Part 64

18.--Died at the Clyffe, Corton, Mr. Jeremiah James Colman, of Carrow House, Norwich, aged 68. Mr. Colman came of an old family of Norfolk yeomen. One of his ancestors, Jeremiah Colman, who was born in 1777, established a flour mill at Bawburgh, and afterwards carried on business at Norwich, whence he removed to Stoke Holy Cross, where was formed the nucleus of the great commercial undertaking now existing at Carrow. The subject of this notice was the son of James Colman, and was born in 1830. In 1856 he married Caroline, daughter of Mr. W. H. Cozens-Hardy, of Letheringsett. Mr. Colman was interested in agricultural pursuits and the breeding of stock, and his famous herd of red-polls, and equally well-known flock of Southdowns were for years represented at all the great shows. Art and literature obtained his attention, and he collected an unrivalled library of local works at Carrow Abbey. Mr. Colman embarked largely in commercial enterprises connected with the Press. With Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett he was instrumental in founding the "Norfolk News" and other newspapers published by that company, and was largely interested in the "Star," the "Morning Leader" and the "East Anglian Daily Times." In 1862 Mr. Colman was appointed Sheriff of Norwich, and in 1867 was elected Mayor. He was first nominated for Parliamentary honours upon the unseating on petition of Mr. Tillett in 1871. His Conservative opponent was Sir Charles Legard, whom he defeated by 1,200 votes. This was the last election contested by open voting, in Norwich. At the General Election of 1874 Mr. Tillett, freed of his disabilities, was nominated as colleague of Mr. Colman; the Conservative candidates were Mr. Huddleston, Q.C., and Sir Henry Stracey, Bart. Mr. Colman and Mr. Huddleston were returned. The next election took place in 1880, when the Liberal party once more made a strenuous effort to secure the return of Mr. Tillett by the aid of Mr. Colman's popularity. The Conservative nominees were Mr. Henry Harben and the Hon. W. F. B. Mainwaring. The Liberals were returned by an overwhelming majority. At the election of 1885 occurred the first indication of the disasters which were to befall Liberalism in Norwich. Mr. Harry Bullard was nominated to oppose Mr. Colman, with whom as second Liberal candidate was Mr. R. S. Wright. For the first time in his political career Mr. Colman had to be content with second place, for Mr. Bullard was returned at the head of the poll with 7,297 votes, against 6,666 polled by Mr. Colman, and 6,251 by Mr. Wright. Mr. Bullard was unseated on petition, and it was stated at the time that Mr. Colman was opposed to the course taken by his party. Mr. Samuel Hoare was then elected unopposed in the place of Mr. Bullard. At the General Election in 1886 Mr. Colman regained his former position at the head of the poll with 6,295 votes as against 6,156 polled by Mr. Hoare, who had Mr. C. S. Read as his colleague. This election was noteworthy as the last occasion upon which Mr. Tillett was nominated. In 1892 Mr. Colman made his last appearance as a Parliamentary candidate, and with him was nominated Mr. James Bedford. Mr. Hoare, Conservative candidate, was returned by a majority of 311 above Mr. Colman; and the representation of the city remained thus until the General Election of 1895, when Mr. Colman retired, and for the first time in sixty years the Conservative party returned two members, Mr. Hoare and Sir Harry Bullard. Mr. Colman, who was one of the greatest benefactors in Norwich, was held in deserved esteem alike by political friends and opponents, and many expressions of public regret were recorded. He was predeceased (on the 15th) by his mother, Mrs. Mary Colman, who died at Town Close Lodge, in her 93rd year. It was announced at a meeting of the Norwich Town Council on October 18th that Mr. Colman had bequeathed to the Castle Museum, free of duty, his collection of oil paintings and water colours by Norfolk and Norwich artists. The collection was valued at 5,000.

OCTOBER.

16.--Died at Fairstead House, Newmarket, aged 82, Mr. John F. Clark, the famous racing judge. Mr. Clark was a native of Norwich, and on leaving school joined his father as a builder. He afterwards became an architect, and during his professional career designed many ecclesiastical buildings, and restored others. He also planned most of the modern grand stands upon the principal race courses in England. Mr. Clark was appointed judge by the Jockey Club in 1852, and was the third member of his family who had held the office, from which he retired at the close of 1888.

18.--The Norwich Town Council decided to widen Fye Bridge from 22 feet to 36 feet at the estimated cost of 1,000, two-fifths of which were payable by the Norwich Electric Tramways Company.

24.--The National Union of Women Workers of Great Britain and Ireland opened its annual conference at Prince's Street Rooms, Norwich; and on the 27th the Mayor and Mayoress held a reception at St. Andrew's Hall.

30.--Died at Lowestoft, Mr. Frederick Elwin Watson, aged 88. He twice served the office of Mayor of Norwich, in 1866-67 and in 1870-71. He was for many years a warm supporter of the Norwich Church of England Young Men's Society.

NOVEMBER.

8.--Died at Wymondham Vicarage, in his 96th year, the Rev. Robert Eden, M.A., Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and honorary canon of Norwich Cathedral. He was the author of several works, including "The Churchman's Theological Dictionary," "Some Thoughts on the Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures," "A History of Preaching," "The Title Page of the Revised Version of the Holy Bible," &c. In his young days Canon Eden was acquainted with Whately, the famous divine, and was for a time assistant librarian at the Bodleian Library.

9.--Mr. George Henry Morse was elected Mayor and Mr. Henry Skelton appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

18.--The Norwich and Norfolk Conservative Club was opened in its new premises, the Royal Arcade, Norwich. Sir Alfred Jodrell, Bart., presided on the occasion.

26.--The remarkable recovery of a lost register belonging to the parish of Gressenhall was reported. "The books, which dated from 1538 to 1710, were discovered lying on a shelf in an upper room with a number of other old documents, at Docking Hall. A certain Hon. Hugh Charles Hare, who was rector of Docking from 1708 to 1711, was also rector of Gressenhall, and probably to him may be traced the removal of the books to Docking, where they had remained for nearly two hundred years."

28.--The 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars, arrived by train at Norwich, from Southampton, where they had disembarked the same day from the Simla.

DECEMBER.

13.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, Mr. Edward Wild moved the adoption of a report of the City Committee affirming "that the inadequate and unsuitable existing accommodation for the transaction of the public work of the city is a hindrance to the proper dispatch of the business, detrimental to the health of the officials and members of the Corporation, and disproportionate to and unworthy of the position and dignity of this important city." The subject was referred to a committee to report thereon to the Council. (_See_ September 5th, 1899.)

13.--The foundation stone of the new Jenny Lind Infirmary, Unthank Road, Norwich, was laid by Geoffrey R. R. Colman, son of Mr. Russell J. Colman. In a cavity of the stone was a brass plate with the following inscription:--"The Jenny Lind Infirmary was founded 1853; rebuilt 1898, foundation-stone laid by G. R. R. Colman. Norwich population, 113,000; fastest train to London 2 hours 37 minutes; electric tramways commenced. Price of a large sheep 63s.; bricklayers' wages 7.5d. per hour." (_See_ June 30th, 1899.)

14.--Died, Mr. Robert Wortley, of Suffield. He was one of the best known agriculturists in Norfolk, an excellent judge of stock, and a noted hackney breeder.

24.--Shernbourne church, restored from designs by Mr. Herbert J. Green, and Sir Arthur Blomfield (consulting architect), was re-opened. The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of York, Princess Victoria of Wales, and Prince Alexander of Teck, attended the service. The Prince of Wales had taken great interest in the work, and had subscribed to the restoration fund, which was raised mainly through the efforts of the rector, the Rev. F. J. W. Girling.

--A young man named Horace Alfred Cox entered a cafe in St. Benedict's Street, Norwich, and fired three shots with a revolver at Ellen Parker, one of the assistants. The bullets missed Parker, and Cox then turned the weapon upon himself. He sustained injuries to the head, from which he died shortly after removal to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

1899.

JANUARY.

1.--In the list of New Year's Honours appeared the name of Mr. Robert Thornhagh Gurdon, of Letton, upon whom her Majesty had conferred the dignity of peerage. Mr. Gurdon assumed the title of Baron Cranworth.

5.--Cringleford church, after restoration at the cost of about 1,400, was re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich.

7.--Died, aged 78, Mr. Samuel Culley, of Grove Avenue, Norwich, who held the office of City Accountant from 1887 to 1898. He was a son of Mr. Richard Culley, and at an early age learned farming in order to fit him for Colonial life. In 1841 he went to New Zealand, but left on the outbreak of the Maori War, and shipping on board an American whaler obtained the post of second mate. On the voyage the crew mutinied, and the captain lost his reason. Mr. Culley put the ringleaders in irons, took command of the vessel, and brought her to Rhode Island. On returning to Norwich he set up business as a corn merchant, and afterwards as a public accountant. He was identified with the formation of the Norwich Steam Laundry and Baths Company and the Norwich Omnibus Company.

13.--The Bishop of Norwich acknowledged the receipt of a memorial signed by 365 clergymen, 123 lay members of Conference, and 100 magistrates, resident in the diocese, who had expressed their resolve to strengthen as far as possible the hands of the bishops in their efforts to check unsound teaching and to restrain illegal practices in the Church. The memorial gave rise to much dissatisfaction and to a considerable amount of acrimonious correspondence in the public Press.

14.--At a meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital it was announced that Mr. Cadge had subscribed the munificent gift of 10,000 to the Leicester Perpetual Endowment Fund. Mr. Cadge had previously presented to the institution an anonymous gift of 10,000.

FEBRUARY.

3.--Mrs. Garrett Anderson, M.D., delivered a lecture at Noverre's Rooms, Norwich, on "The History and Effect of Vaccination." The Dean of Norwich presided, and a committee was formed in order to circulate information on the subject.

7.--Died at Diss rectory, the Rev. Charles Robertson Manning, M.A., F.S.A., honorary canon of Norwich Cathedral, rural dean of Redenhall, and for 42 years rector of Diss, aged 73. Canon Manning was a magistrate for the county, and a member of the Diss School Board, but he was best known for his labours in archaeology. He published "A List of Monumental Brasses remaining in England," and shortly before his death compiled "A List of Monumental Brasses omitted by Blomefield." Canon Manning was a well-known authority on church plate, and among other subjects upon which he wrote were church architecture, lecterns, fonts, heraldry, seals, coins, mediaeval patens, and antiquarians objects of almost every kind.

13.--Mr. Leo Trevor's play, "Brother Officers," which was produced at the Garrick Theatre in October, 1898, and became one of the successes of the London season, was performed at Norwich Theatre by Miss Muriel Wylford's company.

17.--A "silver cradle"--a massive silver bowl--was presented to the Mayor of Norwich (Mr. G. H. Morse) in commemoration of the birth during his Mayoralty of his son Christopher Charles on November 19th, 1898.

21.--Died at Denver rectory, in his 67th year, the Rev. James Mourant Du Port, rector of Denver, honorary canon of Norwich Cathedral, and rural dean. Canon Du Port formerly held the living of Mattishall, took great interest in educational work in the diocese, and was one of the secretaries of the Norwich Diocesan Conference.

23.--It was announced that her Majesty the Queen had been pleased to approve the appointment of Mr. H. H. Cozens-Hardy, Q.C., M.P., as one of the justices of the High Court of Justice.

25.--Died at Marham Hall, aged 73, Mr. Thomas Brown, a well-known breeder of pedigree sheep and cattle. He was the originator of the successful gatherings held for so many years at Marham in celebration of the annual ram letting.

MARCH.

3.--Died at Christiania, Mr. Joseph Stanley, who formerly practised as a solicitor at Norwich. He for several years represented the First Ward in the Town Council, and on the death of Mr. Robert Culley was elected County Coroner after an exciting contest. He it was who served a writ upon the Mayor of Norwich in the matter of the Town Close Estate, with the result that the estate, which had long been regarded as the exclusive property of the freemen, was declared to be a charity. Mr. Stanley had resided in Norway ten years preceding his death.

4.--Died, Mr. James R. Bulwer, Q.C., one of the Masters in Lunacy. Mr. Bulwer was the eldest son of the Rev. J. Bulwer, rector of Hunworth-with-Stody, and was born in 1820. He was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1847, and became treasurer in 1880. He took silk in 1865. From 1861 to 1866 he was Recorder of Ipswich, and from 1866 to 1898 he held the like office at Cambridge. He was also a justice of the peace for Norfolk, and was one of the chairmen of Norfolk Quarter Sessions, a post which he resigned on December 31st, 1898. Mr. Bulwer was Conservative member for Ipswich from 1874 to 1880, and represented Cambridgeshire from 1881 to 1885. From 1873 to 1884 he was lieutenant-colonel of the Inns of Court Volunteers.

12.--Mrs. Keeley, for many years one of the leading actresses on the English stage, died at her residence in London, in her 93rd year. She was a native of Ipswich, and in her young days, as Miss Annie Goward, was a popular member of the Norwich Company.

16.--Paderewski, the famous pianist, appeared at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich.

--The election of a member to fill the vacancy in the representation of North Norfolk by the elevation of Mr. H. H. Cozens-Hardy to the judicial bench, took place on this date. The candidates were Sir Kenneth Kemp, Bart. (U.), and Sir William Brampton Gurdon, Bart. (L). The poll was declared at Aylsham Town Hall on the 17th as follows: Gurdon, 4,775; Kemp, 3,610.

19.--After a winter of exceptional mildness very severe weather set in. In some localities the readings of the thermometer were the lowest since 1895. On the 20th a remarkable whirlwind, which did considerable damage to three cottages, occurred at Worstead. February 10th was recorded as "the hottest day for half a century for the time of year."

25.--An effort was made at Norwich to inaugurate a public subscription for the erection of a memorial to Sir Thomas Browne, the famous author of "The Religio Medici" and other works.

--Died at Thorpe Road, Norwich, Mr. Joshua Womersley, an alderman of the city, aged 77. A native of Yorkshire, he came to Norfolk in 1811 and took employment with the firm of Messrs. Colman at Stoke. He devised a method of making starch from rice, and received the congratulations of the Patent Office on having overcome difficulties in starch making which had hitherto been considered insurmountable. In politics Mr. Womersley was strongly Liberal, and admitted at the Royal Commission in 1868 "having kept certain voters in tow with the object of preventing them being tampered with by the other side."

28.--The sale took place at Easton Lodge Farm by Mr. John Thornton of the red-poll herd of Mr. J. J. Colman. The total sum realised was 4,262.5 guineas, of which 1,114 guineas were paid for the bulls. The average per head was a little over 77. The sale of Mr. Colman's flock of Southdowns took place at Crown Point on August 9th, and was attended by leading sheep breeders and flock masters from all parts of the kingdom. Mr. Thornton disposed of 999 lots, which realised a grand total of 5,347 6s. 6d.

APRIL.

1.--Strangers' Hall, Norwich, it was announced, had been purchased by Mr. L. G. Bolingbroke.

6.--The Norwich Diocesan Conference met at Noverre's Rooms, Norwich, and continued its deliberations on the 7th.

17.--The memorial stone of the Norwich Technical Institute was laid by the Mayor (Mr. G. H. Morse). The building was designed by the City Engineer (Mr. A. E. Collins), and erected by Mr. T. H. Blyth, of Foulsham.

--The centenary celebration of the Church of England Missionary Society commenced at Norwich with services at the Cathedral and the city churches and a meeting at St. Andrew's Hall.

MAY.

1.--The Great Eastern Railway Company introduced a restaurant car service on their system between London, Cromer, and Lowestoft.

--The 7th Hussars marched from Norwich _en route_ to Colchester, where they were temporarily stationed during the renovation of Norwich Cavalry Barracks. Among the officers was Prince Alexander of Teck. The regiment encamped on Stuston Common on the first night, at Broom Hill on the second night, and completed the march on the 3rd.

6.--Died at Northrepps Hall, Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney, aged 44 years. He was a son of Mr. John Henry Gurney, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1896.

--Lord Wolseley, Commander-in-Chief of the Army, arrived at Norwich, accompanied by Major-General Kelly-Kenny, Inspector-General of the Auxiliary Forces, Col. Gough, military secretary, and Col. Allen, _aide-de-camp_. On the 7th his lordship, with Major-General Sir W. F. Gatacre, commanding the Eastern District, attended service at the Cathedral, and afterwards inspected a number of old soldiers in the cloisters, and visited the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home. Lord Wolseley on the 8th inspected the depot and the 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment at the Britannia Barracks, and in the afternoon proceeded to Yarmouth, where he inspected the troops.

17.--The Duke of York's Own Loyal Suffolk Hussars assembled at Norwich for the annual training, which concluded on the 25th. Lieut.-Col. Lucas was in command of the regiment.

23.--The Sandringham hackneys, the property of the Prince of Wales, were sold by auction at the Wolferton Stud Farm. His Royal Highness, who was accompanied by the Duke of York, attended the public luncheon, at which a distinguished company was present. The total amount of the sale was 11,611 guineas, an average price per head of 178.

24.--The list of Birthday Honours, commemorative of the 80th birthday of the Queen, included the name of Mr. Samuel Hoare, M.P., upon whom her Majesty conferred a baronetcy.

25.--The nave of Norwich Cathedral was re-opened after restoration, the cost of which was generously undertaken by Sir Samuel Hoare, Bart., M.P., and Lady Hoare. The Mayor and Corporation attended the service, at which the sermon was preached by the Dean of Norwich.

--The Prince of Wales, accompanied by Prince Alexander of Teck, Admiral Sir Henry Keppel and others, arrived at Yarmouth, and on the 26th inspected the Prince of Wales' Own Norfolk Artillery Militia, the 3rd Norfolk Militia, and other troops. In the evening his Royal Highness attended a ball given by Viscount Coke and the Artillery officers, and on the 27th terminated his visit.

--The Royal Arcade, Norwich, erected on the site of the old Royal Hotel, was opened. The Arcade was built by Messrs. J. Youngs and Son from plans by Messrs. G. J. and F. W. Skipper.

27.--The Duke and Duchess of York visited King's Lynn, and in the grounds of the West Norfolk and Lynn Hospital received purses on behalf of a fund to defray the cost of a children's wing added to the Hospital as a memorial of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

JUNE.

1.--At the Norwich Consistory Court, before Mr. Chancellor Blofeld, the Bishop of the Diocese pronounced sentence of deprivation on the Rev. Bryan O'Malley, vicar of Flitch am, and made an order upon the defendant for the payment of the costs of the proceedings.

2.--At a meeting of the Scots Society of St. Andrew, Norwich, held at the Maid's Head Hotel, the president, Dr. Thomson, unveiled portraits of Dr. John Murray and of his wife, Mary Boyles Murray, presented to the society by Mr. Bronson Murray, of New York, in recognition of the work done by the society in restoring the tomb of Dr. Murray in the churchyard of Wells-next-the-Sea. The portraits were copied by Mrs. Leslie Bush-Brown, great great grandniece of Dr. Murray, from the original works belonging to the Guion family, of Senica Falls, New York.

27.--Died at St. Stephen's House, Norwich, Mr. John Copeman, aged 87. Senior partner in the firm of Messrs. Copeman and Sons, wholesale grocers, Castle Street, he was for several years a member of the Town Council and some time alderman. It was he who suggested the purchase of the sewerage farm by the Corporation. He was a member of the Norwich Board of Guardians, and took part with Mr. J. H. Tillett and the Rev. George Gould and others in securing the passing of the Norwich Poor Act of 1863. Mr. Copeman was one of the founders of the "Norfolk News," and for some time edited it.

28.--The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at Diss. Mr. Edward Mann presided at the luncheon. The exhibition closed on the 29th.

JULY.

10.--At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council a report was received from a joint committee of the Corporation and the Board of Guardians upon the subject of the rating of city property, and a resolution was adopted recommending important alterations in the assessments. The Guardians on December 20th accepted a recommendation for the appointment of valuers to undertake the work of reassessment.

17.--Died at Ivy Lodge, Eaton, Mr. C. C. Rix Spelman, Deputy-Mayor of Norwich, aged 55. He was a son of Mr. Benjamin Rix, of Ipswich, and was born at Yarmouth. In 1858 he became associated with the firm of Messrs. Spelman, and on joining as a partner in 1874 took the name of Spelman--his mother's surname--in addition to his own. In 1897 he was elected Mayor of Norwich, and was in politics a Liberal. He was twice married--first to Miss Franklin, of Norwich, who died in 1877, and secondly, in 1880, to Mrs. R. E. Gibson, sister of Mr. F. Oddin Taylor.

22.*--"The Earl of Leicester has forwarded to the governors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital a cheque for 5,000 for building new quarters for nurses at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital."

23.--The Norfolk Volunteer Brigade went into camp at Colchester.

29.--Barnum and Bailey's great show visited Norwich. It came by special trains from Yarmouth, and on leaving Norwich proceeded to Bury St. Edmund's.

31.--Died, the Rev. Canon Hinds Howell, aged 91. He was seventh son of Mr. C. A. Howell, Treasurer of the Island of Barbados, where he was born. Canon Howell was many years rector of Drayton, and one of the most energetic clergymen in the diocese.

AUGUST.

1.--Died at Stanley Avenue, Thorpe, Norwich, Mr. Edwin Plumer Price, Q.C., formerly Recorder of York, and judge of the Norfolk County Court, aged 81. In his younger days he unsuccessfully contested Sheffield in the Conservative interest.

2.--The Norfolk and Norwich Library was opened after reconstruction at the cost of 1,719.

7.--A fire occurred at Messrs. Leake and Sons' oil mill at Lynn. The damage was estimated at from 10,000 to 12,000.