Part 49

10.--Died, at Scoulton Rectory, the Rev. John Munnings Johnson, in his 93rd year. A son of the Rev. Paul Johnson, of Runton, he entered the Navy as a lad, and after serving a short time in the Royal Billy, joined the Gibraltar, 80 guns, commanded by Captain Lukin, afterwards Admiral Windham. After seeing much fighting he was transferred to the Mars, 74 guns. In 1807 he was ordered out to the Baltic with the armament which attacked Copenhagen, and captured the entire Danish fleet. The years 1808 and 1809 were employed in the blockade of the French fleet in Brest. In 1810 he was called to the Tagus, and in 1811 accompanied Sir J. Moore, who went with a large armament to protect British traders from the Danes and Prussians. After passing for his lieutenancy in January, 1812, Mr. Johnson went with Sir James Lucas Yeo to the Lakes of Canada, where they contended at great disadvantage with the American squadron. In 1814, after the storming of Oswego, Mr. Johnson was made lieutenant, and at the close of the war in 1815 he returned to England with a large portion of the Duke of Wellington's army, which, after the peace with France, had been sent to America. He then went on half-pay, and in 1824, determining to take holy orders, entered as an undergraduate at Cambridge University. In 1828 he took his degree, and the following year was ordained by Bishop Bathurst. Mr. Johnson became curate in charge of Scoulton in 1831, and was presented to the rectory in 1846. There he remained until 1878, when he went to reside at Gurney's Manor, Hingham. He resigned the living in 1883, and was succeeded by his son, the Rev. Henry Johnson, with whom he resided until his death. Mr. Johnson married, in 1833, Miss Anne Wilson, daughter of the Rev. Henry Wilson, of Kirby Cane, afterwards Lord Berners.

11.--Melton, the property of Lord Hastings, won the Liverpool Cup, beating Oberon, Bird of Freedom, Sailor Prince, and fourteen others. Ridden by Watts, Melton carried 9 st. 3 lb. and started at 100 to 8 against.

15.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Field, Elizabeth Hamlinton (34), dressmaker, was found guilty of the murder of her infant daughter, at Fakenham, on October 16th. She was strongly recommended to mercy. "The prisoner almost fainted when the judge put on the black cap; her face indicated terror, and when the dread sentence was pronounced she moaned, and at its conclusion cried out despairingly." The Mayoress of Norwich (Mrs. Bullard) interested herself on behalf of the unhappy woman, and forwarded an influentially signed memorial to the Home Secretary. In due course the prisoner was respited.

16.--The Norwich Town Council assented to an application by Mr. Joseph Kincaird, of 3, George Street, Westminster, to construct tramways in the city upon certain routes, on condition that an amount equal to the cost of removing the lines and reconstructing the streets in case the tramways were not worked for a given period, be placed on permanent deposit. Other conditions as to the control of traffic, &c., were imposed. The Norwich Tramways Company, Limited, with a capital of 30,000, was registered on December 23rd. (_See_ December 17th, 1889.)

27.--Died, at 41, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, London, Mr. Octavius Edward Coope, M.P. He was first returned to the House of Commons in July, 1847, as Conservative member for Yarmouth. Mr. Coope was born in 1814, and was a partner in the firm of Ind, Coope, and Co.

30.--A military tournament by the 19th (Princess of Wales' Own) Hussars commenced at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, and concluded on December 4th. The proceeds were in aid of local charities.

DECEMBER.

4.--A remarkable phenomenon was recorded at Yarmouth. "The tide twice flowed and ebbed within three hours. At 9.42 p.m., the calculated time for dead low water, the gauge registered only six feet above zero. Thus high and low water were practically reversed, a most uncommon phenomenon." On the night of the 8th "the barometer fell to 28.20, the lowest local reading for the past twenty years."

6.--A new fire escape for "populous buildings," invented by Captain Longe, of Spixworth Park, was tested at Thorpe Asylum. It consisted of "a movable staircase mounted on a frame on four wheels, which can be readily and expeditiously moved by two men to any window of a burning building, and raised by a double crank to a window 18 ft. from the ground, at an angle of 45 degrees, by which the inmates, stepping on a small platform, can easily descend." The Lunacy Commissioners reported favourably upon the invention.

27.--"Falka," produced by Van Biene and Horace Lingard's Comic Opera Company, was the Christmas attraction at Norwich Theatre. The dress circle, which had remained in its original state since the erection of the Theatre in 1826, was at this date remodelled and greatly improved by the removal of the uncomfortable and objectionable boxes.

28.--Considerable damage was done to the telephone wires in Norwich by a heavy fall of snow. "The whole system came to grief through the wires breaking and the derricks giving way."

--Died, at his residence, Shadingfield Lodge, Yarmouth, Mr. Samuel Nightingale, in his 84th year. He served the office of Mayor of the borough in 1868-69.

1887.

JANUARY.

6.--Dr. David George Thomson, senior medical officer of the Surrey Asylum, was appointed by the Norfolk county magistrates Medical Superintendent of the County Asylum at Thorpe, in place of Dr. Hills, resigned. The Court granted Dr. Hills a superannuation allowance of 600 per annum. At the Easter Sessions resolutions were presented by thirteen unions, protesting against the allowance as an excessive burden upon the county rates.

14.--A serious riot occurred in Norwich Market Place. A crowd of unemployed workmen, harangued by two Socialists, named Mowbray and Henderson, who suggested that they could not starve, and that they must procure food for themselves, became a disorderly mob, and under the leadership of the agitators, made a raid upon several shops on the Walk. The ringleaders, with two men, named Hurrell and Hall, were apprehended, and committed for trial. The case came before Mr. Justice Grantham at the Assizes on the 21st, when Mowbray was sentenced to nine months', Henderson to four months', Hall to one month's, and Hurrell to one week's imprisonment, with hard labour. A similar disturbance on a minor scale took place at Yarmouth at about the same date. Owing to inflammatory placards distributed during the month of September, the Chief Constable of Norwich, on October 1st, applied to the magistrates for power to raise a force of 200 special constables. On October 11th the required number were sworn in, and informed that their active services would not be required except on a special summons from the magistrates.

25.--At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Grantham, was tried the

## action, the Corporation of Norwich _v._ Coxe. In this case the

Corporation sued the Rev. Dr. Coxe, one of the sureties of Mr. E. S. Steward, the late City Treasurer, to recover from him the sum of 1,000, for which amount he was bond. On behalf of the defendant it was urged that the auditors were remiss in passing accounts that were incorrect, and the judge made strong comments upon the loose manner in which they did their work. The jury gave a verdict for the defendant.

FEBRUARY.

8.--Mr. Archibald Forbes delivered a lecture, at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, on "Ten Years of War Correspondence."

12.--A shocking murder was committed at Kenninghall Workhouse. Jonas Rivett, an inmate, aged 71, stabbed Henry Baker, a ward attendant, in the neck, severing his windpipe and jugular vein. At the combined Norfolk and Norwich Assizes, held at Ipswich, on April 20th, before Mr. Justice Field, the prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was subsequently respited, and removed to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum.

17.--Died, at Syleham, in her 100th year, Lucy Steggall, widow of Robert Steggall.

24.--Died, at Cannes, Mr. John Gurney, of Sprowston Hall, Deputy-Mayor of Norwich. On retiring in November, 1886, from the office of Mayor of the city he sought relaxation on the shores of the Mediterranean. A severe shock of earthquake, which occurred at Cannes at the time of his visit, is supposed to have told upon his highly sensitive and nervous organization, and to have indirectly caused his death. Mr. Gurney was the eldest son of Mr. John Gurney, of Earlham Hall, and grandson of Mr. Samuel Gurney, of West Ham. He was born on December 11th, 1845, and educated at Harrow, whence he proceeded to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1866. The following year he became a member of the firm of Gurneys, Birkbecks, Barclay, and Buxton. In 1871 he married Isabel Charlotte, daughter of Mr. R. Blake-Humfrey, of Wroxham. Mr. Gurney, who was afflicted with blindness, was one of the most liberal benefactors of Norwich, and was greatly esteemed by the citizens.

MARCH.

11.--Norfolk, in common with other parts of the country, was visited by a severe spell of wintry weather.

15.--A dispute between smackowners and smacksmen at Yarmouth ended on this date. Differences had arisen over the substitution by the former of the share system for the old plan of payment by wages and poundage. The strike was beginning to have a disastrous effect upon trade, and was ended by an amicable arrangement.

18.--Died, at Stirling, Mr. J. F. Young, for many years a favourite actor upon the Norwich stage. Mr. Young was widely known as a member of the original "Caste" Company. He had been lessee of both Norwich and Yarmouth Theatres, and was greatly respected in private and professional circles.

21.--The action, Stanley _v._ the Mayor and Corporation of Norwich and the Attorney-General, was tried in the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice, before Mr. Justice Kekewich. This case raised the question of the right of the freemen to receive in perpetuity the rents of the Town Close Estate, a valuable plot of land of about 100 acres in extent, which was conveyed to the city in 1524 by the Prior of Norwich. It was contended on the part of the plaintiffs that this land became vested in the Corporation for the exclusive benefit of the freemen, the terms in the original grant "citizens" and "commonalty" being synonymous with "freemen." Mr. Justice Kekewich concurred in this contention, gave judgment for the plaintiffs, and ordered the costs of the action to be borne by the estate. (_See_ January 23rd, 1888.)

23.--A remarkable sale by auction was held at Leziate under a warrant of distress for the non-payment of tithe. "Mr. W. H. Boyce, of Holt House Farm, having made up his mind to object on principle to the payment of the tithe rent charged by the Rev. A. J. Groom, rector of Ashwicken-cum-Leziate, and having also failed to induce the rector or his legal agent to make any abatement of the amount due, namely, 42 8s., a warrant of distress was issued, under which seizure was made of ten homebred steers, two cows in calf, and part of a stack of hay. The sale was conducted by Mr. W. B. Lane. It was carried out in quite an amicable manner, and the humour of the thing was enhanced by Mr. Boyce providing luncheon for those in attendance. The auctioneer had sold up to a certain point, when he announced that his duty was done, but Mr. Boyce gave him a commission to go on selling as long as he liked. This he accordingly did with excellent results. At the conclusion of the action Mr. Boyce thanked his friends for the way in which they had acted, expressed his objections to tithes in general, and the present claim in

## particular, and afterwards entertained several of his friends at dinner."

APRIL.

5.--In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, before Mr. Baron Pollock and Mr. Justice Stephen, a petition was presented by Mr. Joseph Arch against the return of Lord Henry Bentinck as member for North-West Norfolk, on July 9th, 1886. The petitioner alleged that the respondent was guilty of an illegal practice in paying the sum of 3 to Charles Wacey, of South Creake, in respect of expenses in the conduct or management of the election. The money was sent in a letter from Guist Hall, where Lord Henry Bentinck was staying, on January 20th. The letter was as follows:--"Dear Mr. Wacey--I enclose you a little present as some small compensation for the trouble and worry you have had in connection with the election and afterward. I am much obliged to you for all you have done, and I hope you will continue to help us in the future in the same able and energetic manner in which you have done in the past. Yours truly, Henry Bentinck. P.S. You had better not tell anyone that I sent you anything." This letter miscarried, and was delivered not to Charles Wacey, but to Thomas Wacey, who belonged to the party represented by Mr. Arch. Thomas Wacey ultimately forwarded the postal orders contained in the letter to Charles Wacey, who cashed them and kept the proceeds. It was contended on the part of the respondent that the payment made in January, 1887, had no relation whatever to the conduct or management of the election in July, 1886. The money was paid on account of registration services, and the injunction of secrecy was made because to have paid all the district secretaries would have involved the respondent in an expenditure of 100. The petition was dismissed with costs.

10.--A new organ, built at the cost of 450, was opened at St. Gregory's church, Norwich.

14.--The Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced at Noverre's Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop. The proceedings were concluded on the 15th.

18.--An "Old World Exhibition" was opened at Blackfriars' Hall, Norwich, by the Mayor, in aid of a fund for rebuilding the tower of St. Michael-at-Thorn. This remarkable collection, chronologically arranged by the Rev. W. F. Creeny, was of great historical and educational interest, and was contributed to by many of the leading residents in county and city. The exhibition closed on April 30th.

MAY.

12. A fifty miles bicycle race from the second milestone on the Dereham Road, Norwich, to Swaffham and back, was ridden by members of the Norwich Amateur Bicycle Club. The roads were heavy, and the wind, during the greater part of the journey, unfavourable. Result: 1st, H. J. Hayes, 3h. 45m. 30s.; 2nd, Overton, 3h. 46m.; 3rd, Howes.

14.--The currency question was discussed by the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, and a resolution adopted expressing alarm at the daily increasing difficulty experienced by the agricultural classes in obtaining money with which to meet their obligations, asserting the belief that "an increase in the circulating medium would lessen that difficulty," and urging the Government "to respond to the invitation of the great Powers who had asked this country to join with them in restoring to the peoples the free coinage and use of silver money." The following resolution was also adopted:--"Although currency may in some way affect the prosperity of trade and agriculture in this country, it is the opinion of this Chamber that the main cause of the depression is the influx of foreign produce to the ruin of the English producer and the employment of foreign labour in the place of English labour."

14.--Died, at Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, Mr. George Alden Stevens, solicitor, in low 57th year. An entirely self-made man, he rose by perseverance and integrity to become a partner in the firm of Miller and Son. He was an ardent politician, and for several years argent to the Liberal party, and the constant adviser of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett throughout his chequered experiences on the hustings and in the election courts. Mr. Stevens was a member of the Town Council, and an alderman, and it was largely due to his generosity and zeal that Chapel Field was transformed from a barren and useless waste into a beautiful garden.

18.--Died, at Gladstone Street, Norwich, George Wilde, aged 62, the last survivor in the city of the famous light cavalry charge at Balaclava. Wilde was a private in the 13th Light Dragoons, and in the charge his horse was killed and himself wounded. He was in receipt of a pension of thirteen pence per day.

--The Prince of Wales visited Yarmouth and laid the foundation-stone of the new hospital. On the 19th his Royal Highness inspected the 2nd Brigade Eastern Division Royal Artillery, and in the evening attended a ball given by the officers.

24.--The Queen's birthday was celebrated in Norwich by a review on Mousehold Heath of the 19th (Princess of Wales' Own) Hussars, the 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment, and the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment. The Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) gave a banquet at Blackfriars' Hall in the evening. Earlier in the day his worship and the Sheriff (Mr. F. Oddin Taylor) entertained the inmates of the Workhouse.

25.--An "anti-coercion demonstration," held under the auspices of the National Liberal Federation, was addressed at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, by Mr. John Morley, M.P.

JUNE.

1.--Died, at Yarmouth, where he had resided four years, the Rev. Joseph Philip Knight, the composer of many popular songs. The youngest son of the Rev. Francis Knight, D.D., he was born at the Vicarage, Bradford-on-Avon, on July 26th, 1812. His love for music displayed itself at an early age, and at fifteen he began to devote himself to the study of harmony and composition. When about twenty Mr. Knight composed his first six songs under the name of Philip Mortimer. Among these were "Old times," sung by Henry Philips, and "Go, forget me," extremely popular both in this country and in Germany. After this he used his own name, and, in company with Haynes Bayly, produced a number of highly successful songs, amongst which the most famous were "Of what is the Old Man thinking?" "The Veteran," "Days Gone By," "The Grecian Daughter," and "She wore a Wreath of Roses." He subsequently composed the song and duet to the words written for him by Thomas Moore, "The Parting" and "Let's take this World as some Wild Scene." In 1839 Mr. Knight visited the United States, where he remained two years. To this time are due, among other popular songs, his celebrated "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deeps" sung with immense success by Braham, and "Why Chime the Bells so merrily?" On his return to England he produced "Beautiful Venice," "Say, what shall my Song be To-night?" "The Dream" (words by the Hon. Mrs. Norton), "Amy Robsart," and "Queen of the Silver Bow," all more or less the rage in their day. Some years afterwards Mr. Knight married, and lived for a long time in France and Germany, doing very little in the way of composition, but on his return to England he wrote many other songs, "Peace, it is I," "The Lost Rose," "The Watchman," "The Anchor," "Where is the Place of thy Rest?" and the duet, "Where the Roses Grow," all of which, enjoyed great popularity. His songs, duets, and trios number 225.

4.--Queen Kapiolani, and the heiress presumptive to the Hawaiian Throne, the Princess Lilivokalani, consort and sister respectively of Kalakana, King of Hawaii, on a visit to England for the purpose of attending the celebration of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria, arrived at Rackheath Hall, where they were entertained as the guests of Captain and Mrs. Steward. During the stoppage of the train at Trowse station, the visitors were waited upon by the Mayor and Mayoress of Norwich (Mr. and Mrs. Bullard), who were attended by the Town Clerk and other civic officials. On the 5th (Sunday) the Queen and Princess attended service at the Cathedral, at which the Mayor, Sheriff, and members of the Town Council were present; and on the 6th they visited the Cathedral, St. Andrew's Hall, St. Peter Mancroft church, and the Castle, and were entertained to luncheon at the Guildhall by the Mayor and Mayoress. In the afternoon they proceeded to Pine Banks, Thorpe, and were entertained by Mr. I. O. Howard Taylor. On the 6th the Queen and Princess departed for London.

15.--The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association opened at Blickling Park. The Marquis of Lothian presided at the public luncheon. The show was continued on the 16th.

19.--The celebration of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria began in Norwich on this day (Sunday) with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral, and with special services at the Roman Catholic and other Nonconformist places of worship. The Mayor and Corporation attended the Cathedral in the morning, and Prince's Street Congregational chapel in the evening. On the 20th a special meeting of the Town Council was held on the requisition of forty-four members, at which it was unanimously resolved to confer the honorary freedom of the city upon Mr. Harry Bullard as Mayor of Norwich. The 21st was observed as Jubilee Day. Early in the morning intelligence was telegraphed to the city that the Mayor was among the eleven chief magistrates in the kingdom who had received the honour of knighthood. The day's proceedings commenced with a special service at the Cathedral, attended by Churchmen and Nonconformists, by a detachment of the 19th Hussars, under Colonel French, and the Norwich Artillery Volunteers and Rifle Volunteers. At noon 11,000 school children assembled in the Market Place and sang the National Anthem, after which Sir Harry and Lady Bullard were "at home" at the Guildhall, and entertained a large company to luncheon. In the afternoon there was a military parade of the 19th Hussars and Volunteers on Dix's Land, Unthank's Road; the school children had tea at their respective schools, and in the evening the city was illuminated and a grand display of fireworks was given on the Castle Meadow. The festivities were continued on the 22nd, when the Mayor and Sheriff entertained 1,100 of the aged poor at the Agricultural Hall, and in the evening Sir Harry and Lady Bullard gave a _soiree_ at St. Andrew's Hall. On the 23rd the inmates of the Workhouse were entertained. The 21st was observed with great rejoicing in every town and village in the county, and the weather being beautifully fine, the proceedings were of a most successful character. The amount subscribed in Norfolk to the Women's Jubilee offering to the Queen was 1,565 2s. 6d.

29.--Ringland church, restored at the cost of 2,000, was re-opened.

JULY.

13.--"As You Like It" was for the first time performed locally as a "pastoral play" in the grounds of Mousehold House, Thorpe Hamlet, the residence of Mr. W. H. Hackblock. The comedy was represented by amateurs on the occasion of a garden _fete_.

16.--The new prison on Plumstead Road, Norwich, designed by the surveyor to the Prison Department, and built by Messrs. W. and T. Denne, of Walmer, Kent, was completed on this date. The prisoners were transferred from the Castle to the new prison on August 2nd. On September 12th the Prison Commissioners gave formal possession of the Castle to the Mayor and Corporation. The late Governor (Mr. A. E Dent), in handing the keys to the Town Clerk (Mr. H. B. Miller), remarked that the Castle had for many generations--since 1345, when it was first used as a county prison, been in the hands of governors, and he was glad, as the last of that long line, to hand over the building to the Corporation to be employed for a different purpose in the future. (_See_ July 27th, 1891.)

20.--Mr. Henry Chaplin, M.P., was the principal speaker at a great Primrose League _fete_ given in Melton Constable Park by Lord Hastings.