which had caused such great annoyance” were to be removed, and the following compensations had been paid to owners of them:—Mr. Bracey, £750; Mr. T. Lettis, jun., £550; Mr. Green, an annuity for himself and Mrs. Green equal to £420; and to Mr. R. Barber (who had refused £200), £615 under the award of C. Evans, Esq., of Norwich.

April 29th.—A meeting had been held at Mr. Paget’s late residence for the purpose of forming a School of Navigation in connection with the School of Art.

May 2nd.—A petition in favour of the removal of Jewish Disabilities was being signed in the town, and the Mayor (C. C. Aldred, Esq.), George Danby-Palmer, R. Hammond, J. W. Shelly, J. Fenn, D. A. Gourlay, W. Johnson, P. Pullyn, and R. Steward, Esqs., had supported the movement.

The East Norfolk Militia Band had performed on the Hall-quay.

The Poor’s rate was 1s. 4d. for the quarter.

The Insignia belonging to the Corporation had been sent to the Manchester Art Exhibition.

May 6th.—The entire Police force (with the exception of the Superintendent) had received one month’s notice to quit the force, with liberty to apply for re-appointment.

May 16th.—A petition, signed by E. H. L. Preston and R. Ferrier, Esqs., (Mr. C. Moore being surety for the required £1,000), was about to be lodged against the return of Messrs. McCullagh and Watkin.

May 20th.—This petition had been presented to the House of Commons.

May 23rd.—A young woman, residing in the Star and Garter Row, had been charged before the Justices “with illegally detaining a silver mace, the property of the Corporation.” Defendant said that she did not know where it was, but that her mother, who had been dead three years, “wished it to be buried with her.” The case was adjourned for a week, when the defendant “bounced out of Court.”

May 27th.—Several friends of the sitting Members had received Speaker’s warrants, as also had Sir E. H. K. Lacon, who was served as he was about to start on a Continental tour; Messrs. B. Powell and George Byford had also been served.

May 30th.—The guarantee fund for opposing the petition had reached the sum of £2,400.

Two Russian guns had been received by the Corporation.

It was proposed to carry on the trawl fishery by means of “iron screw welled smacks of 150 tons burden.”

June 3rd.—The police had been re-modelled. Originally the force consisted of 4 sergeants, 16 privates, beside 4 non-permanent men who formed the “river watch.” Of these a sergeant and six privates had been discharged, and in their stead a sergeant and 13 privates appointed; the force, therefore, then consisted of a Superintendent, four sergeants, and 23 privates.

The “small silver mace” above referred to had been delivered up by the Carter family to the Corporation.

June 6th.—Fourteen hundred persons had visited the town by excursion train from Norwich on Whit-Monday.

June 10th.—Contains an obituary notice of Mr. Rumbold, who had died at Brighton on the 31st. ult., aged 69. It was stated that he had “not left behind him one enemy.”

The Yarmouth Standard, started three months since as an advocate “of Conservative and true Christian principles,” had ceased to exist.

June 13th.—The mackerel fishery had improved, Mr. Mainprice’s Company of 14 boats had sent in 12,000, and Mr. Shuckford’s 10,000 fish.

June 20th.—Mackerel were selling from 31s. to 32s. per 100. The “Fisherman” (Mr. James Woolverton) being the “head boat.”

June 24th.—The “Russian guns” were to be placed either on the Marine Parade, Hall Quay, or Chapel Denes.

One thousand silver penny pieces of the reign of King John, the two first Edwards, and Alexander I. of Scotland had been found at a depth of about 17 feet in Mr. Ambrose Palmer’s dry dock.

The “Eastern Unitarian Christian Society” had celebrated its 44th Anniversary at Great Yarmouth. The Rev. Dr. Sadler preached from 1 Cor. xii., 27. At the subsequent meeting, Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart., presided, and Mr. J. W. Dowson, Mr. Mills (Norwich), Mr. W. N. Burroughs, the Rev. H. Squint, Mr. S. Dowson, Rev. D. Davis, Mr. Welham and Mr. C. Freeman took part in the proceedings, afterwards 70 members partook of a cold collation at the Victoria Hotel.

At the quarterly meeting of the Primitive Methodist Society, it was stated that their members had increased by 100 during the last quarter.

One boat had brought in 6 lasts of herring, selling at from £20 to £28 per last.

July 1st.—A cricket match had been played on Gunton-denes between the Yarmouth and Lowestoft Clubs, in which the latter was victorious. The Yarmouth team consisted of Messrs. Graystone, Jennings, G. Clarke, Reeve, J. S. Browne, Young, R. Clarke, Vaughan, E. Clarke, Steward, and C. Diver.

Mr. T. Lettis, jun., had been found dead in his counting-house, and the Jury had returned a verdict “That deceased destroyed himself while in a state of temporary insanity.”

July 8th.—Mr. C. E. Bartram had been elected a Councillor for the Nelson-ward in the room of the late Mr. Lettis, the polling being—

C. E. Bartram 112

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”

took place on the Hall Plain; the platform, in the centre of which was reserved a place for the Mayor and the Candidates and friends, being on the Crown and Anchor “leads.” The Blues were to the left of the Mayor and the Reds to his right; and in front of the house there was at the time proceedings commenced an assemblage numbering 4,000 or 5,000, including a number of females. The Liberals were the first to arrive on the “leads,” and on Mr. Watkin showing himself to the crowd, he was loudly cheered, a compliment which the candidate duly acknowledged. Shortly afterwards the approach of the Conservative party was indicated by the deep groans of the crowd, who manifested some indications of hostility: but on its being discovered that the Conservative cavalcade was headed by a party of very pugilistic-looking persons, decorated with red ribbon, the threatening attitude of the crowd was somewhat modified, and the two Baronets, with their friends, were allowed to ascend to the “leads” unmolested. When the two parties had taken their places on the balcony, the Liberals proposed three cheers, which were given by the great majority, accompanied by the groans of the minority. A number of “beery” individuals struggled to the front, and were a source of annoyance to the speakers throughout. A few minutes before three o’clock the Mayor arrived in state, preceded by his sergeants-at-mace, and accompanied in his carriage by Mr. C. J. Palmer, who acted as his solicitor for the occasion. When his Worship appeared in the balcony the Blues, for some reason, commenced hissing him, much to the disgust of several of the leading gentlemen of the Liberal party, who protested against such unseemly proceedings. We may state, before attempting to report the numerous speeches that were delivered, that during the whole of the proceedings—more especially when it was the turn of the Conservatives to speak—the crowd was exceedingly disorderly, and by their loud shouting and groaning rendered most of the speakers inaudable to persons a few yards distant from them. The Mayor was grossly insulted at the commencement, and as the proceedings progressed several fights were got up, and the interference of the police was frequently required. Anything more unreasonable and unreasoning than the majority of the crowd it would be impossible to conceive, and when the nomination closed there did not seem to be any person in the balcony opposed to the opinion of the Mayor—that the “whole thing was a farce.” One side of the question was not heard at all, and the majority shouted without knowing what about. This was singularly illustrated during the speech of Mr. Watkin, when that gentleman took upon himself the functions of the returning-officer, by calling upon the crowd for a show of hands, which, singularly enough, was against him. Mr. Watkin said, “All those that don’t want me to go to the poll, hold up their hands.” A forest of hands was exhibited to the great amusement of the Conservatives, who cheered the result. Mr. Watkin then told his friends that they were mistaken, and having explained the mistake to them, assuring them that they were too intelligent to vote him down, he took another show of hands, which was in his favour. We shall be excused for commenting upon the proceedings here; but the disorder and noise was so great that, as most of the speakers could not be heard, we are necessitated to do it, in order to make our report intelligible. From the beginning to the end “noise” had it in numbers; but in fighting the honour seemed to be with the Reds, who exhibited considerable proficiency in the pugilistic art. The crowd, which was very closely packed, was divided into two sections, the Blue and the Red, the former having about ten to one of the latter. At times both sections were very ill-behaved, but their misconduct was kindly overlooked by the whole of the speakers except Mr. Watkin, who took the liberty of designating the minority of the “people” as “scoundrels” and “ruffians.” These polite designations appeared likely to stir up the ill-blood of the people, inasmuch as four or five fights immediately commenced, in one of which an unfortunate fellow sustained a severe fracture of the proboscis, and it was not until the Mayor had, to use a significant local word, “checked” Mr. Watkin, and warned him against the violent nature of his harangue, that comparative order was restored. The fights in question are deserving of notice. One began between a female, whose bonnet was trimmed with yellow ribbon, and a stout man in a blue guernsey. Gallant Reds and Blues rushed into the affray, doubtless with the object of protecting the woman, and there was every probability of a general set-to. The Mayor, however, directed the police to interfere, and the contest was suppressed, with apparently no worse results than the infliction of a few disagreeable blows on the frontispieces of the combatants. The other fights were of less importance; but altogether this display of pugnacity had the effect of causing the outside portion of the crowd to run away from what they considered to be danger. Other fights, as will be seen from the report, also occurred. One feature in the general noise was much remarked by the gentlemen on the balcony, and as it was amusing we notice it. A half drunken beachman or fisherman, just so far gone as to be witty, but who was unmistakeably a Blue, planted himself in front of the balcony, and by his extraordinary shouting succeeded in making himself heard above the surrounding tumult. There was some natural humour about this fellow, and the way in which he shouted excited the laughter of the Mayor and both parties on the balcony. The man shouted until the veins grew large in his forehead; he jumped and screamed—he laughed and waved his hat, and others laughed with him—indeed, for a time all laughed with him; he was in a state of ecstacy or violent enthusiasm. It was difficult for a time to make out what the man meant, but at length he was understood, and his fun was appreciated. Sir E. Lacon wears a full moustache, and so does Sir H. Stracey, and those hirsute ornaments were the objects of this excited individual’s enthusiasm. He laughed and shouted—his voice being heard above the murmur of the crowd,—for fully an hour,—“The beard! the beard! will nobody shave him? A shave! a shave! Fetch a barber! fetch a barber!—(Loud laughter.)—A clean shave! A shilling for a razor! a razor! a razor! O Lord, a clean shave,” &c. Ultimately the man climbed to the top of a post, and threw his hat into the face of a railway porter; the porter ran to him and struck him in the mouth two or three times, with a force that evidently astonished him, and as his scream then became somewhat distressing, he was ignominiously removed to the outside of the crowd. Many other noticeable incidents occurred, which will be found mentioned in our report. But there is one circumstance which did not altogether develop itself at the meeting, that we feel compelled to notice. Society, from experience, knows that the prude is the loudest and severest advocate of virtue; but, as Josephus has remarked, “Every man will think of this as it seemeth good unto him.” We have noticed the Gorleston voters, we have recorded the boastings and professions on both sides, and we have ventilated rumours which have been so far well founded. The incident we are about to mention we can vouch for; it is possible, should circumstances necessitate it, of being proved. On the Wednesday evening, mob law, intimidation, corruption, “the screw,” and all the worst elements of electioneering were resorted to; and we regret to say that the parties who most publicly exhibited themselves as disorderlies were persons whom we won’t classify, but who cried out, “Down with Lacon and Stracey” and “Three cheers for Watkin.”