THIRD SERIES, 1851–60. (continued 3)

“THE TIN CANISTER.”

A report had been “current that a mysterious old gentleman had arrived from somewhere with a tin canister full of sovereigns, and from the way in which he was dressed it was generally supposed that he was either a Russian or a Shrewsbury man come for the purpose of bribery. “Said person,” as the Yankees say, was seen in the rear of the balcony at the Crown and Anchor, defying anybody to penetrate the secret of his identity, but occasionally winking and ejaculating, with an occasionally eructory sound, the words, “All right—in for Watkin.” This strange gentleman departed in the evening, minus, it is said, the canister. We will now pass over the irregularities of the story, and give you the words of our informant, whose high standing and character place him beyond suspicion:—“I had attended the Yarmouth nomination, and took my railway seat, at 8.40 p.m. for Norwich. There were two or three gentlemen in the first-class compartment in which I had placed myself; and one gentleman was a peculiar sort of mysterious individual. After eyeing the party well, the gentleman gravely said, “Both sides are buying, I’m afraid, at Yarmouth.” One of the party doubted the assertion, but the ancient traveller smiled and said, “No, no.” Further explanations took place, until at length our interesting fellow-traveller volunteered this remark, after a feeler from one of the party, “You know I came down from Manchester yesterday, to see my particular friend W—. Deuced clever fellow—one of the best railway men in the country. He did wonders for the Manchester and Lincolnshire line, and if we get him in we shall expect him to be one of the best railway men we have.” One of the party asked, “Are you a Yarmouth voter, sir?” Old Traveller: “No, but I wished to see my friend W— on very particular business, and so I just came down to Yarmouth to see how his election was getting on as well, and to add my mite of influence.” This, perhaps, will account for the story of the tin canister. The rest we shall leave to the report.”

Mr. J. Cherry proposed, and Mr. R. Dumbleton seconded Sir E. H. K. Lacon.

Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. J. Owles seconded Mr. Watkin.

Mr. E. H. L. Preston proposed, and Mr. S. C. Marsh seconded Sir H. J. Stracey,

And Mr. J. W. Shelly proposed and Mr. P. Pullyn seconded Mr. Young.

The show of hands was in favour of Messrs. Watkin and Young, whereupon a poll was demanded for Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Sir H. J. Stracey.

May 4th.—The poll had been taken in Wards as follows:—

Lacon. Stracey. Watkin. Young.

St. Nicholas’ 97 89 76 71

Market 117 113 100 99

Regent 112 108 91 88

St. George’s 102 94 89 84

Nelson 166 153 119 106

St. Andrew’s 105 102 93 88

Total 699 659 568 536

But it was stated that “there were many cases of bribery, and the defeated party threatened a petition against this ‘return.’”

May 7th.—Between £500 and £600 had been promised as subscriptions to that end.

There had been a fashionable ball at the Town Hall.

The Norfolk Artillery Militia had left for Sheerness.

Miles Swiney had been shot in the side by one of the Louth Rifles on the North Denes.

May 11th.—It had been proposed to raise a Yacht Club, Mr. H. Morgan acting as Treasurer, and £100 had been subscribed for the purpose. (N.B.—This was the starting of the Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club.)

Meetings of electors had been held to promote the petition.

May 18th.—The petition was “likely to reveal a ‘high state of political morality in the Borough.’”

May 21st.—Contains the Lord Lieutenant’s proclamation as to the formation of Rifle Corps.

May 25th.—A few persons were talking of raising one of such corps at Yarmouth, but no active steps had been taken in regard thereto.

May 28th.—On the Queen’s Birthday, the Mayor had given a luncheon and ball at the Town Hall.

The testimonial “consisting of silver candelabra, &c.,” and the Corporation address had been presented to Bishop Hills at the Town Hall. Some 250 persons were present, amongst whom were—Messrs. C. J. Palmer (who presided at the luncheon), Brightwen, C. Aldred, S. Aldred, Sir E. Lacon, M.P., Reynolds, Nash, C. Cory, R. Hammond, F. Worship, W. Worship, E. Frere, F. Palmer, F. Ferrier, T. Brightwen, Captain Holmes, Dr. Smith, Rev. Nevill, Johnson, &c.

June 1st.—Contains the following report of a

“MEETING TO ESTABLISH A VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS.”

On Friday, a meeting, called by the Mayor, was held at the Town Hall, to take into consideration certain communications which his worship had received from General Peel, the Secretary at War, and Lord Leicester, the Lord Lieutenant of the County. There was a very numerous attendance. Amongst the gentlemen present were—Sir E. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Lieutenant Colonel Beckham, Captain Naylor, Captain Holmes, Rev. J. B. Bampton, Rev. T. Lowe, Messrs. J. H. Orde, F. Worship, W. Worship, W. Yetts, S. C. Marsh, C. C. Aldred, C. J. Palmer, E. H. L. Preston, J. Clowes, Foreman, &c.

The Mayor stated that he had called the meeting in consequence of communications he had received from General Peel and the Lord Lieutenant, and in compliance with a requisition which he had received, and which was signed by seventy gentlemen. He read General Peel’s letter and the requisition. He had prepared no resolution or anything of that sort, but should leave the gentlemen assembled to propose anything they might think proper.

Mr. W. Worship said the subject upon which they had been called together was one upon which there could be no difference of opinion—(hear, hear)—and in order to put the proceedings into a practical form, he should move that a committee be appointed, which would include Sir E. Lacon and Mr. Orde.

Mr. R. Ferrier said he had much pleasure in seconding the motion, and he hoped it would be understood that, although they were forming a military corps, such men as himself might be allowed to contribute to the expenses which would be incurred in its formation. There were, doubtless, many men in the town who could afford to pay for the accoutrements and give up the necessary time; but there was also in the town a fine class of men, in every way eligible, who could not afford that. It was, therefore, in assisting the latter class that such men as himself could be useful. (Hear, hear.) He should be glad himself to pay the annual expenses of some man who could not afford to do it himself; and had no objection to put his name down at once for £10 a year. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. S. C. Marsh said he did not wish to interrupt the proceedings; but before they formed the committee he thought they should, by some resolution, declare it desirable to form a Rifle Corps. (Hear, hear.) Having decided to form a corps, the next step would be to form a committee to carry out the necessary arrangements. He was sure Englishmen would respond to the offer that had been made them to allow themselves to form volunteer corps for the defence of the country. Norfolk had never been behindhand in the manifestation of patriotic feeling, and he hoped that would not be the case on this occasion. Yarmouth had before shown what she could do for the Governments of England and the defence of the country, and he hoped she was prepared to do something now. (Hear, hear.) He begged to move “That it is expedient to establish a Volunteer Rifle Corps for Great Yarmouth and its vicinity.”

Mr. Ferrier seconded.—Carried unanimously.

Sir E. Lacon, M.P. said he thought it highly essential that a town like Yarmouth should take a stand and come forward at once in obedience to the proclamation that had been issued by the Queen. They must all put their shoulders to the wheel, and wherever they saw a fine young fellow who was a likely man for the corps, if he did not come forward they must ask him to do so. The duty they had to do that day was very slight indeed, but for his own part, he would say that he should give the movement all the encouragement that he possibly could. (Hear, hear.) He should now move that a committee be appointed, with power to appoint a sub-committee, and with directions to go round the town and see what force could be got up. (Hear, hear.) Yarmouth was a large town it was true, but there were also districts around it out of which to draw much assistance; but he certainly thought it would be desirable to take in the Flegg Hundreds and the Island.

Mr. J. Clowes said there were many men in the town who, from age and other causes, would be unable to serve in a rifle corps, but who would be very desirous of taking part in the defence of our shores—men who were too old to sleep all night in the marsh ditches, or under hedges. (Laughter.) For that class of men, he thought there should be an Artillery Corps, as many of them, though not fit to take the field, would be ready to man a gun or work a battery.

The Mayor said it was out of the scope of the present meeting to discuss an Artillery Corps.

Mr. Orde said Government had intended that they would sanction and approve the formation of Artillery Corps.

Mr. Marsh’s motion was then put and carried.

Sir E. Lacon, in answer to Dr. Stephenson, said it would, no doubt, be a desirable thing to have a mounted Rifle Corps, only they could not get the horses, and if they could get them, many would be unable to keep them, besides which he should object, unless he wished to see some of them killed, to their mounting horses. (Loud laughter.) But he might say that, at an agricultural dinner, where he was the other day, he heard the farmers express themselves strongly in favour of a mounted force in the Fleggs and the Island.

Mr. C. J. Palmer suggested that all who wished to support the corps, either by serving in it or by their subscriptions, should come forward and put down their names at once. (Hear, hear.)

The Mayor said he would take down the names of any gentlemen who wished to join the corps. When they saw who were willing to join, they might name a committee, and appoint some gentleman to act as secretary. That being done, the future conduct of the movement would remain with the committee.

The following gentlemen then gave in their names as members of the corps:—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, M.P., Sir H. Stracey, M.P., Lieutenant-Colonel Beckham, S. C. Marsh, C. J. Palmer, B. Jay, R. Ferrier, W. Worship, F. Palmer, F. Worship, W. J. Foreman, W. C. Reynolds, S. Aldred, Dr. Stephenson, J. H. Orde, G. Harvey, G. Baker, Rev. J. B. Bampton, H. Teasdel, J. W. Bunn, Captain Holmes, C. Brown, J. Tomlinson, H. R. Harmer, G. Diver, H. H. Barber, J. Franklin, E. Fyson, J. B. Stevens, J. Playford, G. B. Costerton, H. Teasdel, T. P. Burroughs, Ambrose Palmer, A. W. Morant, Rev. T. Lowe, and J. Clowes.

Mr. R. Ferrier moved that the foregoing be appointed a committee to carry out the arrangements for establishing the corps, with power to appoint a sub-committee; and that Colonel Beckham be requested to act as honorary secretary.

The motion was carried unanimously, and the book containing the list of names was ordered to be left at the Police-station during the ensuing week, to give persons desirous of joining the corps an opportunity of entering their names.

The proceedings then concluded.

June 8th.—The Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club had held its first meeting on Breydon Water, and subsequently the members (who appeared in Club uniform) dined at the Club House (Norfolk Hotel), when the healths of Colonel Wilson, Commodore; F. Brown, Esq., Vice-Commodore; Mr. Everitt, of Cove Hall, (father of the Club); Mr. Scott, Aylsham, and others were duly honoured.

Mr. Bradnum’s shop at Gorleston had been struck by lightning.

June 11th.—Mr. Mellor, Q.C., M.P. for Nottingham, had presented the petition against the return of the M.Ps.

June 15th.—The Mayor and the Town Clerk had had a serious “difference of opinion,” and the former gentleman had declined to accept the “amende honorable” tendered him by the latter.

It was stated that some 60 persons were ready to join the Rifle Corps.

June 18th.—The paper had opened a branch office at No. 31, King Street, Great Yarmouth, with Mr. Clarke as correspondent.

Lord Chelmsford, before resigning the seals, had appointed Mr. Francis Worship, Mr. John Clarke, and Mr. E. P. Youell, Magistrates for the Borough.

June 22nd.—A meeting had been held at St. George’s Hall, (Mr. Harrison in the chair), for the purpose of taking steps to advertise the town.

Forty invalid soldiers had arrived at the Royal Naval Hospital.

June 29th.—There now appeared to be two petitions lodged against the return of Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Sir H. J. Stracey, one signed by Mr. John Clowes (solicitor), and the other by Mr. Bayly (surgeon) and Mr. Pilgrim (draper).

A meeting of the first Company of Volunteers had been held at Crowe’s Sale-rooms. This body now numbered 90 men, the second Company having 56 members. Mr. Dumbleton occupied the chair, and Mr. Marsh having explained the position of affairs, the following gentlemen were elected officers:—Mr. Marsh (captain), and Mr. Foreman (first), Mr. Brown (second), and Mr. Preston (third) Lieutenants.

July 2nd.—The second Company had met at the Angel. Major Nesbitt presided, and the following officers were elected:—Mr. Orde (captain), Mr. E. P. Youell (Lieutenant), and Mr. J. Tomlinson, jun., (ensign).

There were from 8,000 to 10,000 persons on the Piers, Drive, &c., on Sunday evening.

July 6th.—Mr. Mellor had given notice that he should call attention to the state of the Yarmouth Bench of Magistrates.

The following cricket match had been played on the South Denes:—

Mr. Overend’s Side. Mr. Willis’ Side.

Mr. Lawry 7 Mr. Ling 1

Mr. Jackson 3 Mr. Borlase 5

Mr. Fenner 1 Mr. Ellis 0

Lieutenant Townley 12 Mr. Larke 0

Mr. Ablitt 7 Mr. Clarke 2

Mr. Overend 7 Mr. Willis 1

Mr. Cocks 0 Mr. Davey 8

Mr. Edwards 0 Mr. T. B. Stevenson 17

Mr. Baker 0 Mr. Tewsley 4

Dr. Stephenson 4 Mr. Stolworthy 0

Mr. Wright 4 Mr. Green 0

Byes 2 Byes 5

Wides 2 Wides 5

Total 41 Total 48

Afterwards the players dined at the Crown and Anchor Hotel.

July 16th.—Owing to his altercation with the Town Clerk, the Mayor declined to attend the meetings of the Council.

July 20th.—One of the petitions against the M.Ps’ return had been withdrawn.

The Rifle Companies numbered over 200. Mr. Orde’s Company mustered 80 at their first drill in the Barrack Square.

There were then on the Parish Books 272 indoor and 1,247 outdoor paupers, as against 1,134 in the preceding year.

July 27th.—Lieutenant-Colonel Mason had retired from the command of the East Norfolk Militia.

The Foresters had held a “gala” at the Vauxhall Gardens.

Aug. 3rd.—A very large number of Speaker’s Warrants had been issued in connection with the Election Petition.

Aug. 13th.—Eliza, second daughter of S. C. Marsh, Esq., had been married to Captain Burke, of the Louth Rifles, at the Roman Catholic and St. Nicholas’ Churches. The bridesmaids were Miss Marsh, the Misses Victoria, Louisa and Emily Marsh and Miss Waters; the bridegroom’s men were Major Taafe and the officers of the Louth Rifles, and the carriages of Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Kemp, Mr. and Mrs. W. Danby-Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. W. Walpole, Mr. and Mrs. Dashwood and others were present on the occasion.

The Donegal Regiment was to succeed the Louth Rifles at Yarmouth.

Aug. 17th.—The transport “Himalaya” had brought the former, and taken away the latter regiment; the Louth Rifles had given a ball on board that ship.

Aug. 20th.—The porch of the Parish Church was being restored.

There had been a great deal of rain, but the town was very full of visitors.

Aug. 24th.—It was reported that the shock of an earthquake had been felt at Hopton.

One hundred and fifty Horse Artillery had been encamped on the North Denes.

Mr. Marsh’s Company of Volunteers were to be equipped as Artillery.

Mr. Orde’s Company had drilled on the South Denes in public for the first time.

The expenses of the Borough Election had been returned by the auditor as follows:—Conservatives, £809 15s.; Liberals, £603 17s. 4d.

Visitors were flocking to the town, and it was supposed that the standard population had thus been doubled; beds were fetching the “highest prices.”

The “Prophet Jack” was preaching on the Beach.

Sept. 3rd.—Among the company present at the Races were Count Batthyany, Lord W. Powlett, the Hon. Harbord Harbord, Colonel Wilson, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, M.P., and Sir H. J. Stracey, M.P.

Sept. 7th.—Colonel Henderson had attended at Yarmouth to report on the proposed Artillery Corps, and had informed the Mayor and Mr. Marsh that it “would have every encouragement from the Government.”

William Ingram, a labourer, had been scalded to death in Mr. Frosdick’s Tanning Copper.

Sept. 10th.—The Magistrates had had another “warm” discussion on Licensing Day, as to the granting of new licenses.

There were 400 cases of appeal against the Poor’s Rate from the St. George’s Ward. The Overseers proposed to compound up to a rental of £6 10s. per annum.

The Rev. W. Griffiths had been “ordained” at the King Street Chapel.

Two or three “Dutch schuyts” had visited the port.

The officers of Mr. Orde’s Company had received their commissions.

The Donegal Militia had marched out for their first drill on the Denes under the command of Major Todd.

Sept. 17th.—The 6th annual meeting of the Elocution Society had been held, Mr. W. Gill in the chair, when Mr. Lovewell Blake, the Secretary, brought up a favourable report of the proceedings of the Society.

There were a great number of Rate appeals from the North Ward.

The Mayor having determined to commit a prisoner named Angel, (in which course the other Justices did not concur) left the Bench, and had intimated by letter “That he should not sit again as a Magistrate.” Next day His Worship again informed the Bench that he had been misled by Mr. Holt, and that he should not sit.

Sept. 21st.—Three “gents” having hired a house in Brandon Terrace, had been victimising the tradesmen.

Sept. 24th.—Two of these persons, who gave the names of Thomas T. George, and William Arnall, had been before the Bench and ordered to find two sureties for the peace in £50 each, themselves being bound for £100 each; subsequently George was bailed out by his stepfather, a London gentleman, who stated that the prisoner was an articled clerk in receipt of £200 a year from his mother.

The North Sea herring voyage was “fairly alive,” as much as £30 a last having been realised for some of the fish.

Sept. 28th.—The following were the tenders for the Ballast dues:—James Pumfrey. £405; D. S. Bayfield, £375; and Jacob Preston, £600. The late lessee, Mr. J. H. Harrison, did not send in a tender.

Mr. Preston, however, subsequently threw up his tender, and the dues were offered to Mr. Smith (an ex-lessee) for £550 per annum.

There had been a “fine illustration of the Northern Lights.”

Oct. 1st.—A special meeting of the Council had been held as to the Ballast question, when Mr. C. C. Aldred stated “they had been called together through Mr. Preston’s tomfoolery.”

Captain Marsh and Lieutenant Foreman had received their commissions, and thereupon taken the oaths before the Magistrates.

Oct. 5th.—The Revision of the Voters’ Lists had been proceeded with before Mr. Couch, Mr. W. C. Reynolds representing the Tories and Mr. Costerton the Liberals. The latter claimed a gain of four votes as the result of the proceedings.

Fifty members of the 1st Norfolk Artillery Volunteers had been sworn in by B. Fenn, Esq., and were subsequently entertained by their officers at the Crown and Anchor Hotel.

A Poor’s Rate of 1s. 4d. in the £ (to raise £3,365 3s.) had been signed.

One Corporal and three Privates of the Donegal Militia had been heavily fined by the Justices for assaulting Mr. Nall (printer) and several policemen.

Oct. 22nd.—Lord Claude Hamilton and officers of the Donegal Militia had entertained the officers of the French steamer “Galilee.”

Oct. 26th.—The appointment of officers and non-commissioned officers in the Volunteer Companies had been made, as follows:—

Artillery Company: Captain: S. C. Marsh; Lieutenant: Foreman; Sergeant-Major: Franklin; Sergeants: Dumbleton, Moody, and Stolworthy; Corporals: Suffling, Clarke, and Clements; Armoury-Sergeant: Offord; Orderly Clerk: Sergeant Crowe.

Rifle Company: Captain: J. H. Orde; Lieutenant: Youell; Ensign: J. Tomlinson, junr.; Sergeants: Harmer, Bunn, Preston, and James; Corporals: Dick, Willis, Fellows, and Pearson.

Oct. 29th.—Sixty feet of the Britannia Pier had been carried away by a vessel during a gale which prevailed on the coast.

Mr. Chapman had retired from the representation of the Regent Ward.

Nov. 2nd.—The “Shipping Interest” was in a distressed state.

The Herring Fishing was going on satisfactorily, £15 per last being given for fish.

Nov. 5th.—Five wards had been contested. In the Regent Ward Mr. S. B. Cory beating Mr. F. Palmer by one vote. The following were the Councillors elected:—North: W. N. Burroughs and H. Boulter. Market: C. C. Aldred and F. Worship. Regent: S. C. Marsh and S. B. Cory. St. George: J. G. Plummer and J. C. Smith. Nelson: G. D. Palmer and C. E. Bartram. Gorleston: E. H. L. Preston and H. Teasdel.

Among the company present at a Ball held at the Town Hall, were—The Mayor and Miss Steward, Lieut.-Colonel Lord Hamilton, M.P., and Lady Hamilton, the Hon. Harbord Harbord, Sir H. Stracey, Bart., M.P., and Lady Stracey, Lady Plumridge, Mr. and Mrs. I. Preston and the Misses Preston, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. L. Preston, Mr. and Mrs. A. Steward, and the Misses Steward, Captain and Mrs. Marsh, Captain J. H. Orde, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. F. Danby-Palmer, Dr. Smith, Mr. Tilson, &c.

Herring was making from £18 to £20 per last.

Bribery had been practised (it was stated) in the Regent Ward, “to a disgraceful extent.”

A drinking fountain was being erected at the north end of the Town Hall.

On Tuesday, the gale which had commenced on the previous Tuesday abated, and the weather since that day, had continued to improve.

The Regatta Committee Accounts showed a balance in hand of about £60.

Nov. 12th.—At the Council Meeting, Mr. R. Ferrier proposed, and Mr. Nightingale seconded, Mr. William Worship as Mayor, and he was unanimously elected to that office.

The retiring Aldermen were Messrs. T. Bunn, G. S. Shingles, W. C. Reynolds, J. G. Rivett, I. Shuckford, and E. P. Youell, the following Aldermen were elected:—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., T. Bunn, G. S. Shingles, I. Shuckford, E. P. Youell, and R. Purdy.

Nov. 16th.—Owing to the damage sustained by the structure, it had been determined to shorten the Britannia Pier by about 100 feet.

“ON ALDERMANIC SIXES.”

“At Norwich, Tories loud complain, ’Cause Liberals are elected; At Yarmouth, he’s alleged insane Who growls that they’re rejected.”

Nov. 23rd.—The Municipal Elections on November 21st had been held as follows:—

Regent Ward.

Mr. W. C. Reynolds 110

Mr. Frederick Palmer 77

St. Andrew’s Ward.

Mr. Richmond elected without opposition.

Nov. 26th.—A dinner had been held at the Town Hall in honour of R. Steward, Esq., the ex-Mayor. Sir E. H. K. Lacon presided, and C. J. Palmer and J. B. Hylton occupied the vice-chairs.

It was proposed to raise, by shares, £8,000 for the purpose of building Assembly-rooms on the Marine Drive.

Nov. 30th.—The Rifle Company had met “in full dress at the Victoria-gardens,” mustering between 80 and 90 strong on this occasion.

Dec. 3rd.—The foundation-stone of the “Wherryman’s Church” had been laid by W. Worship, Esq., the Mayor.

The Mayor had presented rich window hangings and carpets to the Town Hall.

Dec. 7th.—It was proposed to form a second Company of Artillery Volunteers.

The Rifle Corps had dined at the Corn Hall, when Captain Orde presided, and the Mayor, Lord C. Hamilton, Captain Marsh, Lieutenant Foreman, and Dr. Stephenson (1st N.A.V.), had been present.

Dec. 17th.—At the Mayor’s Inaugural Dinner, 150 gentlemen had attended, the Volunteer Officers appearing in full uniform. The following took part in the after-dinner proceedings:—The Mayor, Lord C. Hamilton, Rev. H. Nevill, Lord Sondes, Mr. E. Howes, M.P., Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Stracey, Bart., M.P., the Recorder, (Mr. N. Palmer), Captain Orde, Captain Marsh, Mr. F. Worship, the Town Clerk, Mr. R. Ferrier, and Captain Donelly.

Mr. E. R. Palmer had offered a prize of £3 3s., to be shot for by the 1st N.A.V.

The Mayor had presented £50 to the District Visiting Society.

About 100 Rate Summonses had been issued.

Dec. 21st.—The Rifle Volunteers had attended St. Nicholas’ Church on Sunday in uniform.

The Magistrates were discussing the question as to who was entitled, in the absence of the Mayor, to the chair at the Petty Sessions.

Dec. 24th.—The Rev. F. W. Johnson, Minister of St. John’s, had died in London somewhat suddenly.

1860.

Jan. 4th.—The Artillery Company had secured the services of a band, and armed the trumpeters “with swords.”

Several herring boats had again proceeded to sea.

Jan. 7th.—Mr. Hulley and Sergeant Cattermole were playing in the N.A.V. Band.

Jan. 11th.—The “canard” that one of the M.Ps. intended to retire was denied.

Petitions were being largely signed in favour of marriage with a deceased wife’s sister.

About 30 gentlemen had attended the dinner of the Amicable Shipping Club, including Mr. Gourlay (who presided), the Mayor, Mr. R. Hammond, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Martin, &c.

Jan. 14th.—It was stated that Mr. French (whose smacks had been sold under a deed of assignment) had lost his wife’s stays, in which a sum of £400 was sewn up, and that the reward offered was £50 or £100.

Jan. 18th.—The daughter of Mr. R. Guthrie (aged 6 years) had been run over by a cart.

Mr. Bowgin’s house at Southtown had been broken into and several articles stolen therefrom.

Court “Bear of the Forest,” 3187, had celebrated its first anniversary at the Bear Inn, Southtown. Fifty members sat down to dinner, Bros. Mitchell and Palmer occupying the chair and vice-chair respectively.

Several houses had been broken into by thieves.

Jan. 25th.—The Rev. H. Nevill had “politely requested” well dressed persons not to frequent the Beachman’s Church.

“Ghosts” were said to haunt Southtown, and had specially amazed one Macdonald, an engine cleaner at the Southtown Station.

Jan. 28th.—The following further appointments had been made in the N.A.V.:—Corporal: W. Marsh. Bombardiers: Rees, J. Fish, J. Taylor, and J. Myhill. Acting ditto.: J. Bartram, R. Dumbleton, T. W. Larke, and W. Hunt.

Feb. 4th.—At a meeting of the N.A.V., held at the Victoria Gardens, Lieut. Foreman and Gunner Morant were recommended to the Lord Lieutenant as Captain and Lieutenant of the second Battery which it was proposed to raise.

The Donegal Militia had given an entertainment at the Town Hall from 2.30 to 6.30 o’clock; the Band attended, and the company enjoyed a dance.

A second Company of Volunteers was being raised.

Bro. W. Wright had been installed W.M. of Lodge “Friendship.”

Feb. 8th.—It was supposed that the Prince of Orange was likely to become the husband of the Princess Alice.

Wild rifle practice was being indulged in at Cobholm Island and other parts of the town, to the danger of the inhabitants.

Feb. 11th.—W. Rising, Esq. had presided at the annual Market Dinner at the White Horse, when Mr. Mortlock Lacon had repudiated the suggestion that Sir Edmund intended to retire from the representation of the town.

The Medical Staff of the Military Hospital had given a ball to 120 guests at the Town Hall.

Mr. C. Melly had erected a drinking fountain in front of the Port Dues Office.

“Tom Sayers” was reported to be about to spend three weeks in the town previous to his “set to” with Heenan, the American.

Feb. 15th.—W. Worship, Esq., (Mayor and Chairman of the Board of Guardians) had given a treat to 293 inmates of the Workhouse.

Feb. 18th.—An amateur performance had been given at the Theatre in aid of the Hospital. In the first piece Used Up, Captain Hayes, Mr. Robert Harmer, Dr. Kingdom, Sergeant-Major Greaves, Captain Darcus, J. McCormick, Esq., Ensign Lecky and two professional ladies appeared. Sergeant Bonner then danced an Irish jig, after which the Irish Attorney was given, in which the parts of the Attorney and Hawk were taken by Mr. Courtenay and Mr. Burton Steward, and the performance terminated with Done on both sides. About £25 was thus realised for the charity.

There had been a “great fire” on the Middle Market Road.

Many persons who had promised to subscribe to the “Petition Fund” were “backing out.”

E. P. Youell, Esq., was to be Captain of the 2nd Company of Rifle Volunteers.

On Valentine’s Day the ladies took great advantage of the fact of its being “Leap Year” in sending these missives to the gentlemen.

Feb. 22nd.—The Donegal Militia had given a second afternoon dance at the Town Hall.

Mr. T. M. Read had been elected second Lieutenant in the N.A.V.

“Monday was Cock (antique) or Orange Fair, when the Market Place was thronged by the usual ‘fair’ attractions.”

March 3rd.—“A most violent and destructive hurricane” had visited the town and country.

The petition had been heard, and the members retained their seats, which news had caused great rejoicing amongst the Tories, while “the money” question was likely to cause some trouble to the petitioners.

Captain Foreman and Lieutenant Morant had been gazetted to the first N.A.V.

The following had been elected officers of the second Company of Rifles:—Captain, Mr. Youell; Lieutenant, Mr. Harmer; Ensign, Mr. E. Preston.

An untanned leather bag, containing 70 coins of the reign of Henry VIII. had been found on the Beach after a great thickness of sand had been blown away by the late westerly gale.

March 10th.—Lieutenant Read and 70 members of the N.A.V. had escorted Captain Marsh, Captain Foreman, Lieutenant Morant, and Dr. Stephenson to the Railway Station on their proceeding to the Leveè; the other officers then present were Captain Orde, Lieutenant Youell, Ensign Tomlinson, and Surgeon Frederick Palmer, of the Rifles.

March 24th.—The “Donegals” had celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, beginning at five o’clock in the morning. In the afternoon the Officers gave another dance at the Town Hall and entertained a numerous party of friends at their mess at the Southtown Barracks.

April 7th.—Mr. J. Lee-Barber had been elected a Second Lieutenant in the N.A.V.

In the Rifle Corps, Corporals Dick and Pearson and Privates Barber and Cobb had been elected Sergeants.

April 11th.—On Good Friday both Volunteer Corps had “fraternised” and drilled together on the Denes; it was estimated that on this occasion, which was the first “turn out” of the kind, from 8,000 to 10,000 spectators, including Sir E. Lacon, M.P., Captain Holmes, Major Todd, and many ladies and gentlemen, were present.

April 14th.—There had been a grand Conservative banquet at the Theatre, at which 350 persons were present. Mr. R. Dumbleton occupied the chair, and was supported by Sir E. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Sir H. Stracey, Bart., M.P., the Mayor (W. Worship, Esq.), F. Worship, C. Cory, and C. J. Palmer, Esqs., Captain Marsh, Captain Mansfield, and Officers of the Donegal Militia and others; Mr. W. Wright and Mr. R. Breeze occupied the vice-chairs; Mr. Franklin catered for the party.

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

April 25th.—The following Volunteer officers had been entertained at the Donegal Mess:—Captain Marsh, Lieutenants Burton Steward, A. W. Morant, John Lee Barber, and T. M. Read, and Dr. Stephenson (1st N.A.V.), and Captain Youell, Lieutenants Tomlinson, and Harmer, Ensigns Preston and Brown, and Surgeon Frederick Palmer (4th N.R.V.).

April 28th.—Great complaint was made as to the mode of levying the Poor’s Rate.

In the Divorce Court, James Cherry, Esq., had obtained a decree for the restitution of conjugal rites against his wife, who was entitled to the income derived from a sum of £8,000.

May 5th.—The Mayor had given a grand Ball at the Town Hall, when dancing was kept up until four o’clock in the morning.

The E.N.M. had been inspected on the Denes by Major-General Douglas. The Rifle Volunteers were also on the ground.

Bro. Hanworth, Secretary of the “Good Samaritan” Lodge, M.U.O.F., had been presented with an ornamental silver inkstand.

May 9th.—A Ball “of a very elegant character” had taken place at the Town Hall.

The E.N.M. had been disembodied, when “many of the men celebrated the event by getting drunk.”

The 1st N.A.V. had received 19,000 cartridges and 23,000 percussion caps.

A fine porpoise had been gambolling in the river, near the Haven Bridge.

May 16th.—The first lot of mackerel (300 fish) had been landed, and realised £4 per hundred.

May 23rd.—On the Queen’s Birthday, the 1st N.A.V. had fired a salute from the South Star Battery.

There was a scarcity of labour in the town.

May 26th.—The “launching foy” of the “Caroline” had been held in the Town Hall (this vessel had been launched from Powell’s yard, after being repaired at the expense of £5,000.)

May 30th.—From 40 to 50 lives had been lost off Yarmouth in a “fearful hurricane,” during which one of the pinnacles had been blown off St. Peter’s Church and damage done to the fabric to the extent of some £200.

June 2nd.—Sixty recruits were drilling for the Rifle Corps.

Mr. Watkin had addressed a “Reform” meeting at the Corn Hall.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Northampton had confirmed 50 children and adults at St. Mary’s Church, Regent Road.

June 7th.—It was now stated that eleven fishing luggers had been lost with all hands.

Twelve fishermen out of the village of Horsey alone had been drowned.

The 1st. N.A.V. were forming a 3rd Company, of which Lieutenant Lee-Barber was to be Captain, Mr. Trafford 1st Lieutenant, and Mr. Green 2nd Lieutenant.

June 13th.—Fayerman (one of the witnesses at the hearing of the Election Petition) had been charged by Sir E. Lacon with perjury, while arising out of this charge actions for slander were being brought against that gentleman by some aggrieved “Blues.”

June 16th.—A meeting had been held at the Town Hall to raise a fund for the relief of the widows and children of the fishermen lost in the recent gales. About £500 was raised in the room.

June 20th.—The Mackerel voyage was only a “moderate success.” This fish was making 36s., and herring 12s. 6d., per hundred.

June 23rd.—Henry Fayerman had been committed for trial on a charge of perjury.

The Rifle Volunteers had shown themselves “remarkably well instructed in the theory and practice of the rifle.”

£2,240 had been raised for the families of the drowned fishermen.

“The actions against Sir E. Lacon for libelling the Liberal Committee had been postponed to next term.”

July 4th contains the following account of the

VISIT OF THE CHANNEL FLEET.

The Channel Fleet has at length visited our Roads, much to the gratification of thousands of the Queen’s lieges, as well as to the galling disappointment of thousands of the same excellent body. The squadron came in in the open day, clear to the gaze of multitudes, but disappeared like a majestic phantom in the night. A little more than a week ago we were informed that the Channel Fleet had, after an anchorage of sixteen days in St. Margaret’s Hope, Frith of Forth, left its moorings under canvas, with auxiliary steam power, and proceeded down the Frith and out to sea, destined for the Yarmouth Roads. As we stated in our last impression, the consequence of that information being diffused was to put all the speculators and quidnuncs of the town and neighbourhood on the alert. Leaving St. Margaret’s Hope on the Saturday, the fleet would certainly, it was argued, be here on the Tuesday, on which day the Marine Parade and the Beach were literally swarmed with expectant people, whose glasses were searching the waters in every direction; but, owing either to the perversity of Admiral Neptune, the weather office, or the Vice-Admiral in command (who is admitted by everyone to be a pleasant and courteous gentleman), the fleet did not arrive. Much disappointment and innumerable prophecies followed, and while some knowing individuals averred positively, and “on undoubted authority” that the fleet had passed and would not come in here, others were equally confident, on the strength of telegrams and “unquestionable information,” that the great ships would be seen, on the “next flood.” As, however, they put in no appearance up to Friday evening, the conviction that they had omitted us began to be pretty general, especially when “undoubted authority” satisfied us that the squadron had been seen some distance to the south of this port, namely, in the Wold. A few persons held out, notwithstanding their belief that the ships would visit us, and were stirring early on Saturday morning to catch the latest intelligence, when lo! the rumour spread that the fleet was in sight. People began hurrying to the Beach, which, between 8 and 10 o’clock a.m. presented, as to throng and bustle, an appearance equal to that of Tuesday, with the single exception that the fair sex had not had time to put on the gay attire in which they looked so well on that day. As the Royal Albert, three decker, flag ship of Vice-Admiral Freemantle, came in sight, the cry was, “There they are!” and as the magnificent vessel steamed up into the gat there appeared something so triumphant and majestic in her appearance as to make every one who saw her feel proud of the “wooden walls,” which have so long defied all the enemies of Old England. Britannia from the top of the lofty pedestal in front of the gatway might look down with pride upon the splendid ship which marched in stately grandeur “o’er the mountain waves.” The Royal Albert was seen to be followed by a long dark line of smoke, and every few minutes other great ships came in sight moving apparently with ease and controllable but irresistible force. As the flagship came through the gat of St. Nicholas, the dense masses of people who lined the shore expressed in a variety of forms their admiration of the dimensions and commanding aspect of this great three decker. The seafaring people looked at the matter with a professional eye, and amongst them might frequently be heard such expressions as “Old Rounce (the Gorleston pilot) is bringing her in stunnin!” On came the great ship,—as gracefully and as gently as a swan would move upon the surface of an untroubled lake,—until she was surprisingly near the shore for a ship of her size. She then glided round in a most beautiful manner, as if looking for the best place to drop her anchor, a point which was soon decided, when it was found that she was in about an exact line with the Victoria Hotel. The sight in the gatway had now become grand in the extreme, as all the line of battle ships were in sight, moving majestically forward by the aid of power unseen, while the flagship was actively engaged in signalling to the various ships as they came up as to the respective positions they were to take. The ships seemed to be managed with perfect ease, and could be turned or moved in any direction with surprising celerity. The scene while they were taking up their positions and dropping their anchors was beautiful and will not soon be forgotten by those who saw it.

The Locust, steam tender, had arrived in the Roads previously, and the ships that arrived with the Royal Albert, which has 121 guns, and carries 1,100 men, were the Edgar, 91, flagship of the Rear-Admiral Erskine, the Mersey frigate, 40; the Donegal, 101; the Trafalgar, 91; the Conqueror, the Centurion, the Mars, the Diadem, the Algiers, the Aboukir, and the Greyhound corvette, 17, acting as tender to the Royal Albert. The fleet anchored in two lines, and presented a most gratifying spectacle to the inhabitants, who felt what a security it must be in a time of war, while at the same time they could not refrain from reflecting on the terrible havoc that must be committed were those quiet-looking ships to unbosom their thunders, and vent their indignation upon the town for a space of about five minutes. Soon after the Vice-Admiral’s flag ship had anchored, the Volunteer Artillery fired a salute of 15 guns, but owing to the regulations of the service, the ship was precluded from returning the compliment. The band of the Artillery subsequently played on the Drive, and gave a festive character to the morning. Reports rapidly got afloat as to how long the fleet would stay, some contending that it would not go till Wednesday, as the Admiral and officers had accepted an invitation to a ball which the Mayor purposed giving at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening; while, on the other hand, it was asserted that the fleet would depart in the course of the night, as during the day they received five or six despatches from the Admiralty, and thus disappoint the thousands who it was expected would come into the town by rail on Sunday. Neither of the predictions turned out to be true. Had the ships not been detained at sea by the contrary winds, which caused them to keep steam up even to the last, they would have been here for four or five days. Before coming in they had for two or three days been within 60 miles of us, trying to reach here with their sails alone. They had not been long at anchor before sundry mariners and bare-footed frolicsome and reckless tars, were seen ashore, lugging away immense baskets of fresh bread, butter, &c., and diversifying this duty by fraternising with as many of the girlhood of the place as they happened to come in contact with. The Blue Jackets are decided favourites ashore, and few people seem disposed to prevent them doing as they please. It would give great satisfaction to the inhabitants of this town, if, in their annual cruises, the Channel Squadron would occasionally drop in here, for we are sure that their present visit, besides being advantageous to the town, will obtain many seamen; for who would wander about in a rotten and miserable old collier when he might lead a worthy and a jolly life amongst excellent fellows, on board a floating tower and mansion equal to the most convenient and best regulated establishments ashore? It is a long time since a fleet was seen in our Roads, although there is probably no point upon the coast where so much shipping passes as this. The last fleet that was in the Roads was in 1810, under the command of Admiral Somers, whose flagship was the Victory (Nelson’s old ship), and that fleet passed here on its way to the Baltic, the ports of which it was going to blockade. There were then in the fleet besides the Admiral’s ship of 98 guns, the Formidable, 98; the St. George, 98; the Dreadnought, 98, now a hospital ship, and a number of 74’s, making together fourteen sail, some of which were with Admiral Sir John Ross, at the blockade of Dantzic, in 1812 (and frozen up there in 1813). In 1801, Nelson was in here on his way to Copenhagen, and in 1807, Admiral Gambier’s fleet was bound for the same place, and sailing hence fetched in the ships and stores of the Danes. In the time of those fleets, the North Sea and Baltic Pilots of this port were of great service—a class of men of whom, we believe, only one remains. His name is Richard Webb. He was frozen up in the Baltic in 1812, while acting as pilot (wintered there during the burning of Moscow), and was altogether engaged for 15 years in piloting government vessels in the wars of that time, important services for which the old boy alleges he has received nothing but unfulfilled promises from the “great guns” aloft. One would think that an old sailor who had served in the “battle and the breeze” for so long a period, and in such momentous times, ought to have received some substantial recognition of his services.

The fleet and the officers and men from it who came ashore during the day have been closely scrutinized and gazed at, parties having been on board the flagship, it became a question of interest as to what they would do at night. At sunset a gun was fired from the Admiral’s ship, at the sound of which, as if by magic, the flags dropped from the stern of every vessel at the same instant, though the topyards did not go down as was expected. That was about half-past eight o’clock, and at nine bang went another gun from the Admiral’s ship followed by the rattle of musketry on board the others, and seamen said, ‘There’s the old Admiral a-fallen down the main hatchway,’ that being the correct nautical form of indicating that the hands were ordered to ‘turn in.’ At about the same time lights were shown in front and at the sterns of the ships, producing a brilliant and lively spectacle, taken in conjunction with the hundreds of lights on small craft lying at anchor, and as shown by the screw colliers which were ever and anon passing through the fleet and flowing out dark volumes of smoke. With Saturday Mr. Swann’s contract to supply beef at 4½d. per lb., luckily for him, expired, and he agreed, we believe, to execute the orders of the fleet at 6½d.

Sunday morning, as had been anticipated by the Yarmouth innkeepers and others, brought an immense number of people into the town, the trains from Norwich being very lengthy. The weather was fine, and as the fleet still remained in the Roads, there was every prospect of enjoyment. As the excursionists came into the town they proceeded, after refreshing the inner man at the earliest opportunity, either to the beach or on board the three steamers of Fill and Co. (Chesapeake, Volunteer and Florence Nightingale), which were ready, as soon as filled, to start for a journey round the fleet. The Chesapeake was the first to start, and as she steamed down the harbour the excursionists had a good view of the quays and shipping, and also of the hamlet of Gorleston. As soon as the bar was crossed, the great ships were all plainly visible, their sides bristling with guns, and alive with seamen, who, on the visitors approaching, exchanged a few friendly shouts with them. From the middle of the two lines in which they were moored, the ships had a noble and awe-inspiring effect upon those who had not before seen such wonders of the sea—they were, in fact, so many towers of strength filled with dauntless warriors. The Mersey, the smartest, the swiftest, and most powerful frigate of the fleet, was greatly admired, as was also the Royal Albert, and many thought—

“How proud must be our Admiral Of such a bonny barque.”

Officers and men were at nearly all parts of the ship, and cordially invited the excursionists to go on board, an offer which the steamer declined, out of regard to the safety of the passengers. Small pleasure boats from the beach, however, were running to the fleet in large numbers, cutting and plunging through the sea that might have made some persons timid. The steamers disembarked their freight at the Britannia Pier (which found Sunday the most prosperous day of its existence) and continued throughout the day to run to and from that Pier without intermission. Indeed, in the afternoon the Britannia Pier, which was crowded almost from end to end, presented a remarkable spectacle. The beef, potatoes, and greens for the fleet were brought to the pier-head in carts, and were stacked for conveyance to the ships in the ships’ boats. The sailors, amongst whom was the usual per centage of black fellows, tossed the beef and cabbages into the boats in a manner not at all ceremonious, and one quarter to a certainty, though some say three or four, was pitched into Davey Jones’s locker. This scene of conveying away the carcases of about 60 bullocks (so the number was stated, though we think over the mark), of a few sheep, and goodness only knows how many cabbages and loaves, was very interesting to the public, and kept the pier crowded with spectators till six or seven o’clock. There was in the afternoon and evening the largest assemblage of people on the parade and beach that the oldest inhabitant remembers to have seen in the town, and it was not till a late hour that the last disappeared. The effect of so many strangers being in the town was to effect an entire demolition of most of the eatable stores in the hands of the innkeepers; and it is sufficient to say that a great thirst prevailed. The Jacks and officers who were ashore in some force in the afternoon preferred wandering into the town and outskirts; and the former, who as a rule were shoeless, seemed to pick up a good deal of fun. Besides the usual mode of conveyance of pouring in visitors, we observed several original vehicles from the country arrive in the afternoon, laden to excess and to the evident inconvenience of the passengers. The day passed off so well that the majority of the inhabitants retired, hoping, we have no doubt, that the Channel Fleet might remain a week. Sinister rumours, however, were at work, and some fears were secretly entertained. Great bags of letters had been taken from and sent to the Post Office, and report was that despatches had been received ordering the fleet off to Spithead at once.

When the general bulk of the population awoke on Monday morning, alas! the fleet—with the exception of the Mars, which had lost an anchor and was waiting to endeavour to regain it—were off! They left us between five and six o’clock; and many have a firm opinion that the Mars was detained by some Providential influence, so that the thousands of excursionists who came in on Monday, in the hope of seeing the Channel Fleet, might not be utterly disappointed. May a British Fleet honour us again with its presence, at the earliest opportunity.

The following Commissions had been issued:—“Great Yarmouth Rifle Volunteer Corps—Frederick Palmer, Esq., to be Surgeon; Henry Ralph Nevill to be Hon. Chaplain.”

The trident had been struck by lightning from the hand of Britannia on the Nelson Column.

July 7th.—The “Good Samaritan” Lodge, M.U.O.F., had voted £5 5s. to the Fishermen’s Fund.

Mr. Job Smith had presided at a Working Man’s Reform Meeting, held in Crowe’s Assembly Rooms.

July 21st.—The Fisherman’s Widows and Orphans’ Fund exceeded £7,300.

The new building for the Sailors’ Home was progressing rapidly.

“The hot weather had brought large numbers of excursionists to the sea-side.”

July 25th.—The Donegal Militia had left the town for Ireland, where they were to be disembodied.

Aug. 1st.—“Benjamin Hollis, a fine young man belonging to the Artillery Volunteers,” had been buried with Military honours.

Aug. 4th.—The 3rd and 4th Companies of the Rifle Volunteers had appeared for the first time in uniform.

A “young lady about twenty years of age had disappeared” at the same time as the Militia left the town.

Aug. 8th.—At the Water Frolic the “Iris” won the cutter match, and the “Enchantress” the latteen match.

“A reward of £100 had been offered for the apprehension of John D. Chapman, late of this town.”

At the Regatta the following had been the result of the matches:—

FIRST GLASS YAWLS.

A Purse of £30, to be sailed for by yawls from all parts; of not less than 45 feet in length, manned by the beachmen engaged in saving life from shipwreck. First prize, £15; second, £10; third, £5. No entrance fee. The first yawl to pay £1, the second 15s., and the third 7s. 6d. to the Regatta Fund.

Queen Victoria, Yarmouth 1

Eclipse, Lowestoft 2

Gipsy Queen, Winterton 3

A Purse of £50, to be sailed for by Yachts belonging to any Royal Yacht Club in Great Britain, above 20 tons and not exceeding 50 tons register. No restrictions as to sails or men. The winner to pay five guineas to the second yacht.

Belvidere, (T. M. Read,) Yarmouth 1

Kestrel, (W. Butcher), Norwich 2

SECOND CLASS YAWLS.

A purse of £20, to be sailed for by yawls from all parts, of not more than 45 feet in length, manned by beachmen. First prize, £12; second prize, £5; third prize, £3. First yawl to pay £1, second yawl 10s., third yawl 5s. to the Regatta Fund.

Good Tidings, California 1

Volunteer, Yarmouth 2

Flying Fish, ditto 3

A Rowing Match for £15, by six-oared gigs, single banked, from any part. To be contended for in heats. Four to start or no race. No entrance fee. First boat to receive £8; second boat, £5; third boat, £2; manned by those who usually work as beachmen.

Shooting Star, Winterton 1

Champion, Yarmouth 2

Quebec, Pakefield 3

Some more rowing by ships’ boats, sculling, and a duck hunt brought the programme to a close.

The following were among the persons present at the Regatta Ball:—The Mayor, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Lady Plumridge, Miss Plumridge, Lieut.-Colonel Astley, Major and Mrs. Rushbrooke, Major Penrice, Miss Penrice, Captain the Hon. R. Harbord, Count Melchoir de Weazle, Captain Longe, Mr. Stracey, Mr. Bedingfield, Mr. and Mrs. A. Steward and the Misses Steward, Mrs. F. Steward, Mr. and Mrs. Postle, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Waters and the Misses Waters, Captain and Mrs. Wynyard, Major Wodehouse, the Rev. G. Hawes and the Misses Hawes, Mrs. Patridge, Mr. Molyneux Steel, Mr. D’Eye, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Reynolds, Mrs. Mends, Miss Pearson, Miss Hubbard, Mrs. Foster, Miss Foster, Miss Gwynn, the Misses Cubitt, Mr. E. Frere, Mr. and Mrs. Orde, Captain and Mrs. Ives, Miss Lennard, Captain Jervoise, &c.

Aug. 22nd.—The E.N.M. (which had been embodied since the 5th April, 1857) had been disembodied.

Gipsies “infested the Beach” to the annoyance of the public.

Aug. 25th.—The N.A.M. had been disembodied at Yarmouth.

Sept. 1st.—Only 58 persons had attended the Race Ball, among whom were the Mayor, the Hon. H. Harbord, Captain Bedingfield, Captain Holmes, Mr. Orde, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Palmer, &c.

Colonel Sir Thomas Troubridge had inspected the Rifle Volunteers.

Sept. 5th.—The Rifle Corps was holding its first prize shooting matches on the North Denes, the E.N.M. Band being on the ground and playing during the firing. Mr. Fenner had won the Borough Members’ Prize, having at the 500 yards scored 8 against Lieutenant Brown’s 6 points.

A hare had been hunted from the South Denes by “men, dogs, and boys” to Adam and Eve Gardens, and had been “transferred to a bake office before 12 o’clock.”

A roulette table had been an attraction in the town, and several gentlemen had “dropped” their money at that game.

Sept. 18th.—The following had been the result of the Prize Shooting:—

1.—Borough Members’ Prize of £10, shot for at ranges of 300, 400, and 500 yards. Winner, Fenner.

2.—Officers’ Cup, value £5, shot for at ranges of 200 and 300 yards. Winner, Davis.

3.—A “Turner” Rifle, presented by Major Orde, shot for at ranges of 500 and 600 yards, for which Pearson and Leman tied, upon shooting off Leman was the winner.

4.—Ladies’ Challenge Cup, value £35, shot for at ranges of 650, 700, 800, and 900 yards, the firing for which was not concluded, but Boreham and Boulton had the highest scores in this contest.

Sept. 12th.—The Prize Shooting had been completed by Mr. Bly, (ironmonger) making 12 points out of 20 shots, 5 at each of the distances of 650, 700, 800, and 900 yards, in the Challenge Cup competition, and he was declared to be the winner, and the champion shot of the corps.

The pugilist Mace was training at Yarmouth previous to his fighting Bob Brettle.

Sept. 19th.—The prizes had been presented to the several winners in the recent Rifle Corps Competition by the Mayor at the Town Hall, when amongst those present were Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Lady and Miss Lacon, Major and Mrs. Orde, Captain Holmes, the Officers of the Rifle Corps, Major Todd, E. R. Palmer, Esq., Captain Jervoise, C. C. Aldred, Esq., Rev. M. Waters, C. J. Palmer, Esq., &c., &c.

After this, the Mayor invited those present to dance, himself leading off with Lady Lacon.

Mr. E. R. Aldred had supplied the cups, and champion’s medal.

The Volunteer Artillery had appeared in “busbies” for the first time.

Sept. 22nd.—The Yarmouth Volunteers had attended the Review of the County Corps held on Mousehold Heath, Norwich, by the Lord Lieutenant, who was accompanied by Major-General Wood, Lord Suffield, Colonel Astley, and the Hon. Harbord Harbord as aides-de-camp, and a brilliant staff. The Yarmouth Rifles numbered 1 Field Officer, 4 Captains, 4 Lieutenants, and 4 Ensigns, 1 Staff Officer, 11 Sergeants, 4 Drummers, and 172 Privates, total 201. The total number of Volunteers on the field being between 1,100 and 1,200. The spectators are stated to have said as the Volunteers marched past—“These with the Hussar hats on are the Yarmouth Artillery,” and “These are the Yarmouth Rifles—well done Yarmouth.”

Sept. 26th.—The number of the Volunteer Artillery present at the Review was stated to have been 156.

Herring was selling at from £23 to £30 per last.

Sept. 29th.—“Several hundreds of vessels had passed through the Roads for the North in full sail, and one close fleet.”

Oct. 3rd.—James Denny Chapman had absconded and been declared bankrupt, with debts estimated at £30,000.

Oct. 6th.—At the Revision Court Mr. Costerton had appeared for the Liberals and Mr. Reynolds for the Tories; the former claimed a gain of 88 votes.

Oct. 20th.—St. Andrew’s Church had been consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich.

Nov. 3rd.—At the Municipal Election there was a contest in the Regent Ward, resulting as follows:—

Reynolds (C.) 106

Wright (C.) 101

Livingston (L) 61

For the other wards the following gentlemen were returned without opposition:—

North—William H. Bessey and Samuel Nightingale (C’s.)

Market—John Fenn and John E. Barnby (C’s).

St. George’s—William J. Foreman and Charles Palmer (C’s).

Nelson—John Clarke (C.) and John Clowes (L).

Gorleston—Samuel C. Richmond and Thomas W. Gooda (C’s).

It was “darkly hinted” that Mr. S. Nightingale would be the next Mayor.

Nov. 10th.—The Mayor, the Rev. Mr. Peade, Messrs. C. S. Marsh, R. S. Watling, S. Nightingale, T. Brightwen, B. Dowson, and Mr. W. C. Reynolds had been nominated by a Public Meeting as a Committee for the purpose of founding a “Public Hall and Assembly Room.” Mr. Palmer and Mr. Falcke had each offered to take 20 shares of £10 in the undertaking.

Nov. 14th.—At the Council Meeting on the 9th, Mr. Charles J. Palmer proposed, and Mr. F. Worship seconded, the election of Mr. Samuel Nightingale as Mayor of the Borough, and, there being no opposition, he was elected to that office accordingly.

The “Eleanor,” brig of 300 tons register, had been launched “in full rig” from Messrs. Beechings’s yard. She was to proceed to the Mediterranean with herring.

Nov. 17th.—“A nocturnal exploit of some Volunteer youths had been much talked of for several days past,” and a “dashing junior officer” had nearly fallen into the hands of the police.

Nov. 24th.—“Practical jokes” prevailed, one “joker” finding next morning that he had been over night “cracking his own panes.”

The “political actions at law” against Sir E. Lacon were “in course of settlement.”

Dec. 8th.—An explosion had taken place on board the “Tonning” steamer at sea, and inquests on several bodies of the men killed held at Yarmouth.

Dec. 22nd.—The Volunteer Artillery had given a concert at the Corn Hall, when Messrs. John Franklin, W. Offord, Clements, J. Bartram, J. Cocks, W. C. Mack and the Masters Nutman took part in the performance.

The following was the form of apology upon which the actions against Sir E. Lacon had been settled, upon his payment of plaintiff’s costs:—

“Great Yarmouth, “Nov. 29th, 1860.

“Dear Sir,—Upon full enquiry, I find that the statements made by me in a speech at the dinner at the Theatre in April last, and complained of by you as reflecting on yourself as a member of the committee therein referred to, were made under an erroneous impression of the facts of the case, as far as yourself and the committee are concerned.

“Under these circumstances, I have no hesitation in withdrawing the imputations you and the committee complain of, and the plea of justification, and in expressing my regret that legal proceedings were deemed necessary, which, being now ended, no difference will, I trust, henceforth be made in the friendly feeling that has previously existed between us.

“Yours truly, “Edm. H. K. Lacon.”

W. T. Clarke, Esq.”

At the Police Court, Mr. Owles again called attention to the “practical” joking question, when Sergeant Barnes stated that the jokers “were attired in cloaks, and one wore a uniform cap.”

Dec. 29th.—The Rifle Corps, 180 strong, had marched to Hopton, where Major Orde “regaled them on bread and cheese, hot sausage rolls, and plenty of old ale.”