“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.

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 Petroea.”

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sept. 27th.—The coal trade was unusually brisk; during the week 70 colliers had arrived at the port, and these, with the other daft there, crowded the Harbour.After the 1st of October the drapers had determined to close their shops at seven o’clock.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An “impudent thief” had picked a woman’s pocket, while she was in the Police-court.Oct. 21st.—The New Bridge had been completed, and formally opened to the public, at a cost of little less than £60,000.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The result of the polling was—

St. George’s Ward.
Mr. H. Jay (C)	137
Mr. R. Ferrier, junr. (C)	139
Captain Pearson R.N. (L)	99
Mr. Jas. Scott (L)	99
Regent Ward.
Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart. (C)	128
Mr. J. Cherry (C)	126
Mr. John Clowes (L)	88
Mr. Henry Danby-Palmer (L)	87
Market Ward.
Mr. J. Fenn (C)	186
Mr. J. E. Barnby (C)	184
Mr. J. Cobb (L)	133
Mr. D. R. Fowler (L)	123
St. Nicholas’ Ward.
Mr. S. Nightingale (C)	203
Mr. W. H. Bessey (C)	187
Mr. R. Hammond (L)	187
Mr. H. Boulter (L)	173

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

Nelson Ward.
Mr. J. Clark (C)	184
Mr. S. V. Moore (L)	182
Mr. J. H. Harrison (L)	122
Gorleston Ward.
Mr. William H. Palmer (C)	131
Mr. W. Hammond (C)	118
Mr. G. Blake (L)	61
Mr. Sterry (L)	46

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the Board	312
Against it	311

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

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

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

The polling for the Burial Board had closed as under—

For	468
Against	544
Majority	76

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1855.

Jan. 6th.—There had been a high tide and heavy flood; 130 yards of the rails between Yarmouth and Reedham had been carried away by the latter.The following gentlemen had been chosen as the Library Committee.—The Mayor (C. J. Palmer, Esq.), Rev. J. B. Bampton, Rev. H. Squire, and Messrs. B. Fenn, R. R. B. Norman, J. Bayly, and S. C. Burton.

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

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

	Packages.	Tons.	Cwt.
From Jan. to Sep.	282,441	10,591	10
,, Oct. to Dec.	250,981	9,411	15
Total	533,422	20,003	5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bro. William Lucia had been elected W.M. of Lodge “Friendship,” in succession to Bro. Oswald Diver.Feb. 14th.—The business of the Port had been much affected by the rigour of the weather.

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

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

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

The town was infested by a gang of thieves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first of the frozen-in wherries had been liberated at Reedham, and the Steam Packet communication had been resumed with London.March 10th.—The Norfolk Militia Artillery had been removed to London en route for Eastbourne; when 170 men and the following officers, Captain Penrice, Adjutant Gilbertson, Lieutenants Tredcroft, North, and Micklewaite, left the town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The national Fast Day had been strictly observed.

Robberies continued to be very frequently committed in the town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Guardians’ Election had resulted as follows:—

North Ward.
Mr. J. Jackson (L)	258
Mr. J. Mainprice (L)	252
Mr. J. W. Craske (L)	198
Mr. S. Nightingale (C)	246
Mr. E. H. L. Preston (C)	214
Mr. W. Wright (C)	193
Market Ward.
Mr. D. A. Gourlay (L)	226
Mr. C. Steward (L)	165
Mr. A. Ames (L)	136
Mr. H. Laws (C)	252
Mr. C. C. Aldred (C)	247
Mr. J. Browne (C)	200
Regent Ward.
Mr. John Clowes (L)	120
Mr. F. Palmer (L)	147
Mr. J. A. Norman (L)	147
Mr. W. Worship (C)	198
Mr. S. C. Marsh (C)	196
Mr. T. Foreman (C)	164
St. George’s Ward.
Mr. T. Lettis, Jun., (L)	159
Mr. J. Scott (L)	127
Mr. B. Fenn (C)	223
Mr. R. Ferrier (C)	217
Mr. J. G. Plummer (C)	194
Nelson Ward.
Mr. J. H. Harrison (L)	203
Mr. G. Danby-Palmer (L)	225
Mr. S. V. Moore (L)	193
Mr. W. T. Fisher (L)	131
Mr. W. C. Reynolds (C)	176
Mr. J. Clark (C)	187
Mr. C. Woolverton (C)	249
Mr. T. Brightwen (C)	218

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Workhouse had been lighted with gas.

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

The Tories complained that this meeting was “got up” by the Liberals for party purposes.May 23rd.—The Water Company had offered to supply water for street-watering purposes free of expense.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following notice again appeared with regard to the case of

“REGINA v. EAGLETON.”

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

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

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

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

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

Aug. 18th.—All hope of raising the “Racehorse,” which was sunk at the Regatta, had been abandoned. The attempt to do so had cost £150.Aug. 22nd.—C. J. Palmer, Esq., Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., and Captain D. Lane had acted as Stewards of the Races, and 6,000 persons had been brought to the sports by rail.

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

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

Eighty ladies and gentlemen had attended the Race Ball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Eagleton had been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.

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

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

Robert Steward, Esq., had been fined 20s. and costs for obstructing the Quay-head.Oct. 27th.—The East Suffolk Railway was projected.

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

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

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

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

St. Nicholas’ Ward.
W. Worship (C)	405
J. B. Hilton (C)	405
Henry Danby-Palmer (L)	262
John Mainprice (L)	262
Regent Ward.
R. D. Barber (C)	224
R. R. B. Norman (C)	224
John Clowes (L)	159
John Fish (L)	159

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1857.

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

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

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

Jan. 17th.—The “Britannia Pier Bill” was projected, and the Wellington Pier Company had determined not to oppose that undertaking.The body of a whale, which had been taken at Winterton, was being exhibited on the Church Plain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The address of Messrs. Torrens McCullagh and Edward Watkin to the electors appears in this issue.March 14th.—The Liberal electors had held a meeting at the Corn Exchange, J. Shelly, Esq., in the chair, when both candidates delivered addresses, and a resolution pledging the meeting to support them was unanimously carried.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. W. Sidney had again opened the Theatre.

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

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

	Nine.	Ten.	Eleven.	Twelve.	One.	Two.	Three.	Four.
McCullagh	161	304	416	527	562	587	600	609
Watkin	150	296	405	507	541	568	582	596
Lacon	122	234	335	430	443	481	492	521
Vereker	115	220	305	383	393	419	428	451

Majority for the Liberals: 158.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trade at the Fair “had been brisk.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two Russian guns had been received by the Corporation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C. E. Bartram	112
J. H. Harrison	84

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug. 1st.—This Committee had unseated both those gentlemen.At the Water Frolic for the first match the following entries were made:—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Poor’s rate was 1s. 4d. in the £.

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

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

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

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

For the Rate	651
Against	771

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

On the following day (Sunday) the clocks at the Parish Church and St. George’s Chapel were stopped, and the bells “tolled” at the hour for performance of divine service.Nov. 21st.—Mr. D. Tomkins, of the British School, had again satisfied the Government Inspector.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1858.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Russian guns were to be placed at the South end of the Hall Quay.Court “Star of the East,” A.O.F., had held its anniversary at the Regent Tavern.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Messrs. J. Barker and P. Pullyn had qualified as Magistrates.Feb. 27th.—The 24-pounders at the Batteries were to be replaced by 74 pound guns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Poor’s rate was 1s. 4d. in the £.

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

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

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

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

The “Nil Desperandum” (500 tons) had been launched from Mr. Rust’s yard.June 12th.—Records the death of Sir E. N. Buxton, Bart., one of the M.P’s. for East Norfolk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An analysis of the polling at Yarmouth showed—

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

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

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

July 10th.—The “Minstrel” had been launched from Mr. Symonds’ and the “Success” from Mr. Chapman’s yard.July 14th.—“Frequent collisions” were taking place between the Irish Militia and the inhabitants.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the next race (for small yachts) the “Kestrel” (W. Butcher) beat the “Belvidere” (T. Read), “Isabella” (O. Diver), “Rover” (T. Palmer), and “Gipsy Queen” (Harcourt); there were several other races. On this occasion 1,700 persons visited the Wellington Pier, upwards of £40 was taken at the gates, and it was computed that some 12,000 persons were on the Beach; 3,000 persons visited the Victoria Gardens, where “Sam Collins” performed, and Mr. Coe had the management of the display of fireworks.Aug. 4th.—The acting Charity Trustees, Messrs. George Danby-Palmer and Thomas Brightwen, had selected the following additional Trustees of the Town Charity Estate:—The Rev. George Hills, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, and Messrs. C. J. Palmer, J. Brightwen, B. Jay, E. H. L. Preston, C. C. Aldred, Charles Cory, William H. Palmer, R. Hammond, W. P. Dowson, W. N. Burroughs, and J. W. Shelley. Objection had been taken to the names of Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Messrs. Aldred, Cory, C. J. Palmer, E. H. L. Preston, and W. P. Dowson, and the names of Messrs. Pullyn, C. Miller, G. Blake and J. Fenn proposed as Trustees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug. 18th.—The sum of £139 18s. 6d. had been contributed for the Beachman’s Institute.Aug. 25th.—The Norfolk Hotel, Marine Drive, had been purchased by Messrs. Hills and Underwood for the sum of £2,160.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Artillery Militia had assembled for 21 days’ drill.

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

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

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

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

Sept. 15th.—The Fermanagh Militia had left Yarmouth for Bradford, and were to be succeeded by the Louth Rifles.The comet (visible with the naked eye) was getting brighter every night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct. 27th.—Lieutenant Mends, R.N., had been presented with a handsome gold pencil-case by the crew of H.M.S. “Dolphin,” (Revenue cruiser on this station), on his resigning his command.Oct. 30th.—The Bishop of Norwich had confirmed 115 persons at St. Nicholas’ Church.

Nov. 3rd.—The following Councillors had been elected without opposition:—North Ward: Messrs. W. Worship and J. B. Hylton. Market Ward: Messrs. E. R. Aldred and D. A. Gourlay. Regent Ward: Messrs. R. D. Barber and R. R. B. Norman. St. George’s Ward: Messrs. R. Ferrier and B. Jay. Nelson Ward: Messrs. Charles J. Palmer and Charles Woolverton. St. Andrew’s Ward: Messrs. Robert Steward and William T. Clarke.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec. 11th.—Mr. J. H. Harrison had lent the St. George’s Hall to the tradesmen, who were getting up a concert for the benefit of the Hospital.Dec. 15th.—The Mayor, Sir John Robinson, Bart., S. C. Marsh and C. J. Palmer, Esqs., had acted as Stewards of the first Subscription Ball, and there were also present—the Mayoress, Captain Winyard, R.N., Captain O’Reiley, Dr. Dixon, Captain Smith, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Harcourt, Mrs. and Miss Gwynne, Mrs. C. J. Palmer, Mr. Cubitt and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ferrier, Mr. W. Travers, Mr. E. and Miss Preston, Mrs. S. C. Marsh and family, Mr. H. Lacon, Mr. and Mrs. Barber and family, Mr. Jolly, Mr. F. Danby-Palmer, Mr. Bullock, Mrs. A. Thompson, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Venning, Mrs. and Miss Pearson, Dr. Button, Mr. and Mrs. Biddulph, Mrs. R. Steward, Rev. Mr. Gott and family, Mr. Harmer, &c.

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

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

1859.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The old Jetty was to be repaired.The officers of the Louth Rifles had given a Ball at the Town Hall, for which about 180 invitations were issued.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 20th.—The Liberal electors “and their wives” had met at the Corn Exchange, while the Conservatives had held a meeting at the Victoria Gardens.April 23rd.—Contains the following report as to

“THE ELECTION.”

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

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

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

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

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

“THE NOMINATION”

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

“THE TIN CANISTER.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

	Lacon.	Stracey.	Watkin.	Young.
St. Nicholas’	97	89	76	71
Market	117	113	100	99
Regent	112	108	91	88
St. George’s	102	94	89	84
Nelson	166	153	119	106
St. Andrew’s	105	102	93	88
Total	699	659	568	536

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

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

There had been a fashionable ball at the Town Hall.

The Norfolk Artillery Militia had left for Sheerness.

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

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

Meetings of electors had been held to promote the petition.

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

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

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

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

The testimonial “consisting of silver candelabra, &c.,” and the Corporation address had been presented to Bishop Hills at the Town Hall. Some 250 persons were present, amongst whom were—Messrs. C. J. Palmer (who presided at the luncheon), Brightwen, C. Aldred, S. Aldred, Sir E. Lacon, M.P., Reynolds, Nash, C. Cory, R. Hammond, F. Worship, W. Worship, E. Frere, F. Palmer, F. Ferrier, T. Brightwen, Captain Holmes, Dr. Smith, Rev. Nevill, Johnson, &c.June 1st.—Contains the following report of a

“MEETING TO ESTABLISH A VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS.”

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Ferrier seconded.—Carried unanimously.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The proceedings then concluded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forty invalid soldiers had arrived at the Royal Naval Hospital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Overend’s Side.		Mr. Willis’ Side.
Mr. Lawry	7	Mr. Ling	1
Mr. Jackson	3	Mr. Borlase	5
Mr. Fenner	1	Mr. Ellis	0
Lieutenant Townley	12	Mr. Larke	0
Mr. Ablitt	7	Mr. Clarke	2
Mr. Overend	7	Mr. Willis	1
Mr. Cocks	0	Mr. Davey	8
Mr. Edwards	0	Mr. T. B. Stevenson	17
Mr. Baker	0	Mr. Tewsley	4
Dr. Stephenson	4	Mr. Stolworthy	0
Mr. Wright	4	Mr. Green	0
Byes	2	Byes	5
Wides	2	Wides	5
Total	41	Total	48

Afterwards the players dined at the Crown and Anchor Hotel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug. 20th.—The porch of the Parish Church was being restored.There had been a great deal of rain, but the town was very full of visitors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The “Prophet Jack” was preaching on the Beach.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sept. 17th.—The 6th annual meeting of the Elocution Society had been held, Mr. W. Gill in the chair, when Mr. Lovewell Blake, the Secretary, brought up a favourable report of the proceedings of the Society.There were a great number of Rate appeals from the North Ward.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Corporal and three Privates of the Donegal Militia had been heavily fined by the Justices for assaulting Mr. Nall (printer) and several policemen.Oct. 22nd.—Lord Claude Hamilton and officers of the Donegal Militia had entertained the officers of the French steamer “Galilee.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Tuesday, the gale which had commenced on the previous Tuesday abated, and the weather since that day, had continued to improve.The Regatta Committee Accounts showed a balance in hand of about £60.

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

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

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

“ON ALDERMANIC SIXES.”

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

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

Regent Ward.
Mr. W. C. Reynolds	110
Mr. Frederick Palmer	77
St. Andrew’s Ward.
Mr. Richmond elected without opposition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rifle Corps had dined at the Corn Hall, when Captain Orde presided, and the Mayor, Lord C. Hamilton, Captain Marsh, Lieutenant Foreman, and Dr. Stephenson (1st N.A.V.), had been present.Dec. 17th.—At the Mayor’s Inaugural Dinner, 150 gentlemen had attended, the Volunteer Officers appearing in full uniform. The following took part in the after-dinner proceedings:—The Mayor, Lord C. Hamilton, Rev. H. Nevill, Lord Sondes, Mr. E. Howes, M.P., Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Stracey, Bart., M.P., the Recorder, (Mr. N. Palmer), Captain Orde, Captain Marsh, Mr. F. Worship, the Town Clerk, Mr. R. Ferrier, and Captain Donelly.

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

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

About 100 Rate Summonses had been issued.

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

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

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

1860.

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

Several herring boats had again proceeded to sea.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Bowgin’s house at Southtown had been broken into and several articles stolen therefrom.Court “Bear of the Forest,” 3187, had celebrated its first anniversary at the Bear Inn, Southtown. Fifty members sat down to dinner, Bros. Mitchell and Palmer occupying the chair and vice-chair respectively.

Several houses had been broken into by thieves.

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

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

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

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

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

A second Company of Volunteers was being raised.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 9th.—A Ball “of a very elegant character” had taken place at the Town Hall.The E.N.M. had been disembodied, when “many of the men celebrated the event by getting drunk.”

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

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

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

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

There was a scarcity of labour in the town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 23rd.—Henry Fayerman had been committed for trial on a charge of perjury.The Rifle Volunteers had shown themselves “remarkably well instructed in the theory and practice of the rifle.”

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

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

July 4th contains the following account of the

VISIT OF THE CHANNEL FLEET.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new building for the Sailors’ Home was progressing rapidly.“The hot weather had brought large numbers of excursionists to the sea-side.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST GLASS YAWLS.

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

Queen Victoria, Yarmouth	1
Eclipse, Lowestoft	2
Gipsy Queen, Winterton	3

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

Belvidere, (T. M. Read,) Yarmouth	1
Kestrel, (W. Butcher), Norwich	2

SECOND CLASS YAWLS.

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

Good Tidings, California	1
Volunteer, Yarmouth	2
Flying Fish, ditto	3

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

Shooting Star, Winterton	1
Champion, Yarmouth	2
Quebec, Pakefield	3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colonel Sir Thomas Troubridge had inspected the Rifle Volunteers.

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

A hare had been hunted from the South Denes by “men, dogs, and boys” to Adam and Eve Gardens, and had been “transferred to a bake office before 12 o’clock.”A roulette table had been an attraction in the town, and several gentlemen had “dropped” their money at that game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reynolds (C.)	106
Wright (C.)	101
Livingston (L)	61

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Great Yarmouth,
“Nov. 29th, 1860.

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

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

“Yours truly,
“Edm. H. K. Lacon.”

W. T. Clarke, Esq.”

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

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