THIRD SERIES, 1851–60.

“When found, make a note of”—

Capt. Cuttle.

1851.

Jan. 4th.—At the meeting of the Town Council, the Councillors for the St. George’s, Market and Gorleston Wards refused to appoint Ward Aldermen “as they had no confidence” in the Aldermen recently appointed by the casting vote of the Mayor.

The “Water question” was before the public, when, as to the Ormesby water with which it was proposed to supply the town, Mr. Cooper, an eminent analytical chemist, stated that such water “was turbid from the green and brown matter in it” and that “the large quantity (four grains) of vegetable organic matter that it contained rendered it wholly unfit for domestic purposes other than cleansing.”

Jan. 11th.—Chas. J. Palmer had presided at the Annual Public Library meeting, when it was stated that upwards of 5,000 books belonged to that institution.

J. Tolver, Esq. had sent in his resignation as Clerk to the Paving Commissioners.

Jan. 25th.—It was stated that a provisional order was about to be issued, applying the “Health of Town’s Act” to the Borough, thus threatening the Paving Commissioners with extinction.

There was great complaint against these Commissioners for not properly lighting the Denes.

Wm. Sumner, an ex-constable was bound over to keep the peace at the instance of Samuel Tolver, Esq.

Feb. 1st.—The following notice appears as to No. 4, South Quay:—

A tradition has long existed in connection with the Elizabethian House upon the Quay, formerly belonging to John Carter, the regicide, but now the residence of C. J. Palmer, Esq., F.S.A., (mentioned by Noble, vol. 2, p. 340), that of the “many secret consults” which the rebels held prior to the trial and execution of King Charles I. the fatal and final one took place in a chamber in the above mentioned house, in which Carter then lived. A meeting of the chief Parliamentarian Generals was summoned, and the regicides, it is said, met early in the afternoon, and the conference, which was one of ‘great secrecy,’ did not terminate until near the hour of midnight, the dinner which had been ordered for four o’clock not being served until the meeting broke up. This tradition, though generally credited, had hitherto received no confirmation to render it of historical value. The important fact has, however, been placed almost beyond a doubt, as we can state on the authority of F. Worship, Esq., that in the course of the labours of the Committee recently appointed by the Town Council to inquire into the ancient records and muniments of the Borough, a record has been found of the visit of Oliver Cromwell to our town about the time alluded to, it having never yet been definitely ascertained that the Protector visited Yarmouth. We hope this very interesting discovery will induce the Committee to prosecute their labours, and when the valuable town documents have been arranged and restored, the Council will see the propriety and necessity of providing some suitable depository for them.

Feb. 8th.—The New Mercantile Marine Act had excited much dissatisfaction, and several handbills had appeared urging the sailors to take action, and on Tuesday morning having “struck,” they mustered in groups on the Hall-quay. Subsequently they formed in procession to the number of 1,000 and paraded the town for several hours; they had a band and flags with them, and a board on which was written “Do not sign the laws” and “Wages £2 15s. Summer and Winter.”

A Seaman’s Union had been formed having 450 members, and Mr. J. Teasdel having given notice that he did not intend to reduce the wages paid to his men to 50s. a month, several hundred of the men on strike, went over the Bridge and manned the yards of a vessel belonging to that gentleman, for whom they gave some loud and hearty cheers.

The Magistrates refused to sign a 1s. 9d. Poor rate, but such rate was subsequently signed by Mr. W. H. Palmer and Mr. J. Fenn and the rate for that amount made.

Feb. 15th.—A meeting of the shipowners had been held at the Town-hall to consider the seamen’s grievances, the Mayor in the chair, when upon the motion of Mr. George Danby-Palmer, a resolution was carried to obtain a repeal of the act of Parliament complained of, and a Committee formed consisting of six owners and six seamen with the Mayor as chairman to give effect to such resolution; the wages question was, however, not discussed.

Feb. 22nd.—A further meeting had been held “to take into consideration the present complaint of seamen respecting their wages, that the same may be equalized throughout the year whether by voyage or month.”

About 30 owners were present, and also the Sailors’ Committee; the Mayor was in the chair, and the sailors refused to be bound by their “old agreement;” the following account is given of their subsequent proceedings:—

Since the above meeting a letter has been sent to the Mayor, announcing that the sailors were determined not to abide for the future by the old agreement; and handbills were also publicly issued, announcing a “grand procession” of the seamen of the port for the following day. Accordingly on Saturday the sailors assembled opposite to their rendezvous, at the Royal Exchange on the Quay, to the number of about 1,500, and flags, union jacks, &c., with a band of music having been procured, a procession was formed, which paraded the town for several hours. The men were mostly respectably attired, and wore rosettes of various colours, from which were suspended the medals of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. Some of the men were dressed in various emblematical characters, such as Britannia, Neptune, Amphitrite, Triton, &c., and were borne upon the shoulders of the crowd in boats, dolphin cars, &c., which were decorated with evergreens, &c., in short the whole assemblage seemed more like a triumphal procession than that of a demonstration occasioned by one of those unfortunate breaches between employers and employed, termed a “strike.” Throughout the crowd a number of placards were distributed, bearing the following inscription:—“We, the seamen of Yarmouth, hereby testify our gratitude to the inhabitants, for the handsome manner in which they have come forward to assist us in obtaining our just rights.” Also a number of poles, terminating in tridents, fishes, &c., were borne aloft, together with a handsomely carved model ship, covered with the flags of all nations.

Mr. S. S. Barber had applied to the Bench for the assistance of the civil force to protect his seamen, who had just arrived by the “Maid of the Yare,” London Trader, and who had been persuaded to leave their vessel, and even threatened to be taken away by force if they did not leave. The Superintendent and some of the police went down to the spot, but, as the men remained perfectly peaceable, their presence was not at all required.

The following members of the Council had addressed a letter to the Treasury protesting against a proposed loan for drainage purposes, which was said to have been carried by a majority of the Council at its last meeting:—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, R. Ferrier, E. H. L. Preston, F. Worship, William H. Palmer, R. Steward, R. D. Barber, E. R. Aldred, J. C. Smith, J. G. Plummer, J. Cherry, J. E. Barnby, C. C. Aldred, B. Jay, R. Ferrier, junr., S. Miller and William Worship, and thereupon at the Council meeting a very warm discussion ensued, during which Mr. C. C. Aldred was accused of having called Mr. George Danby-Palmer “a liar,” and Sir E. H. K. Lacon (by Mr. Henry Danby-Palmer) of having made a disturbance by “kicking against the panels.”

March 1st.—The following Councillors subsequently addressed a letter to the Treasury in respect of these proceedings:—D. A. Gourlay, H. Danby-Palmer, J. Bayly, R. Hammond, J. Lettis, junr., J. Fish, W. T. Clarke, J. Barker, P. Pullyn, J. Jackson, J. D. Chapman, R. Hammond, junr., G. Danby-Palmer, W. N. Burroughs, C. E. Bartram, M. Butcher, J. G. Cannell, H. Boulter, P. White, J. Fiddes and J. Pike.

This issue contains the following report of the Sailors’ Strike and Riot:—

We have this week to record a riot of a serious nature arising out of the unfortunate strike among the seamen who, until recently, had conducted themselves in a manner highly creditable to so large a body of men placed in such circumstances. Since the ill-advised rejection, by the men, of the old agreement as to wages, there have been several mariners (as there always must be with an over-stocked labour market) quite ready and glad to sail at different rates to those proposed by those who struck; and forseeing that if such defections from their camp continued, their strike would be unavailing, the sailors have during the last week been in the habit of parading the Quay, in gangs, for the purpose of unlawfully preventing such as were willing to go to sea from joining their ships, and partly by force, and partly by threats, several men have been deterred from fulfilling their engagements. Although these facts were known to the authorities, no steps were taken to put a stop to them, in the hope that the reasonable and peaceable portion of the sailors would see how unjustifiable was the course they were pursuing, and how really destructive it was to the interests both of the owners and men. The same line of conduct was, however, continued. The first case brought before the Bench was that of Samuel Graystone, the mate of the schooner “Ant,” belonging to Mr. S. S. Barber, who applied for the protection of the police, the men having been taken out of his vessel on Friday afternoon last. On Saturday morning, Mr. Barber again appeared before the Mayor to complain that the master and crew of the “Maid of the Yare” had been interrupted, and made to go on shore. The master having come up and corroborated this statement, the crew were sent for and asked if they were willing to go to sea, having signed articles. The master and mate said they were, but the men declined, through fear of personal violence. They were told that if they did not they must be sent to gaol, but if they were willing to go they should be protected. They then agreed to go, and were sent down accordingly with a body of the police; the master and mate went on board, but the crew refused, and the police were therefore withdrawn, when some sailors went and ill-used the mate, throwing him over the bows of his ship on to the Quay Head. The captain also was pushed on shore. Subsequently the Bench were informed that the man Graystone had again been taken out of his vessel, which had gone to sea without him, and was then lying in Corton Roads. Graystone was sent for, and said he was not willing to go; but on an information being taken against him for refusing, he said he would if he could be protected. A steamtug was therefore ordered to convey him to his vessel, and on its arriving opposite the Town Hall at half-past two o’clock, the Magistrates agreed, before taking any other steps, to try whether the police were not sufficient to protect the men on board, notwithstanding the evident determination of a large body of sailors to prevent him. The Superintendent of Police, therefore, arranged the whole force, and with Graystone in the centre, surrounded by the Mayor and Magistrates, the escort left the station-house, distant not more than one hundred yards from the steamtug. When about half way down, the crowd, which then consisted of about 200 or 300 sailors, set up a tremendous yell and rushed upon the police, whose ranks were speedily broken, several of the police and Magistrates being struck. They rallied, and with the assistance of the Magistrates, who were mainly instrumental in preventing Graystone from being rescued, they succeeded in placing him safely on board the tug. The principal ringleaders were then picked out, and after some considerable struggling they were got into the station-house. By this time the concourse of people had increased to upwards of a thousand. Some of the men then obtained a spar or boom which was brought opposite the station-house door for the purpose of using it as a battering ram to release the six or seven prisoners within. Several stones were thrown, and a few windows broken; upon which the Mayor immediately swore in as many persons as were willing to be special constables, and a sally was made upon the mob, and with considerable difficulty the spar was got away, and one or two of those who were using it were taken into custody, but being completely overpowered, the authorities were compelled to retreat with the force into the station-house. Shortly after, Capt. Ellis, R.N., having arrived with a body of the coastguardsmen, armed with muskets, &c., together with some of the men from the revenue cutter, they took up a position in front of the Hall and Police-station. The Mayor then read the Riot Act, the people not dispersing, but on the contrary rather increasing, as there must then have been several thousands. Mr. G. D. Palmer addressed a few words to them from the Hall-door, imploring them to desist from the foolish course they had taken, and entreating them to disperse peaceably. A stone was then hurled at the spot where the Magistrates were standing, but it fortunately did not take effect, and the man who threw it was instantly secured and brought into the station-house. The following proclamation was issued by the Mayor:—

“Borough of Great Yarmouth, 22nd Feb., 1851.

“Notice.—A riot having this day taken place in this Borough, and the Riot Act having been read, all peaceable and loyal inhabitants are desired to keep in their houses until order has been restored. And notice is hereby further given, that no assemblage of persons will be allowed.

Charles Pearson, Mayor.”

After a consultation of the Magistrates, they unanimously determined to send to Norwich for a troop of the Military stationed there. A telegraphic message was therefore despatched, which reached the Norwich Station about half-past four o’clock. In the meantime nine of the East Norfolk Militia located here, under Captain Brown, arrived, and were speedily followed by detachments of the Coastguard from the stations at Caister, Winterton, Corton, &c., who were all sworn in as special constables. The total available force for the protection of the town now amounted to 201, viz., 90 special constables, 81 officers and men of the revenue cutter and coastguard, 21 policemen, and 9 militia men; and it was determined to clear the space in front of the station-house, which, with much difficulty was accomplished, when the police succeeded in picking out and taking several of the ringleaders.

Some persons consider that the people might have been entirely dispersed without the aid of the military, but considering the overwhelming number of persons present, it could only have been accomplished by the armed force charging among the people, which might have involved much bloodshed, if not actual loss of life, and there can be no doubt that the authorities exercised a wise and prudent discretion in contenting themselves by keeping the crowd as it were at bay, until the arrival of the military, a troop of which, consisting of 35 of the 11th Hussars, under Captain Douglas, reached the Yarmouth station by special train at about a quarter to six in the evening. A great mob of people had assembled at the terminus, and the officer in command refused to enter the town unless accompanied by a magistrate on horseback. J. C. Smith, Esq., accordingly having gone down, the troop, a little before seven o’clock, entered the town and cantering their horses over the quay and pavements, the crowd which had remained in front of the Police-court fled in every direction, some of them in their anxiety to escape the too near approach of the soldiers’ swords, actually running over one another. Several women were knocked down by the mob in their flight, but we believe no injuries, beyond a few broken heads and bruised limbs, were received by any one. Great numbers of persons, however, secreted themselves by the river side, and in the ends of the numerous narrow rows in the town, under the impression that the military could not dislodge them. The Mayor, however, having issued orders for the entire quay to be cleared, the police, aided by a strong body of special constables, were for some hours engaged in dispersing the knots of people who had collected in these localities; patrols of the military and the police were then placed at all the principal thoroughfares leading to the Town Hall, which had been the scene of the riot, for the purpose of stopping all persons from coming that way. About eleven o’clock order having been, comparatively speaking, restored, the Magistrates consulted with the commanding-officer, and it was agreed that the military (which now numbered 75 in all, having been joined by another troop) should retire to their quarters, holding themselves in readiness to be called out at a minute’s warning. The police were sent on their regular beats, but the cutter’s men and coastguardsmen remained at the Hall during the whole of the Saturday night, as did also the special constables, who were divided into three divisions, under regular captains, for the purpose of relieving each other every four hours. At half-past nine on Sunday morning, the Mayor and Magistrates again assembled, but as everything had passed off quietly during the night, and as there did not seem any disposition on the part of the persons who were collected round the Hall (more by curiosity than otherwise) to commit any breach of the peace, the special constables, with most of the coastguardsmen were released from further duty until they should be again summoned, if required, by the alarm bell. At the close of the morning’s service the Magistrates held a further consultation, when it was determined to draw up a report of the occurrences which had taken place, and to transmit the same to Sir G. Grey, the Secretary of the Home Department, to whom it was suggested that it would be advisable that a war steamer should be sent down to the port until order was entirely restored.

We cannot conclude our report without bearing our testimony to the great and extraordinary exertions to maintain peace and order made by our excellent Chief Magistrate, ably supported as he was by everyone of his brother Magistrates, and to the firmness and determination displayed by the Authorities may be mainly attributed to the preservation of the public peace, and the prompt and effectual suppression of the riotious spirit displayed by some thoughtless and illadvised men. It could hardly have been supposed that any friends of order could have been found ready to cast any blame upon the Authorities for the wise precautions they took, but we regret to say that some persons who, instead of coming forward to assist in preserving the public peace, kept, to their shame, in their own houses, and who, entirely ignorant of the organisation which was on foot, presume to censure those whom they should have been the first to support. Such parties are, however, we trust, but few, for we feel sure that the course pursued on the present occasion by the Authorities, will receive the unqualified approval and sanction of all the peaceably disposed and loyal inhabitants of the town. The conduct of the Police force—as well as that of the special constables—was most meritorious and praiseworthy; some of the former especially distinguished themselves for their courageous conduct, but it would be invidious to make any distinction between them, as all the men in the force are equally deserving of praise. They exercised the greatest forbearance, being most grossly insulted and ill-used, notwithstanding which they abstained from using their staves until the spirit of riot being openly manifested, they were directed to use them by their excellent superintendent, Capt. B. Love. Police-constable Fuller has been very seriously injured, it being feared that some of his ribs are broken; another man who was engaged in the cowardly act of beating Police-constable Johnson while on the ground, in his turn received a blow from the truncheon of one of the special constables, which inflicted a very serious wound on his head. Many other persons were hurt in the course of the riot, but not that we can learn to any serious extent. It is said, however, that a man was severely wounded in the hand by the sword of one of the soldiers, he having seized the bridle and nearly thrown the latter.

On the succeeding Monday the several cases were dealt with arising out of these proceedings.

Mr. I. Preston appeared to prosecute, Mr. C. Cooper (instructed by Mr. F. S. Costerton) representing the prisoners.

Robert Watson (for obstructing Captain Love, Surperintendent of Police) fined 10s.

James King (for threatening E. H. L. Preston, Esq.,) fined 40s.

Samuel Bowles (like offence) fined £3.

John Crow (ditto) fined £1.

James Harvey, William Balls and William Stoddard (ditto) discharged with a caution.

Samuel Gowing (ditto) fined £1.

Henry Walpole (charged by William Danby-Palmer, Esq., with a like offence) fined £2.

James Vincent (for creating a disturbance) fined 10s.

George Walton (charged by Mr. S. S. Barber) for a “rescue,” fined £5.

Alfred Pye (for assaulting Police-constable Lattimore) fined £2.

William Bee, John Creak, Benjamin Mallett, Edward Brooks, and Robert Willgrass (charged with having taken part in the riot and disturbance) were committed for trial, but Bee, Mallett and Creak were admitted to bail in two sureties of £40 each and their own recognizances for £68 each.

H.M. ships “Black Eagle” and “Lightning” had entered the Harbour and laid on the west side of the river.

The Workhouse (which unfortunately contained a large number of idle and dissolute characters) had been the scene of frequent disturbances, and police had been lodged there on that account. During the riot an outbreak, however, had taken place, and a ringleader named Charles Girdlestone taken into custody; he was sentenced to 42 days’ hard labour for this offence, and would be sent for trial for a ferocious attack on the police. Three other paupers had been sent to the treadmill for 21 days each for refractory conduct.

March 8th.—At the Quarter Sessions, (held before N. Palmer, Esq.), the rioters, John Creak (24), Benjamin Mallett (34), John Brooks (19), William Bee (26), and Robert Willgrass (—), were put upon their trial.

Mr. Hotson (with whom was Mr. Mills and Mr. Bulwer) prosecuted, and Mr. Evans (with whom was Mr. C. Cooper) defended the prisoners, the Jury (having deliberated for 25 minutes) returned a verdict of Not Guilty, “which verdict was received with a loud burst of applause, which lasted two or three minutes.”

March 15th.—The strike had ended, most of the owners having consented to sign agreements for giving the men the wages they asked for, for a period of 12 months.

March 22nd.—The sailors had held a “Grand Procession with flags, banners, and triumphant cars.” In the latter were several men attired as Neptune, Britannia, &c., in the evening they attended at the Vauxhall Gardens, where there was a grand display of fireworks.—During the strike 500 stones of flour, 600 lbs. of beef, and 500 cwt. of coals, had been distributed amongst the families of the men on strike from the contributions of the inhabitants.

The N.A.O.D. had met at the Trinity Arms to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Trinity Lodge, No. 220. Messrs. R. R. B. Norman, J. P. Hastings, P.A., and F. Palmer took part in the proceedings.—It was stated there were then three lodges of this order in the town.

April 5th.—Mr. Ferrier and Sir E. H. K. Lacon had appealed, without success, against the rating of certain property on the Denes, on the ground “that it was not within the town.”

April 12th.—Mr. S. Tolver had instructed Mr. Coppock, the parliamentary agent, to prepare the petition against the application of the Public Health Act to the town, and this document was being numerously signed.

It was proposed to form a “Pilot” Steam Tug Company (capital, £1,000 in £5 shares.)

George Danby-Palmer and J. Barker, Esqs., had been elected Haven Commissioners, and D. A. Gourlay and R. Hammond, Esqs., Supernumerary Haven Commissioners.

April 19th.—Mr. T. Brightwen was urging the appointment of a Chaplain at the Workhouse.

The Conservatives had secured, for the first time, several scats at the Board of Guardians, the following forming the new Board:—

Nominated by both parties—Messrs. B. Fenn, S. C. Marsh, and S. V. Moore.

Liberals—Messrs. G. Danby-Palmer, D. A Gourlay, and T. Brightwen.

Conservatives—Messrs. R. Ferrier, E. R. Aldred, C. Woolverton, W. Worship, J. G. Plummer, W. Laws, E. H. L. Preston, S. Nightingale, J. Cherry, and T. Paul.

Captain Ellis, R.N., had exhibited the model of a fast sailing yacht.

Captain James Day had been fined £5 for assaulting Mr. Nolloth, tailor.

The “Public Heath Act” was again being discussed by the Town Council, where Mr. Burroughs moved, and Mr. Barker seconded, a petition against the application of the Act to the Borough, and Mr. F. Worship moved, and Mr. R. Ferrier, jun., seconded as an amendment that the Council pass to the next business on the agenda paper.

Upon a division the amendment was lost by 15 to 23, and the original motion declared to be carried by 23 to 17 votes.

April 26th.—At a meeting held at the Angel-inn (C. J. Palmer, Esq., in the chair) it was thought desirable “to advertise the town, and that a saxhorn band should play daily on the principal promenades.”

May 10th.—The pilots of Gorleston had succeeded in establishing a Tug Company, and had purchased a boat of 45 horsepower, called “The Royal Albert.”

J. Hume, Esq., M.P., had introduced a deputation of Ratepayers opposed to the “Public Health Act” to Lord Seymour (at the Woods and Forests Office); it consisted of Charles Pearson, Esq., (Mayor); D. A. Gourlay, Esq., (Deputy-Mayor); George Danby-Palmer, Esq., and William N. Burroughs, Esq., with Mr. J. H. Harrison (Secretary), while 18 members of the Council at the same time petitioned Parliament in favour of the measure.

The sailors had held a meeting to consider the “Ticket” system and the “Muster Roll” fund.

May 17th.—In consequence of the removal of the window tax, bricklayers were busy throughout the town opening out windows formerly blocked up.

Mr. Cosgrove’s saxhorn band was to perform on the North and South Terraces during the season.

The census head been taken with the following result:—

Houses inhabited. Uninhabited. Total. Building.

5,984 344 6,328 78

Families. Males. Females. Total.

6,154 11,544 15,014 26,558

Increase of population per cent., 10.3. This included 347 inmates of the Workhouse.

It was noted that in 1619 Manship estimated the then population of the town at 1,200 households, which would give a population of some 7,000.

In 1724 a writer named Andrews stated the population at 13,000 or 14,000; and in 1784 when it was first accurately taken, it was found to be 12,608.

The then returns were considered disappointing, as it was expected that the town contained 30,000 persons, but it was noted that 2,500 sailors belonged to the port, half of whom were probably not at home when the return was made.

At this time Gorleston had a population of 2,586, and Southtown of 1,412 persons.

John Annison, the driver of the Sutton coach, had been convicted for the fourth time of conveying passengers to Yarmouth at a greater speed than four miles an hour without having a number plate on his vehicle, and fined £10 with £3 3s. costs.

May 31st.—Visitors were beginning to arrive.

June 7th.—A project was on foot for laying out the Chapel Denes as an ornamental walk for the public.

June 28th.—A mushroom measuring 29 inches in circumference, with a stalk about the thickness of a man’s wrist and weighing 2½lbs., had been grown at Bradwell.

James Gedge, a pauper lunatic, had escaped from the Workhouse, having only a shirt on.

July 5th.—A Bill had been brought in by Lord Seymour and Mr. Cornewall Lewis confirming the provisional order to applying the provisions of the Board of Health Act to the town.

July 19th.—A petition, signed by 1,550 persons, had been presented to the House, and a deputation had waited on Lord John Russell with regard to this action of the Government.

The M.P’s. for the town being in favour of the measure, “had been requested to resign the trust they had abused.” This action emanated from a public meeting of ratepayers, over which. George Danby-Palmer, Esq., presided, and at which Mr. S. W. Bly, Mr. A. Ames, Mr. W. N. Burroughs, Mr. S. V. Moore, Mr. R. Hammond, and Mr. T. Parker took part.

July 26th.—The Bill nevertheless passed through Committee by a majority of 92 against 12.

Sir J. Walmsley had opposed and Lord Seymour supported the measure, but eventually it passed the House of Commons without a division.

The paupers were much dissatisfied at not being allowed, as formerly, to attend places of Worship in the town on Sundays.

Mr. C. Houchen had delivered an address on this subject, and denounced the action of the Guardians.

Aug. 9th.—It was computed that many hundreds of children in the North District were entirely without the opportunity for instruction, and it was proposed to fit up the Priory as a National School to meet this want.

Evidence had been taken by the Committee of the House of Lords upon the Public Health Bill being applied to the town, and they reported the Bill to the House without amendment; thus there was a “speedy prospect of the town being well drained and made clean and healthy in spite of its one-idead rulers.”

Captain Smyth, R.N., had been raised to the rank of Post-Captain.

Six hundred and thirty electors had signed a requisition calling on Messrs. Rumbold and Saunders to resign their seats as M.P’s. for the Borough. This would form a majority of the voters.

The East Norfolk and Suffolk Horticultural Show had been held under the patronage of the Mayoress, Lady Lacon, and Mr. S. C. J. Palmer.

Aug. 16th.—The 279th, and last, meeting of the Paving Commissioners had been held, when there were present—Messrs. George Danby-Palmer (in the chair), B. Dowson, W. N. Burroughs, J. Fish, C. E. Bartram, F. Palmer, J. H. Harrison, S. V. Moore, P. White, J. Cobb, W. Crow, I. Lettis, jun., and W. H. Bessey.

Mr. Beeching’s newly-built lifeboat had been submitted to several tests opposite the Crane.

Aug. 23rd.—Mr. Beeching’s model had obtained the prize in the Lifeboat Competition at Somerset House. There were 280 models and plans sent in, the first six boats being—James Beeching, Great Yarmouth; Henry Hinks, Appledore; J. and E. Pellew, Newbury; William Teasdel, Great Yarmouth; Harvey and Son, Ipswich, and George Farrow, South Shields.

Aug. 30th.—The Licensed Victuallers had held a large and important meeting for the purpose of protecting their interests, S. C. Marsh, Esq., in the chair.

Mr. G. Blyth (Reporter to the Norfolk News) had been induced to visit at night a tower in the South-End of the town, belonging to George Danby-Palmer, Esq., when he had been assaulted by some person there, and of this he had complained to the Bench.

Sept. 13th.—The Justices had refused to grant any fresh licenses at the Brewster Sessions.

The “Reindeer” yawl (manned by Beachmen) had challenged the “America” yacht to sail for £105.

Sept. 20th.—The Council meeting had been broken up, leaving 20 subjects undisposed of, owing to all the Conservatives and two or three of the Liberal members leaving the meeting, which was thus reduced below the required number to form a “quorum.”

Sept. 27th.—Mr. Hilling had been appointed Town Surveyor at a salary of £30 per annum, and £250 had been proposed as the salary of the Town-Clerk, he also acting as Clerk to the newly-formed Local Board of Health. Mr. Clowes, however, declined to give his assent to serve on these terms without further consideration.

Oct. 4th.—There had been heavy gales and the Roadstead presented “a most lamentable scene, crowded with shipping, which had put in for refuge to the number of some hundreds.”

Two of the vessels belonging to the Franklin Exploration Expedition were in the Roads.

Oct. 11th.—Harris Wilshak had been charged with being concerned in smuggling 14lbs. of tobacco.

At the Revision Court Mr. F. S. Costerton appeared for the Liberals, and Mr. C. Preston for the Tories. Neither party claimed any gain from the proceedings on the Parliamentary Lists, but on the Burgess Roll the Liberals claimed a gain of 19, of which 15 were in the Regent-ward, where a very warm contest was expected in November.

Oct. 18th.—Mr. J. W. Crowe had been elected Surgeon to the Hospital School.

The new Valuation Lists had increased the assessment of the parish by £47,000.

Active preparations were being made for the Municipal contests.

Mr. Wilshak had been acquitted on the charge of smuggling.

George Deacon, known as “The Prophet,” had thrown himself into the river, as he stated that it was impossible that he should sink; he would have been drowned but for the help of the bystanders. When taken to the Station House he was found to have £18, 2 old gold coins, and 21s. 6d. upon him.

Oct. 25th.—The Priory was being fitted for National Schools.

Houchen, who had been preaching against “the powers that be,” had been bound over to keep the peace in two sureties of £25 and himself in £50.

Nov. 8th.—The Municipal Election had been hotly contested and the partizans of the winning party (the Tories) made it “a boast of having expended in the five wards a sum of money variously stated from £800 to £1,200.” The following was the return given with the poll of 1850 appended to it:—

North Ward.

1851—219 Voters.

Mr. S. Nightingale, C. 108

Mr. W. H. Bessey, C. 103

Mr. J. Mainprice, L. 97

Mr. H. D. Palmer, L. 95

1850—208 Voters.

Mr. J. Jackson, L. 108

Mr. Burroughs, L. 105

Mr. Nightingale, C. 90

Mr. Cory, C. 68

In this Ward the Liberals headed the poll until nearly one o’clock, when a detachment of Conservative “runners” with some “dust” turned the election. The price of votes was high, and ranged from £8 to £12; and it is said that two polled for the winning party cost £20!

Market Ward.

1851—270 Voters.

Mr. J. E. Barnby, C. 148

Mr. J. Fenn, C. 132

Mr. John Cobb, L. 120

1850—261 Voters.

Mr. C. Aldred, C. 129

Mr. F. Worship, C. 123

Mr. Owles, L. 104

Mr. J. S. Cobb, L. 84

In this Ward the Liberals did not bring forward two candidates, being anxious to mark their approbation of Mr. Barnby’s consistent opposition to the Public Health Act; and here, as in the North Ward, their candidate headed the poll until the arrival of the other portion of Conservative workers from the Regent Ward, when a sufficient number of loose fish were immediately polled to swamp the majority, at that time about twenty. The prices of votes ranged from five pounds to ten guineas at a late hour of the day.

Regent Ward.

1851—244 Voters.

Sir E. H. K. Lacon, C. 115

Mr. J. Cherry, C. 114

Mr. F. Palmer, L. 101

Mr. J. Clowes, L. 90

1850—234 Voters.

Mr. Chapman, L. 104

Mr. Marsh, C. 104

Mr. Harmer, C. 93

Mr. F. Palmer, L. 84

Great exertions were used to secure the return of the out-going Councillors, and it having been almost publicly stated that the Conservatives were determined to win “at any cost,” votes, in consequence, got up the night before the election to a very high premium—from £5 to £15; and “split” votes even were in very great demand at £8 and £10. One case is mentioned of a voter, in another Ward, who, forseeing the value which votes would attain, speculated in the purchase of one in this a month before the election, at the trifling sum of £3, and so profitable was the investment that on the election morning he sold it for £10. The money spent in this Ward was stated at £350.

St. George’s Ward.

1851—256 Voters.

Mr. R. Ferrier, jun., C. 126

Mr. H. Jay, C. 126

Mr. P. Pullyn, L. 76

Mr. J. W. Shelly, L. 66

1850—250 Voters.

Mr. J. Plummer, C. 130

Mr. J. C. Smith, C. 116

Mr. J. Barker, L. 101

Mr. Pullyn and Mr. R. Ferrier, jun., were the outgoing Councillors, and the former was brought forward again by the Liberals, in conjunction with Mr. Shelly, the Conservatives selecting Mr. H. Jay (who had formerly contested the Nelson Ward unsuccessfully) as a colleague for Mr. Ferrier. Messrs. Pullyn and Shelly refused even to canvass the electors, and although some of their friends solicited the suffrages of the Ward for them, there can be no doubt, however right in principle the non-canvassing may be, it operated against them, and this, combined with the constitutional principles upon which their election was conducted, contributed to their defeat, money being freely spent on the other side. Much regret is felt at this result, and especially at the loss of the public services of Mr. Pullyn, after his having so long served the Ward, and after his twice filling the office of Chief Magistrate in a manner that won for him the praise even of his political opponents.

Nelson Ward.

1851—341 Voters.

Dr. Impey, L. 132

Mr. S. V. Moore, L. 132

1850—317 Voters.

Mr. G. D. Palmer, L. 121

Mr. T. Lettis, L. 119

The Conservatives did not contest this Ward, and Dr. Impey was re-elected, in conjunction with Mr. Moore in the room of Mr. J. Symonds, now non-resident.

Gorleston Ward.

1851—344 Voters.

Mr. S. Miller, C 136

Mr. W. H. Palmer, C 135

Mr. J. H. Harrison, L 76

Mr. N. Sterry, L. 74

1850—337 Voters.

Mr. E. H. L. Preston, C 185

Mr. W. Hammond, C 169

Mr. S. Crow, L 78

Mr. Costerton, L 64

This Ward was contested, but in rather a peculiar way, for although it was supposed that some opposition to the outgoing Councillors would be made, it was treated by the Conservatives as a “sham” one, and such it really seemed up to 12 o’clock, when the state of the poll came out with upwards of 100 for Messrs. Miller and Palmer, and only about two votes for each of their opponents! This, however, was only a ruse de guerre, and in a short time the voters came up almost in a body for Messrs. Harrison and Sterry, who stated in their address that in “the short space of four hours they obtained 97 promises,” and had they been sooner in the field it is thought they would have met with better success.

The result of the Elections has been a gain to the Conservative party of two seats, and this reduces the two parties to a level in the Council; the Liberals have still, however, a bare majority, and it is doubted whether they will not be able to carry the Mayoralty for another year. The Conservatives, it is said, intend nominating either Sir E. H. K. Lacon, or (which is more likely) Mr. S. C. Marsh for that office, whilst the names of Alderman E. R. Palmer and Alderman Bartram are spoken of by the Liberals.

The Bishop of Norwich, attended by the Rev. S. Hills and his chaplain, had inspected the Priory buildings, when they were received by J. H. Hakewell, Esq., (the architect) and C. J. Palmer, Esq., (the hon. secretary to the Committee).

Mr. Worlledge had moved the Court of Queen’s Bench for a “quo warranto” to try the legality of Mr. Hammond’s election as a Councillor for the St. Andrew’s Ward, and the rule had been granted.

Nov. 15th.—The Hospital was badly supported, and it was stated that unless £150 a year in additional subscriptions could be obtained, the assistance afforded to sufferers must be abridged.

A lecture on “Bloomerism” had been delivered by Mrs. Knights at the Corn Hall in full “Bloomer” costume, but she did not appear to have achieved a marked success.

Dr. Wolff (the traveller) had offered to give some lectures in the town in aid of the National Priory Schools.

At the Town Council for the Election of Mayor, a great crowd assembled prior to the meeting, when Sir E. K. Lacon proposed, and Mr. Fenn seconded, S. C. Marsh, Esq., to fill that office, and Mr. George Danby-Palmer moved, and Mr. R. Hammond seconded, the re-election of Captain Charles Pearson, R.N. Upon the votes being taken, there appeared for Captain Pearson—Aldermen Pearson, Boulter, Bartram, Bayly, Fiddes, Hammond, Pike, R. Hammond, jun., E. R. Palmer, and Barker; Councillors Burroughs, Butcher, Cannell, Clarke, Chapman, Fish, Gourlay, Impey, Jackson, Lettis, Moore, G. D. Palmer, and P. White; total, 23. For Mr. Marsh—Alderman B. Fenn; Councillors C. Aldred, E. Aldred, Barber, Bessey, Cherry, Ferrier, Ferrier, jun., J. Fenn, W. Hammond, B. Jay, H. Jay, Lacon, Marsh, S. Miller, Nightingale, W. H. Palmer, Plummer, Preston, Smith, Steward, F. Worship, and W. Worship; total, 23. And the Mayor, giving a casting vote for himself, declared himself duly elected. Subsequently the Town Clerk (Mr. John Clowes) declared that he would not continue in that office at the salary of £250, and it having been stated that Mr. Charles Cory would accept it on those terms, he was elected Town Clerk by 23 against 15 voices. Mr. Cory then attended, was informed of his election, and an order made on the late Clerk to hand over the papers relating to the office to him. In conclusion, the Editor expressed a hope that “on no future occasion will any parties be allowed to violate order and decorum in a way so disgraceful as they did on Monday last.”

Nov. 22nd.—A dinner had been given to the Mayor at the Star-hotel, when 45 members of the Council and others attended.

A Poor’s Rate of 1s. 2d. in the £ had been made. Great dissatisfaction existed as to the new assessment of the parish.

Nov. 29th.—Mr. Joseph Sandars, M.P., had issued a reply to the requisition of the electors, justifying the course he had taken with regard to the Public Health Act.

A meeting had been held with regard to the new assessment, Mr. J. H. Harrison in the chair.

The town had been visited with a tremendous gale, during which several vessels had been blown out to sea. At the time of the storm there were 700 sail between this port and Lowestoft.

The “Enterprise,” 600 tons, had been launched from Mr. Branford’s Yard; she was christened by Miss Barber and Miss Holt.

Dec. 6th.—A public meeting had been held at the Town-hall (Mr. J. H. Harrison in the chair) for the purpose of considering the Poor’s Rate assessment recently made. About 400 persons attended, when the same was condemned, and a subscription commenced for the purpose of disputing the validity of it.

In respect of such proceedings, Mr. F. S. Costerton had been engaged as solicitor to the owners of small tenements, and Mr. C. H. Chamberlin for the general body of appellants, estimated at from 500 to 600 in number at the least.

Dec. 13th.—At the special meeting of the Town Council, “a scene of much disorder and confusion arose out of some recriminations relative the late Town-Clerk, between Mr. Burroughs and Mr. Preston.”

Dec. 20th.—On the hearing of the assessment appeals, the rate was quashed by the Justices on the ground of unequal assessment. In these proceedings Mr. Chamberlin appeared on behalf of the Committee of Ratepayers, Mr. C. Cory for several private individuals, and Mr. Cufaude for the Overseers.

Dec. 27th—The Overseers had applied for, and obtained a fresh rate of 1s. 2d. in the £.

It had been determined in future not to use the “St. Nicholas’ Seal,” belonging to the Corporation, and for practical purposes a smaller seal was to be made; the old one had been in use since about the year 1251.

The Race Committee had issued its report, from which it appeared that the income had been, for the last year, £512 1s. 3d., as against £523 3s. 11d. expended.

1852.

Jan. 3rd.—The new Railway Bridge had been opened.

Jan. 17th.—There was further dissatisfaction in the town on the subject of the Assessment and the Poor’s Rate; a summons, obtained by Mr. J. H. Harrison against some officials for not allowing him to inspect the rate-books, was dismissed with costs.

Mr. Hammond (one of the Justices) had called the attention of the Press to the manner in which on certain occasions Magistrates were “drummed up.”

William Rising, Esq., of Somerton Hall, had entertained a large party of sporting friends at the Angel Hotel.

A portion of the Gorleston Cliff had fallen away, carrying with it the Misses Barber, who were subsequently dug out of the sand below.

A high tide had washed over the west side of the Harbour with such force that a vessel belonging to W. H. Palmer, Esq., had been driven from her moorings. On the Beach it flowed past the Britannia Terrace.

Jan. 24th.—There were more Poor’s Rate appeals, and Mr. J. H. Harrison being dissatisfied with the result of them, gave notice that he should carry his case to the Quarter Sessions,

Jan. 31st.—Captain Manby had received a medal from the Jurors at the Great Exhibition for the life-saving models which he had exhibited there.

The parish had been divided into five wards for Poor Law purposes; prior to this the whole 16 Guardians had been voted for “en bloc” by the ratepayers throughout the whole parish.

Mr. Worlledge had again appeared before the Queen’s Bench in the case of “The Queen v. Hammond,” and the Court had granted the rule.

Feb. 7th.—Mr. J. H. Harrison had been fined for an alleged assault on a constable, arising out of the confusion in the Court on the late hearing of the Poor’s Rate appeals. He gave notice of appeal to the Quarter Sessions.

Feb. 14th.—Mr. Harrison had presided at another meeting of ratepayers who were dissatisfied with the action of the Justices as to the assessment.

Feb. 21st.—It was announced by a handbill signed by Mr. Harrison, that these owners had come to a satisfactory arrangement with the Overseers, and that further legal proceedings had been abandoned.

Feb. 28th.—“The Queen Charlotte” and “Mad Bess” steam-packets were advertised as going to run between this port and Rotterdam.

March 6th.—A meeting of shipowners had been held (S. Paget, Esq., in the chair), to consider certain representations made to them from other places, with regard to the action to be taken by their class at the next General Election, but no resolution was arrived at in conformity therewith.

Henry Austin, Esq., (Secretary to the General Board of Health), had visited and inspected the town.

March 13th.—Mr. Beeching continued to receive numerous orders for his improved lifeboats.

The Mormons had engaged the School of Industry as a “Church.”

The following were the tenders for the Priory Schools:—Mr. John Key £1,120, Mr. R. Page £1,232, Mr. R. Pratt, £1,310, and a London builder £1,637. Mr. Norfor and Mr. Stanley were acting with the successful contractor.

March 20th.—A meeting had been held at the King’s Head Inn with regard to the representation of the Borough. Mr. J. W. Shelly was chairman, and Mr. R. Hammond, John Owles, and C. E. Bartram took part in the proceedings, which eventuated in a request to Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., and W. T. M’Cullagh, Esq., M.P., to contest the Borough in the Liberal interest.

March 27th.—The Conservatives had held a meeting at the Angel-hotel for a similar purpose. Mr. E. H. L. Preston presided. Mr. R. Ferrier moved, and Mr. W. H. Palmer seconded Sir E. H. K. Lacon as a candidate for the Borough, and Mr. B. Dowson proposed, and Mr. S. H. Aldred seconded Mr. C. Rumbold as his colleague.

The question of the rating of the Vauxhall property had been settled by the Court finding that the premises were in Norfolk, which was, in fact, a verdict for the plaintiff. The sum in dispute was 11s. 8d., and it was estimated that the costs amounted to about £1,000.

A fire had occurred on Mr. Ecclestone’s premises in the Broad Bow. G. Danby-Palmer, E. H. L. Preston. R. Hammond, and W. N. Burroughs, Esqs., were early on the spot and rendered valuable assistance.

Mr. George Barrett had been elected Master of the Blue Coat Charity School in the place of the late Mr. Gershom Davie.

Captain Ellis, R.N., and the Coastguard had seized 162 bales of tobacco on board the collier “Martha.”

A quartett meeting had been held at Noverre’s Rooms, the performers being William Yetts, Esq., (leader), Mr. D. Hogarth, Mr. G. Sharp, and Mr. Stonex.

April 3rd.—The Liberal party had held a meeting at the “Star” for the purpose of receiving Admiral Sir C. Napier and W. T. M’Cullagh, Esq., M.P., who had arrived in the town (J. W. Shelly, Esq., in the chair); on the same day a public meeting of electors had been held in the Corn Exchange (George Danby-Palmer, Esq., chairman), and on the platform were R. Hammond, P. Pullyn, J. W. Shelly, J. Bayly, T. Lettis, J. Jackson, C. E. Bartram, R. Barber, C. Miller, Esqs., Captain W. Briggs, Messrs. J. D. Chapman, Chris. Steward, J. Mainprice, B. Bellin, J. Cobb, P. White, and others.

The meeting was a crowded one, and the candidates appear to have been heartily received.

April 10th.—W. Stirling Lacon, Esq., H.E.C.S., had invented an appliance for the more easily lowering of ships’ boats, which was approved by many nautical gentlemen, including, locally, Admiral Sir E. Travers, R.N., and Captain Pearson, R.N.

The Rev. Partridge, A.M., had been recommended by the Committee to the proprietors for the post of Head Master at the Grammar School.

The Priory Schools had been commenced.

At the Election of Guardians, Mr. J. H. Harrison had been nominated for all the Wards, but had elected to stand for the Nelson Ward, in which he resided.

Messrs. W. Green, W. Wright, S. Lessey, and J. Borking had been re-elected Overseers.

Captain John Pike (one of the Aldermen) had died.

April 17th.—Mr. Rumbold, M.P., had arrived in Yarmouth, as also had Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Admiral Sir C. Napier, and W. T. McCullagh, Esq., M.P. The Tories were making a private canvass in the evenings.

The Rev. Bowyer Vaux had been appointed Chaplain to the Military Asylum, vice the Rev. C. Davie, M.A., resigned.

The following Guardians had been elected:—

St. Nicholas’ Ward.—Messrs. Thomas Brightwen, E. H. L. Preston, and S. Nightingale.

Regent.—Messrs. W. Worship, S. C. Marsh, and D. A. Gourlay.

St. George’s.—Messrs. B. Fenn, R. Ferrier, and P. Coble.

Market.—There was a contest here as under:—

E. R. Aldred 248

W. Laws 238

Edward Harvey 161

Edward B. Jay 89

The first three were elected.

In the Nelson Ward the return was—

George Danby-Palmer 327

Charles Woolverton 286

S. V. Moore 276

W. Yetts 176

J. H. Harrison 147

The first four were therefore elected.

Messrs. William H. Palmer and E. P. Youell had been elected by the pew-holders, Churchwardens of St. Mary’s, Southtown; and Mr. F. R. King (vice F. S. Costerton resigned) and Mr. William Hammond had been appointed to similar office at Gorleston.

At the Yarmouth Vestry (the Rev. G. Hills presiding), Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. J. G. Fisher seconded the re-election of Mr. C. D. Steward, and Mr. B. Fenn proposed, and Mr. F. Worship seconded the re-election of Mr. E. R. Aldred. The Church Rate was then 2½d. in the £. At this meeting Messrs. R. Hammond and J. Davey were re-elected “auditors” for the ensuing year.

April 24th.—It was said that Lord A. Lennox was ready “to start” for Yarmouth. Meanwhile Sir E. H. K. Lacon was canvassing the electors, accompanied by about 30 leading Conservatives, and Mr. Rumbold M.P. was taking a similar course in company with six or seven personal friends, while Sir C. Napier and Mr. McCullagh, M.P., were addressing crowded meetings of electors in the several Wards of the Borough.

At the Council Meeting, Mr. C. C. Aldred had publicly apologised for stating as regarded Mr. F. S. Costerton “that a constituency had been defeated by the advice of a petty-fogging lawyer.”

The election of an Alderman was then proceeded with, when the voting—

For Mr. Yetts 23

,, Mr. Pullyn 23

And the Mayor gave his casting vote in favour of Mr. Pullyn.

Mr. Palmer had obtained a rule in the Queen’s Bench for a new trial in the case of Bradstreet v Hammond.

May 1st.—Contains much matter reflecting on Mr. Rumbold’s present position as contrasted with his former one when connected with the Liberal party. Having completed his canvass, that gentleman had issued a joint address with Sir E. Lacon, and being seriously indisposed had left Yarmouth for his country seat.

The Tory Government, which had been in office six weeks, had appointed Messrs. B. Fenn, T. Brightwen, J. Cherry, R. Steward, C. C. Aldred, and J. G. Plummer, Magistrates for the Borough.

The Bench previously to this had consisted of Liberals, Messrs. George Danby-Palmer, R. Hammond, W. Johnson, and J. W. Shelly, and Conservatives, J. F. Costerton, E. H. L. Preston, William Danby-Palmer, W. Thurtell, J. C. Smith, William H. Palmer, B. Jay, W. Yetts, J. Fenn, and W. H. Bessey.

The “Disfranchised Freemen” had held a meeting and adopted a petition to Parliament, Messrs. Jacob Harvey, Nelson, Royal, and J. Taylor taking part in the proceedings.

The agents of the Custom House had taken into custody the landlord of the “Honest Lawyer.”

May 8th.—The coffer-dam at the new Bridge works had “blown up;” on the following day the old Bridge had been on fire.

The Cricket Club had been re-established.

The Freemen’s Petition had received 972 signatures.

A tradesman in the town had given a dinner to four old people, whose united ages amounted to 368 years.

May 15th.—It was stated that the Rev. — Smith had left £14,000 to endow two scholarships at Caius College for natives of Yarmouth.

The Poor’s Rate was to be 1s. 2d. in the £, the sum of £2,521 being required for that purpose by the Guardians.

May 22nd.—A salmon trout had been caught near Winterton, having a gutta percha ring on its tail with “192 Tweed 1852” stamped upon it.

At a mooting of the Sailors’ Association, Mr. J. D. Chapman had been presented with a silver medal.

The Directors of the Victoria Building Company had dined together at the Victoria Hotel, (B. Dowson, Esq., in the chair.)

May 29th.—A meeting of the subscribers to the fund for “Promoting the Prosperity of Great Yarmouth” had been held at the Angel, (C. J. Palmer, Esq., F.S.A. in the chair) and £25 subscribed in the room.

June 5th.—The Tenth Anniversary of the N.A.O.D. had been held at the Trinity Arms. About 50 members and friends were present.

June 12th.—The Liberal candidates had completed their canvass and left the town. Complaint was made that Mr. McCullagh had been libelled by the “Lacon party.”

Mr. Rumbold, it was supposed, would retire, his case being considered (by the “Blues”) hopeless.

June 19th.—It was reported that Mr. Rumbold would retire in favour of Sir Harry Smith. Some of Mr. Rumbold’s friends, and Sir E. Lacon, had gone to London.

The “Associated Democrats” had held a meeting at the Masonic Hall, when Messrs. J. T. Blow and Royal took part in the proceedings.

June 26th.—Contains another attack on Mr. Rumbold, who was stated to have voted in 121, and been absent in 669 divisions of the House.

The Trustees of the Southtown Turnpike had obtained power to light that road with gas.

Gas in Yarmouth had been reduced from 5s. 6d. to 5s. per 1,000 feet.

The British School had been inspected by Mr. Fletcher, who considered that its state reflected the “greatest credit” upon Mr. Daniel Tomkins.

At the Sessions, Messrs. C. C. Aldred, B. Fenn, R. Steward and J. G. Plummer were qualified as Magistrates.

The notice of the rules as to collisions at sea, under 14 and 15 Vic., cap. 79, appear in this issue, to come in force on 1st of August then next.

July 3rd.—Admiral Sir Charles Napier had returned to Yarmouth, and the Star Hotel was decorated with several of his flags and trophies. The hustings were to be erected on the North side of the Town Hall, and the Liberal polling-booth opposite the King’s Head, that for the Tories being opposite the Angel.

George Danby-Palmer, Esq., had presided at a meeting of the Liberal Registration Association at the Star Hotel, when several healths had been drunk with “Hieland honours.” The greatest enthusiasm prevailed on this occasion, and Mr. Chapman presented each of the candidates with a rosette and some appropriate lines from the ladies of Yarmouth.

July 10th.—On the morning of the Nomination the walls were found covered with these placards—“Rumbold the Champion of the Board of Health,” “Lacon the Patron of Lowestoft.” The Sailors marched in procession to the “Star” where the Liberal candidates were staying with a band, colours, and chariots borne by the men, on which were “Britannia,” “Neptune,” “Triton,” &c. Upon the Blue flags appeared “M’Cullagh and Freedom of Election,” “True Blue and Victory,” “England expects that every man will do his duty,” &c.; and on the Red flags “Lacon our Townsman,” “Lacon and Rumbold for Ever,” “Church and State,” and “Cheap Bread and no Monopoly.” Mr. B. Dowson proposed, and Mr. William Hurry Palmer seconded Mr. Rumbold; Mr. George Danby-Palmer proposed, and Mr. J. W. Shelly seconded Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.; Mr. R. Ferrier proposed, and Mr. E. H. L. Preston seconded Sir E. H. K. Lacon; and Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. Jackson seconded Mr. William T. McCullagh. The show of hands was largely in favour of Sir C. Napier and Mr. MeCullagh, whereupon Mr. B. Dowson demanded a poll for Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Mr. Rumbold. After these proceedings the sailors again formed in procession and marched round the town, and the electors were addressed from the Star by Messrs. Owles, Jackson, and Shelly. The poll was taken on the following day as under:—

McCullagh. Napier. Lacon. Rumbold.

8.30 66 63 46 43

9 118 116 102 101

9.30 189 185 199 196

10 239 233 239 234

11 268 264 278 269

11.30 344 342 373 352

12 386 384 430 400

12.15 410 407 467 423

1 435 430 493 455

2 460 448 519 472

2.15 470 455 521 473

At this point (the Editor says) practices which may be imagined, and which will hereafter be described, decided the poll, and in a quarter of an hour the numbers stood—

McCullagh. Napier. Lacon. Rumbold.

483 463 542 492

3 499 476 572 515

Mr. S. W. Craske then proceeded to serve notices upon certain electors before voting, and Mr. McCullagh, in company with Mr. George Danby-Palmer, and Mr. J. W. Shelly, informed the Mayor that the proceedings would be questioned.

McCullagh. Napier. Lacon. Rumbold.

3.30 516 484 601 541

4 521 486 611 547

After the close of the poll Mr. McCullagh again addressed the electors, and a fracas ensued, during which two or three persons were injured.

July 17th.—From 7,000 to 8,000 visitors had attended the Regatta, when the Mosquito, Volante, and Secret contended for the Club yacht prize, which was won by the first-named, yacht; the Reindeer won the principal yawl prize.

A crowded meeting of the Liberal electors had been held at the Star-hotel, (W. N. Burroughs, Esq., in the chair), which was addressed in a speech of two hours’ length by Mr. McCullagh, with a view to petitioning against the return of Lacon and Rumbold.

It was stated that the boy who was injured during the election at Mr. Feltham’s was progressing favourably.

An application had been made to the Bench for compensating the persons whose property had been injured on the day of election. It was stated that 40 panes of glass had been broken at Mr. Feltham’s, and that the windows of the Angel Hotel had also suffered considerably.

July 24th.—The town was very full of visitors, and the price of provisions much enhanced thereby.

July 31st.—The Mayor had not attended the Water Frolic.

Aug. 7th.—A meeting had been held to consider the question of forming a Company to supply Gorleston and Southtown with gas, George Danby-Palmer, Esq., in the chair; William Johnson, S. Crowe, H. Fellows, R. S. Watling, H. Martin, W. T. Clarke, Esqs., Mr. Page, Mr. Greaves, Mr. Gooda and Mr. Howes were, with many others, present. An influential committee was formed and a considerable sum subscribed in the room.

A curious mural painting had been discovered in St. Nicholas’ Church.

Mr. Craske had recovered 30s. from George Thurtell, Esq., for damages to his coat on the Election day.

On the application of Mr. Chamberlin for Mr. Gooderich, and Mr. F. Ferrier for Mr. Brown, the Magistrates had signed the following orders for payment of damages and costs arising out of the Election riot:—

£ s. d. £ s. d.

Mr. Brown, damages 7 0 11

costs 6 13 0

13 13 11

Mr. Gooderich, damages 4 0 0

costs 6 0 0 10 0 0

Magistrates’ Clerk’s fees 5 19 1

£29 13 0

Aug. 14th.—The Races had been held. Stewards: Lord W. Powlett, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., and B. Bond Cabbell, Esq., M.P. The entries were “numerous and good”; there were several charges brought against pickpockets before the Justices arising out of these sports.

It was stated that “a Mr. John Cooper” had been the author of the several paragraphs during the late Election, of which so much complaint had been made.

The King of Holland had presented Mr. W. Stirling Lacon with a silver medal for his invention for lowering ship’s boats. The Great Britain was being fitted with this apparatus.

Aug. 28th.—Commander Henry J. Lacon had been appointed to the “Daring,” 12, brig.

W. T. McCullagh, Esq., had been staying with the Mayor, and had visited Grout’s factory.

Sept. 4th.—There were 182 applicants for renewal of licenses; no new licenses were granted, although in respect of one ease the Justices divided five against five, and a “scene of confusion” ensued.

Sept. 11th.—Messrs. Harrison had launched the “Water Witch,” 37, smack, from their yard.

The Bridge works had been stopped owing to “quicksands.”

Sept. 18th.—The Paper appears in mourning for the Duke of Wellington.

Sept. 25th.—Lieutenant Chambers had ascended in the Prince of Wales balloon from the Vauxhall-gardens; it contained 36,000 cubic feet of gas. He descended on a marsh near the Norwich-road at no great distance from the place of ascent.

Dr. Impey’s sudden and lamented death had caused a vacancy in the Nelson-ward, and the Conservatives had started Mr. John Clarke as their nominee.

Oct. 2nd.—The “Lady Haven Estate” in Southtown had been sold for £7,000.

At the Nelson-ward Election, the opposition to Mr. Clarke’s return was only a nominal one, the numbers being—

Mr. J. Clarke (Con.) 122

Mr. Owles (Lib.) 4

The numbers in the Council were thus balanced 24 to 24.

Oct. 9th.—Records the death of Admiral Fisher.

An appeal was made for the restoration of the Nelson Column.

At the Registration Court, Mr. C. Chamberlin appeared for the Liberals and Mr. Cufaude for the Conservatives, and the former claimed a gain of 42 upon the revision.

Oct. 16th.—At the Court held for the Revision of the Burgess Roll, Mr. Chamberlin again appeared for the Liberals and Mr. Ferrier for the Conservatives, and the former again claimed a gain upon the proceedings.

It was proposed to erect a monument to the memory of the late Dr. Impey.

Oct. 23rd.—Peter Le Neve Arnold, Esq., a dumb gentleman, had been found to be of unsound mind since January, 1840. This Inquiry was conducted at the Victoria Hotel.

The Bishop of Norwich had confirmed 136 candidates.

Oct. 30th.—A man named Horth had been committed for trial on the charge of attempting to murder Mrs. Proudfoot.

The names of Messrs. S. C. Marsh, J. G. Plummer, and C. J. Palmer (the Mayor-Elect in 1835), were mentioned as probable holders of the Mayoralty during the ensuing year.

Dr. Dunne had been elected Physician to the Hospital (vice Impey deceased).

Nov. 6th.—Mr. J. S. Cobb had lectured on the “Objects and Uses of Botany.”

MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

Regent Ward.—Barber (C) and Fish (L).

St. George’s Ward.—Ferrier and B. Jay (C).

Nelson Ward.—W. Yetts and C. J. Palmer (C).

Gorleston.—R. Steward (C) and W. T. Clarke (L.)

The returns for the North and Market Wards could not be given.

Nov. 13th—At the Council Meeting Mr. Alderman Fenn had proposed, and Mr. Preston seconded, S. C. Marsh, Esq., as Mayor for the ensuing year, and that gentleman was thereupon elected without opposition.

Upon the re-election of Corporation officers, Mr. Bales (the old officer) was opposed by Mr. Collins as second Mayor’s officer, and the latter appointed, 8 Liberals voting for Bales, and 21 Conservatives for Collins.

The Mayor’s Dinner was held at the Town-hall. Cosgrove’s Brass Band attended and a number of ladies were in the gallery; the decorations were very rich and elegant; 186 gentlemen were present, amongst whom were—Viscount Le Franchien, Sir E. Travers, K.H., H. N. Burroughes, Esq., M.P., Rev. R. Bent, Messrs. T Browne, T. Brightwen, R. D. Barber, J. Baker, M. Brown, C. Brown, E. Bell, W. H. Bessey, J. Bracey, C. Cherry, C. Cory, W. Clementson, J. L. Cufaude, T. W. Clarke, C. Chamberlin, W. Dowson, C. B. Dashwood, W. H. Diver, Captain P. Eyton, R.N., R. Ferrier, B. Fenn, J. G. Fisher, Captain Gooch, R.N. D. A. Gourlay, W. Johnson, H. Jay, B. Jay, J. Jackson, H. Matchett, S. Nightingale, E. H. L. Preston, Captain Pearson, R.N., A. Preston, William Danby-Palmer, C. J. Palmer, W. H. Palmer, P. Pullyn, J. G. Plummer, W. Rising, Captain Smyth, R.N., F. Steward, R. Steward, S. W. Spelman, J. C. Smith, W. Thurtle, H. Teasdel, Rev. B. Vaux, Captain White, R.N., Rev. M. Waters, H. V. Worship, F. Worship, W. Worship, R. S. Watling, J. D. Waters, W. Yetts, E. P. Youell, &c.

The “Norfolk,” 300 tons, had been launched from Mr. Fellows’ yard.

Nov. 20th.—The Right Hon. M. T. Baines had presented the petition against the return of Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Mr. Rumbold, whereupon “Mr. Rumbold (who was present) took up his hat and left the House.”

The funeral of the Duke of Wellington had been observed as a general day of mourning.

A fire had nearly been occasioned by an accident in the Town-hall kitchen during the Mayor’s Dinner.

Nov. 23rd.—Sir E. Lacon and Mr. Rumbold (accompanied by Mr. W. H. Palmer) had had an interview with the Right Honourable J. W. Henley, and presented the Shipowners’ Memorial.

Sergeant Kinglake and Mr. O’Brien had been retained by Mr. F. S. Costerton in the matter of the Election petition.

Mr. Robert Steward had caused the Attorney-General to serve writs on several members of the Town Council, with a view to testing the validity of the renewal of leases by that body under a custom then in force in the town. Mr. W. Worship strongly deprecated this proceeding.

Dec. 4th.—At the Council meeting it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Ferrier, seconded by Mr. C. C. Aldred, that the Town Clerk defend the actions so commenced at the instance of Mr. Steward.

The petition had been defeated, as the Examiner had reported “the sureties to the petition to be informal and invalid.”

The Tories had sent the bellman round the town to announce this fact.

Captain Fisher, R.N., had been appointed to the command of the “Magician,” 16 gun steam frigate, 400 horse-power.

It was proposed to start a “Conservative Land Society” at Yarmouth.

Dec. 11th.—Messrs. George Danby-Palmer, W. N. Burroughs, John W. Shelly and R. Hammond, junr., had petitioned the House of Commons for redress as regarded the action of the Examiner as to the Election petition.

Dec. 18th.—A public meeting had been held to consider the construction of “a Marine Parade and Drive.” About 300 or 400 persons were present; the Mayor presided, and was supported by Charles Pearson, Esq., R.N., C. E. Bartram, C. Aldred, J. Jackson, J. Chapman, E. Aldred, C. J. Palmer, F. Palmer, R. Dowson, C. Miller, E. Preston, J. C. Smith, R. Ferrier, H. D. Palmer, R. Steward, J. Cherry, W. C. Reynolds, F. Worship, W. Worship, &c. Mr. C. J. Palmer moved, and Mr. D. R. Fowler seconded a resolution in favour of the proposal; and Mr. Amis moved, and Mr. J. Cobb seconded as an amendment “That those who wanted a Parade should pay for it,” which amendment the Mayor declared, amid some confusion, to be carried.

Dec. 25th.—A “wholesale robbery” of fish had taken place at Mr. Charles Cannell’s office.

The Government had been defeated upon the Budget, Sir E. H. K. Lacon voting with, and Mr. C. E. Rumbold against, them.

1853.

Jan. 8th.—A meeting of Liberal electors had been addressed by Mr. McCullagh relative to the rejection on technical grounds of the petition against the return of the M.Ps. George Danby-Palmer, Esq., occupied the chair, and Messrs. F. S. Costerton, P. Pullyn, R. Hammond, J. Clowes, C. E. Bartram, J. Jackson, J. Bayly, W. N. Burroughs, J. D. Chapman, J. Cobb, W. Livingstone, S. Parker, J. Mainprice, D. R. Fowler, P. White and others were present.

It was rumoured that Mr. Rumbold would not again offer himself for the Borough, owing to his having voted against the Government, which had angered his Tory supporters.

Jan. 15th.—An election had been held for a Councillor in the Gorleston Ward, owing to the death of Mr. S. Miller. The numbers polled were—

For Mr. William Hammond 132

,, Henry Danby-Palmer, Esq. 88

Majority 44

The Tories gave “their usual breakfast. Many of the electors on both sides did not poll.”

The Rev. Bowyer Vaux had presided at the Annual Public Library Meeting.

Jan. 22nd.—At the “Great Metropolitan Poultry Show,” E. H. L. Preston, Esq., Mr. E. Hughes and Mr. Henry Turrell had won prizes.

One hundred and thirty persons had attended the first Subscription Ball at the Town Hall.

Jan. 29th.—Considerable progress was being made with the new Bridge works.

Bro. Oswald Diver had been installed Master of Lodge Friendship at the Duke’s Head.

Feb. 5th.—The return of paupers showed—In-door, 331: out-door, 1,289; cost of out-relief, £83 15s. 11¾d. for the week.

Feb. 12th.—The Wellington Pier Bill was reported as having complied with standing orders.

Mr. James W. Crowe had been appointed Medical Officer for the North District in the place of Mr. Button appointed to a similar office for the Workhouse.

Feb. 19th.—Mr. C. J. Palmer brought to the notice of the Council the dilapidated state of the Nelson Monument, and Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Ferrier, Captain Pearson, and Mr. Steward were appointed a Committee to consider the subject.

Mr. Palmer also called attention to the state of the town’s muniments, and it was agreed that Mr. Harrod should be engaged to arrange same at a fee of £20.

Mr. Chamberlin (Coroner) required the Council to seal his appointment: this had been neglected in 1848 when he was appointed to that office.

Feb. 26th.—The Yarmouth Water Works Bill had been read a second time in the House of Commons.

March 12th.—Mr. Jarvis, jeweller, Broad Row, had been committed for trial on the charge of attempting to defraud an Insurance Company by setting fire to his premises.

March 19th.—The House of Commons Committee had decided that the preamble of the Water Works Bill was proved. Mr. Webster appeared for the promoters, and Mr. Lynde for certain landowners who petitioned against it. Evidence was given in support of the measure by Messrs. R. Ferrier, Charles Cory, W. Rising, and Spelman.

April 2nd.—At the Vestry Meeting, Messrs. Steward and Aldred had been re-elected Churchwardens, and a Church rate of 1½d. in the £ voted.

The retiring Guardians had been re-elected.

Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., had visited the town and called on several of his more active supporters at the recent contest.

April 9th.—Messrs. Borking, Green, Wright, and Bradbeer had been elected Overseers.

The Wellington Pier and Water Works Bills had passed the Commons.

The East Norfolk Militia were to meet for training on April 19th.

April 16th.—The Town Council had proceeded to elect a Surveyor, when the voting was—

For Mr. Laing 22

,, Mr. Parker 15

And Mr. Laing was consequently appointed to that post.

April 23rd.—The East Norfolk Militia had assembled and paraded in the Lunatic Asylum yard.

April 30th.—At a meeting of the Wellington Pier Company (S. C. Marsh, Esq., in the chair), it was determined to proceed with the erection of that structure at once.

May 7th.—The second Subscription Ball had been attended by upwards of 170 of the principal inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, including the Mayor, Mrs. Marsh and party, Captain, Mrs. and Miss Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. Caldecott, Misses Caldecott (2) and Miss Leathes, Rev. F. Steward, Mrs. and Miss Steward, Mr., Mrs., and Miss Brown (Thrigby), Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt (Burgh Castle), Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Palmer, Rev. S. T. Preston and Miss Preston, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. L. Preston and Miss H. Preston, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Sharpe, Mr. and Mrs. H. Reeve (Lowestoft), Mr. and Mrs. A. Steward and party, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Reynolds and Miss Pellew, Rev. E. B. Frere, Mrs. Frere and party, Mr. and Mrs. R. Ferrier, Mr. and Mrs. J. Steward and Miss Stephens. Captain and Miss Money, Colonel Mason and officers of the East Norfolk Militia, Captain Adsbrighton and the officers of the 4th Light Dragoons, &c.

May 14th.—Colonel Mason and the officers of the East Norfolk Militia had been entertained at a Ball at the Town Hall give by some of the principal inhabitants.

G. W. Haggard, Esq., had delivered a lecture on “The Militia.”

E. H. L. Preston, Esq., had been offered £31 10s. for seven chickens, hatched in February, the off-set of his prize white Cochin China fowls.

May 21st.—The East Norfolk Militia had been disbanded.

A Spanish hen, the property of Mr. Josiah Stevenson, had laid an egg measuring 8 inches round, 6½ inches in length, and weighing more than 3½ ounces.

May 28th.—The Queen’s Birthday had been celebrated, the Mayor and a number of gentlemen dining at Bird’s Royal Hotel on the occasion.

The Reform Association of Great Yarmouth had been addressed by Mr. McCullagh in a speech of two hours’ duration.

June 4th.—Experiments in “table moving” were being made at the Young Men’s Institute by the Hon. Secs., Messrs. John Fellows, S. C. Sothern, John Beattie and Barcham Sayer.

June 11th.—Sir C. Napier, K.C.B., had been appointed Vice-Admiral of the Blue.

June 26th.—The driving of the first pile of the Wellington-pier was advertised to take place on the 28th inst.

July 2nd.—A report of which event appears in this issue, when a marquée was erected near the Victoria Hotel, and at the request of Mr. Waddington (Chairman of the Company), Mr. S. C. Marsh (the Mayor), performed the ceremony. The following was the inscription:—“This, the first pile of the Wellington Pier, was driven on the 28th of June, 1853, by S. C. Marsh, Esq., Mayor of this borough; David Waddington, Esq., M.P., Chairman of the Board of Directors; Peter Ashcroft, Esq., Engineer; Charles J. Palmer, Esq., Secretary.” In the evening between 50 and 60 gentlemen dined at the Victoria Hotel, the Mayor in the chair and C. J. Palmer, Esq., in the vice-chair.

July 9th.—At the Regatta the “Phantom,” “Thought,” and “Maude,” yachts, contended for the prize, which was won by the former.

July 30th.—At the Water Frolic the “Shannon” (lateen), Brighten, Beccles, won the first, and the “Oberon” (cutter), Morton, Aylsham, the second prize.

The Monument was still in a dilapidated state.

Aug. 6th—The Baptist Chapel in Row 15 had been re-opened after extensive repairs.

Aug. 20th.—Mr. W. C. Nutman (clerk to Mr. J. L. Cufaude) had been elected a Relieving-officer in the place of Mr. Thomas Thornton.

Sep. 3rd.—John Mortlock Lacon, Esq., had died suddenly; he was in his 68th year.

At the general Licensing day it was moved by James Cherry, Esq., and seconded by R. Steward, Esq., “That no fresh licenses be granted.”

Mr. Clinker Newson had appealed against the poor rate on the novel ground that he was rated at too low an amount.

Sep. 10th.—The “Clarissa” barque, of 335 tons register, had been launched from Mr. Chapman’s yard.

Oct. 1st.—Mr. Peter Coble had died suddenly from disease of the heart before his medical adviser, Mr. C. C. Aldred, could attend him.

Oct. 8th.—The Registration Court had been held, Mr. Watson (of Norwich) and Mr. Preston appearing for the Tories, and Mr. J. Clowes and Mr. W. S. Costerton for the Liberals, who claimed a gain of 120 on the Borough Register.

Nov. 5th.—Five hundred and fifty feet of the Wellington Pier had been opened to the public, the Corporation attending, and in the evening there was a public dinner at the Victoria Hotel in honour of the event.

At the Municipal Election in the North Ward, Messrs. Burroughs (L) and Jackson (L) were re-elected without opposition.

In the Market Ward the polling was—

F. Worship (C) 125

E. R. Aldred (C) 118

J. Owles (L) 92

J. Cobb (L) 68

In the Regent Ward, S. C. Marsh (C) and J. D. Chapman (L) and in the St. George’s Ward J. G. Plummer (C) and J. C. Smith (C) were not opposed.

In the Nelson Ward there was a contest, but no numbers are given; Dr. Dunn and Mr. W. Thurtell (Cs) opposing the re-election of Mr. George Danby-Palmer and Mr. Thomas Lettis (Ls) who were again returned, and in St. Andrew’s Ward the polling was—

H. Teasdel (C) 139

E. H. L. Preston (C) 134

S. Crowe (L) 41

W. Sterry (L) 7

The Conservatives, on the whole, had increased their majority by one.

The following paragraph appears in this issue:—“Among the passengers by the “Argo” s.s. from Sydney, is Mr. Harrison, of Great Yarmouth, who brings with him 3,000 ounces of gold dust, valued at between £11,000 and £12,000.”—Morning Chronicle.

The first Subscription Ball of the season had been held at the Town Hall, 90 persons being present, the hall had been re-painted a light green in lieu of the old salmon colour, and four beautiful statues of “Clio,” “Erato,” and “The Dancing Girls of Canova,” had been placed in the niches.

Nov. 12th.—At the Council meeting, on the nomination of Mr. W. Worship, seconded by Mr. C. J. Palmer, James Cherry, Esq., had been elected Mayor.

The following Whig Aldermen then went out of office;—R. Hammond, jun., E. R. Palmer, H. Boulter, C. E. Barham, and W. Walpole with B. Fenn (C), and the following voting took place to fill these vacancies:—

Mr. T. Bunn 21

,, T. Foreman 21

,, W. C. Reynolds 27

,, J. G. Rivett 26

„ G. S. Shingles 26

,, E. P. Youell 26

,, R. Hammond, junr. 10

,, Boulter 6

,, J. Brown 5

,, E. R. Palmer 8

,, Sir E. Tavers 1

,, H. Worship 1

,, S. Paget 1

Nov. 26th.—Court “Buck of the Forest,” A.O.F., had been opened at the Buck Inn.

One hundred and nineteen persons had been confirmed by Bishop Spencer at St. Nicholas’ Church.

Dec. 3rd.—It was proposed to establish a School of Design in the town.

Captain Manby had attained his 88th year.

Dec. 24th.—A parochial Museum was being formed at the Priory.

The Local Board District Rate was signed at 1s. 4½d. in the £.

Dec. 31st.—Mr. C. J. Palmer had presided at the annual dinner of the subscribers of the Public Library.

1854.

Jan. 7th.—Several houses had been damaged by a “fearful” storm.

The “Seamen’s Association” had held a demonstration with a procession round the town. At a subsequent meeting held at their Club House the following toasts were given:—“The Queen,” “May British Sailors weather the Storm,” “England expects every man will do his duty,” “The Owners and Merchants of Yarmouth,” “May British Sailors never want for grog and tobacco.”

Jan. 14th.—The “Eleanor Palmer,” belonging to W. H. Palmer, Esq., had been “totally lost” on the coast near Athens. This was the third vessel that gentleman had lost since 1853.

Jan. 21st.—At a meeting of the Town Council it had been determined to oppose the “Waveney Valley Drainage Bill.”

Captain Broadhead, R.N., was engaged at this port raising a corps of Sea Fencibles.

Jan. 28th.—The first Subscription Ball had been held, for which Cosgrove’s Band was engaged, and dancing kept up until four o’clock.

Sergeant Johnson had been charged by Mr. George William Moore with having been drunk and assaulting him. The parties, together with Mr. Silvers, Mr. J. H. Harrison, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Howlett, and Mr. W. Wright appear to have been in Cosgrove’s public-house at three o’clock in the morning, when the alleged offences were said to have been committed.

Jan. 28th.—N.B. This is the first issue of the Norwich Mercury as a bi-weekly newspaper.

The following improvements were noted:—The now Haven Bridge and also the Wellington Pier were nearly completed.

The Water Works were being formed.

The Southtown Gas Works would soon be opened.

The new Bank of Messrs. Gurney and Co., was in the course of erection.

Many new streets were being formed on the North, East, and South Denes.

The Marine Drive was projected.

The town had been selected for the Militia Barracks, and it was said that the Victoria Esplanade was likely to be carried as far as the South Battery.

On the other hand the state of the Chapel Denes had, however, long been “a disgrace to the town.”

There had been an “immense fleet” of vessels in the Roads.

Feb. 1st.—There had been snow-drifts 5 feet deep on the line between Yarmouth and Reedham.

Feb. 8th.—Mr. Burroughs had, at the Council meeting, denounced certain gentlemen as “traitors to the town” and “tools of Mr. Peto.”

Feb. 11th.—A considerable quantity of human bones had been found near the Caister Road, which were supposed to be the remains of persons who died of the plague and received burial from the Leper Houses which formerly existed there.

Feb. 18th.—There had been extremely high tides, a violent storm, and a heavy gale. Several dockyards had been overflowed, and about thirty balks of timber had been lost from Mr. Steward’s yard.

Feb. 22nd.—A Tradesmen’s Ball had been held in the Town Hall.

Feb. 25th.—A Liberal meeting had been held at the Star Hotel, (George Danby-Palmer, Esq., in the chair) when resolutions in favour of Lord John Russell’s Reform Bill and the Ballot were adopted.

There had been another high tide, the Quay being in several places inundated; the surf rolling over the old Jetty.

March 1st.—Owing to the sitting of the County Court, the Council had met in the Grand Jury Room at the Tolhouse.

The Seamen’s wages were so high that they preferred the Merchant Service to the offers being made by Sir Charles Napier to join the Navy.

March 4th.—John Eagleton charged with having fraudulently cheated the Guardians of the Poor by delivering to poor persons receiving out-door relief bread of short weight, was found guilty, subject to a case for the opinion of the Court of Criminal Appeal, (Mr. J. Cobb and Mr. L. A. Meal being his sureties in £50 each.)

March 8th.—A Tender has arrived to take off the Coastguardsmen and Naval Volunteers.

Rear-Admiral Plumridge had been summoned to London for the purpose of hoisting his flag in the Baltic Fleet under Sir Charles Napier.

A vessel had been sent to sea manned entirely by master mariners; the rise in wages and the attractions of the Navy having so reduced the number of common seamen.

March. 11th.—The Baltic Fleet was expected to pass Yarmouth.

A public meeting in favour of the Reform Bill had been held at the Corn Hall (George Danby-Palmer, Esq., in the chair), when the following gentlemen took part in the proceedings:—Mr. W. N. Burroughs, Mr. McCullagh, Mr. J. W. Shelly, Mr. C. E. Bartram, Mr. J. Clowes, Mr. J. Owles, Mr. Jackson, Mr. D. A. Gourlay, and Mr. R. Hammond.

March 18th.—A meeting had been held at the Star Hotel, Mr. J. H. Harrison in the chair, to consider the rating of cottage property.

March 25th.—A memorial brass had been placed in St. Nicholas’ Church to the memory of the late Dr. A. Impey.

A meeting in favour of “Sabbath Observance” had been held.

March 20th.—Contains the Royal proclamation of the war with Russia.

April 1st.—The Baltic Fleet was at Kiel, and Admiral Plumridge was likely to shift his flag from the “Leopard” to the “St. Jean d’ Acre.”

April 12th.—At the meeting for the Election of Haven Commissioners, Captain Scott proposed and Captain Briggs seconded George Danby-Palmer, Esq.; W. Yetts, Esq., proposed, and C. J. Palmer Esq., seconded, R. Ferrier, Esq.; J. Jackson, Esq., proposed, and Garson Blake, Esq., seconded, J. Barker, Esq.; H. Palmer, Esq., proposed, and S. Cobb, Esq., seconded, Richard Hammond, Esq., junr.; and Mr. J. Owles proposed, and Mr. T. Lettis seconded, D. A. Gourlay, Esq. Mr. Ferrier declined to go to a poll, and thereupon Messrs. Palmer and Barker were elected Commissioners and Messrs. Hammond and Gourlay Supernumerary Commissioners without opposition.

The following had been result of the Guardians’ Election:—

St. Nicholas’ Ward.—James Jackson, cottage owner, 200, elected; Samuel Nightingale, brewer, 167, elected; John Mainprice, spirit merchant, 159, elected; Henry Boulter, confectioner, 129; William Wright, building and cottage owner, 123; Edward H. L. Preston, timber merchant, 112; Abraham Amis, cottage owner, 107.

Market Ward.—William Laws, grocer, 194, elected; David Abraham Gourlay, shipowner, 168, elected; Joseph Harvey, tanner, 132, elected; John Cobb, currier and leather seller, 102; Robert Tooley, miller, 76; Richard Ecclestone, draper, 71; William Woolston, cottage owner, 56.

Regent Ward.—Samuel Charles Marsh, wine merchant, 160, elected; William Worship, solicitor, 156, elected; Thomas Foreman, shipowner and cottage owner, 126, elected; James Denny Chapman, draper, 116; Frederick Palmer, surgeon, 102; William Livingstone, draper, &c., 68: John A. Norman, jun., cottage owner, 66.

St. George’s Ward.—Richard Ferrier, brewer, 225 elected; Joseph Goulding Plummer, shipowner, 223, elected; Benjamin Fenn, fish merchant, 222, elected; Cubitt Engal Bartram, gentleman, 116; Christopher Steward, pawnbroker, 83; Robert Page, cottage owner, 65.

Nelson Ward.—George Danby-Palmer, shipowner, 258, elected; James Hargrave Harrison, cottage owner, 235, elected; Charles Woolverton, plumber, 212, elected: Thomas Brightwen, gentleman, 206, elected; Samuel Velzi Moore, anchorsmith, 177; Thomas Lettis, jun., fish merchant, 130; Benjamin Powell, merchant, 126; John Clarke, shipowner, 158.

April 19th.—Proceedings were threatened with regard to the Election of Guardians by the Liberals.

April 22nd.—Both Churchwardens had been re-elected by the Vestry, and a Church rate of 1½d. in the £ voted.

April 26th.—Notice of “the Closing of the Churchyards” had been issued.

Eleanor Warren had died in the old prison Row, aged nearly 103 years.

April 29th.—The men of the East Norfolk Militia and Norfolk Artillery Militia had assembled in the Market Place under the command of Colonel Mason and Lord Hastings, respectively.

May 3rd.—The Stewards for the next Subscription Ball were to be the Mayor, Captain Pearson R.N., S. C. Marsh, Esq., C. J. Palmer, Esq., and M. Lacon, Esq.

The following law report appears in this issue:—

COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEAL.

Before the Lord Chief Baron, Mr. Baron Parke, Mr. Justice Cresswell, Mr. Justice Erle, and Mr. Justice Crompton.

Regina v Eagleton.

The indictment in this case contained ten counts, seven of which charged an attempt to defraud, and the last three an attempt to obtain money by false pretences. The defendant had entered into a contract with the Board of Guardians of Great Yarmouth to supply loaves of bread of the weight of three pounds and a half to the poor, and had supplied many of the out-door paupers with loaves weighing only 3lbs. 4 ozs., and had represented to the Overseers of the poor that the loaves supplied were of the contract weight, and had endeavoured to obtain payment accordingly. This case was sent back to the Recorder of Great Yarmouth to be amended, in order to have the question fully argued.

Mr. Bodkin and Mr. Mills appeared for the defendant, and Mr. Bulwer for the prosecution.

May 10th.—The Rev. R. J. Palmer, M.A., had lectured on “Mount Sinai and Arabia Petrœa.”

May 20th.—The Earl of Leicester (Lord Lieutenant) had presented new colours to the East Norfolk Militia, which were received by Major Sir E. Lacon and Captain Bloomfield, the service of consecration being performed by the Rev. Bowyer Vaux, assisted by the Rev. John Bampton.

Lord Hastings entertained several noblemen and gentlemen at dinner at the Royal Hotel.

The officers of the East Norfolk Militia kept “open house” at the Victoria from two to six o’clock, and in the evening gave a ball at the Town Hall, at which the Earl of Leicester (Lord Lieutenant), Lord Hastings, Lord Walsingham, Lord Royston, the Hon. Jacob Astley, the Hon. and Rev. Delaval and Mrs. Astley, Lady Lacon, Mrs. and Miss Lee Warner, Mr. and Mrs. Hoste, Mr. and Mrs. J. Gay (Thurning), Mr. and Miss Day, the Officers of the Militia Artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Custance and the Officers of the West Norfolk Militia, Captain Norman, R.N., T. R. Buckworth, Esq., W. Norris, Esq., T. Browne, Esq., the Mayor of Yarmouth, Mr. and Mrs. C. Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. C. Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Preston, Mr. E. R., Mrs., and the Misses Palmer, the Reverend Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Waters, Captain and Mrs. Marcon, Captain Pearson, R.N., Mr. and Miss Pearson, Mr. Mortlock Lacon, Mr. and Mrs. A. Steward and the Misses Steward were present. The refreshments and the supper, both of the most recherche description, were supplied by Mr. Wilson, of this city. Weippert’s admirable band was engaged, and the dance was kept up until near the dawn of day. Thus ended a day of pleasure without alloy, and next day the Regiment was inspected by Colonel Kelly.

A fine Russian brig of 400 tons, laden with salt, had been brought into the Roads, a prize of war. She subsequently proceeded to Sheerness.

Seven thousand pounds had been expended on the Wellington Pier works, where the Norfolk Artillery Band occasionally performed.

May 24th.—The North Denes had been selected for rifle practice.

The Mayor (J. Cherry, Esq.,) had given a ball to 200 guests at the Town Hall.

The “Contest” schooner, of 150 tons, had been launched from Messrs. Beeching’s yard.

May 31st.—Sir James Plumridge had been promoted to be Rear-Admiral of the White.

The Military Lunatic Asylum was to be converted into an Hospital for wounded seamen from the Baltic Fleet.

No. 3, Brighton Terrace, and No. 2, Queen’s Road had been struck by lightning.

June 3rd.—The “Otter,” war steamer, had put into the Roads.

The “Carolina,” Russian brig, had arrived in this port for condemnation.

June 14th.—H.M.S. “Zeyphr” had been in the Roads.

Mr. John Clowes declined to pay £1 2s. due for Board of Health rate, on the ground that the Board was indebted to him for services rendered whilst he was Town Clerk. A distress was ordered to be issued.

June 17th.—Two vessels with wounded seamen were expected for the Hospital.

A small steamboat, the property of J. Penrice, Esq., had exploded near the Bridge.

June 21st.—Mr. McCullough, Mr. Chamberlin, Captain Briggs, and Mr. Scott had attended the Right Hon. E. Cardwell as a deputation from the “Shipping Association.”

The premises occupied by the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Institute had been purchased by C. J. Palmer, Esq., for £1,780.

July 1st.—The Norfolk Artillery had completed their 50 days’ training, the gun practice being for 24-pounders at a target range of 1,250.

A meeting to promote the “Roads Regatta” had been held.

July 8th.—The month of June had been intensely cold on the East coast.

July 15th.—The mackerel fishing had been very successful, the returns then amounting to £30,000, which sum would be probably increased to £40,000 before the boats made up.

July 22nd.—The “Hornet” screw frigate, 16 guns, had anchored in the Roads, on her way to join Sir Charles Napier’s Fleet in the Baltic.

Four thousand persons had arrived in one day by excursion trains from Norwich, Ipswich and Lynn.

S. M. Peto, Esq., M.P., had laid the foundation stone of the King Street Congregation Chapel; afterwards there was a dejeuner at the Victoria Hotel, where J. W. Shelly, Esq., presided.

Lord Sondes had been appointed Lord High Steward of the Borough.

Aug. 2nd.—Many visitors were arriving, chiefly from Cambridge and the Isle of Ely.

A Poor’s rate of 1s. 6d. in the £ had been signed.

Aug. 5th.—At the Roads Regatta the following yachts entered:—

Name. Tons. Owner.

Phantom 25 S. Lane, Esq.

Thought 28 C. Coope, Esq.

Sheldrake 17 Capt. Love.

The Sheldrake gave up and the others were timed as follows:—

1st round. 2nd round. 3rd round.

H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S.

Thought 12 56 0 1 48 0 2 41 6

Phantom 12 58 45 1 50 48 2 45 5

In the yawl match the “Queen Victoria” beat the “Eclipse,” “Royal Victoria” and “Cambridge Lass.”

The dinner was held at the Victoria Hotel, the Mayor in the chair. The Earl of Albemarle, Mr. Butcher, Mr. C. Cory, Mr. C. J. Palmer, and Mr. Seaman took part in the after dinner proceedings.

Steamers continued to pass through the Roads on their way to the Baltic.

Aug. 9th.—Edward Tupman and Edward Gill, captains of vessels, bound for the North, had been charged with assaulting S. C. Marsh, Esq., Deputy-Mayor, and fined £5 each or two months’ imprisonment, and also 50s. each and 15s. damage to clothes, for assaulting Mr. Joseph Giles (gaoler).

Aug. 12th.—Sir John Walsham had held an Inquiry as to the Election of Guardians and “impounded” several voting papers.

The screw frigate “Horatio” had been in the Roads and visited by numbers of persons.

It was rumoured that some 40 vessels, known as “Barking Smacks” were likely to be added to the local fishing fleet.

The Centenary of the Baptist Church, Church Plain, had been celebrated.

Messrs. Charles Gill and William Sidney had become lessees of the Theatre.

Aug. 19th.—The “Amateur,” latteen (F. Brown), Norwich, won the prize at the Water Frolic.

Aug. 26th.—Seven thousand excursionists had been brought by train from Norwich and other places to the Races.

George Winkfield (Yarmouth), John Chambers (Hull), George Bell, (Fakenham), Robert Todd (Yarmouth), J. Bitten (Yarmouth), Charles Reed (Yarmouth), and T. R. Mills (Southtown), were charged with obstructing the Hall Quay (but in fact for holding a religious service there.) They were defended by Mr. Tillett, of Norwich; Chambers was fined 40s. and costs.

Aug. 30th.—“Lodgings was scarcely to be obtained” in the town.

There was a band of thieves about who had extracted “the contents of many pockets.”

The question of the “open air preachers” was again before the Justices, when the fine proposed to be inflicted on Chambers was abandoned, it being, in fact, admitted that, under the circumstances of the case there was no power to inflict it.

Sep. 2nd.—A meeting had been held (the Rev. G. Hills presiding) to consider the further restoration of St. Nicholas’ Church.