For some days previous to the passing of the new Magna Charta of our
liberties, the Reform Bill, the friends of that great and really
Conservative measure had met at the Ship Tavern, for the purpose of
considering the best method of celebrating the anticipated triumph.
At their first meeting it was determined to open a subscription,
leaving the precise manner in which the proceeds should be expended
as a matter for future consideration. District Committees were
forthwith appointed to manage the collections. The subscription,
which is not yet closed, is expected to amount to something very
handsome. It was first intended to give the freemen a dinner, but on
sounding the latter it was found that they (without any exception)
preferred receiving a pecuniary present; it was therefore at a
subsequent meeting resolved, that each of those persons should
receive a donation in money, and that the friends of Reform should
dine together at a time and place hereafter to be appointed. The
news of the passing of the unmutilated Bill was received here with
every demonstration of joy. The vessels at the Quay displayed a
profusion of flags, as did also the principal taverns and inns in the
town—indeed everything seemed to show a universal gladness of heart.
On Friday last, however, when information arrived of the Royal
sanction having been given to the Bill, the fullness of joy exhibited
on the occasion knew no bounds. Expectant of the event, a large
party of our townsmen (of every grade and condition in life) had
proceeded along the Southtown Road on the forenoon of the day,
accompanied by a band, flags with appropriate mottoes, &c., to meet
the Telegraph. Singular enough, however, the guard of that coach
refused to take up the colours, and in answer to repeated enquiries
declared “there was no news,” although it was afterwards ascertained
that he had read from a newspaper in his possession an account of the
Royal signature to the inhabitants of Gorleston while passing through
that village. The Reformers of Yarmouth, to show their indignant
sense of such conduct, refused to wait at night for the Morning Star
(that coach being under the same proprietory as the Telegraph), but
instantly sent a courier to Lowestoft to announce their intention of
meeting, in procession, the Old Blue. Ultimately, that coach,
surrounded by a profusion of elegant and appropriate flags, bands
playing, &c., paraded the town. It was really a most animating and
exhilarating spectacle; numbers of elegant and beautiful females
assembled at the windows to witness the heart-cheering sight of a
countless multitude of persons, composed of all ranks in life, alike
animated by one feeling, that of exultation and delight. Surely
after this our enemies will no longer prate of a reaction! At any
rate, such a flagrant attempt at delusion would be scouted by our
patriotic townsmen, as one of the basest of libels on old Yarmouth *
* * * The public dinner, rejoicings, &c., will, we have just heard,
not take place till after the passing of the Scotch and Irish Bills.
The dinner, will, we believe, be held at the Town Hall, there being
no reason to doubt that the Mayor, with his accustomed gentlemanly
feeling, will grant the building for that purpose. Wm. Barth, Esq.,
is expected to preside.
During the Spring eight vessels had sailed from Yarmouth to different
parts of the Canadas, carrying 916 passengers.
June 21st.—The Haven and Pier Commissioners had attended for the purpose
of examining the Harbour Works, and it was hoped that extensive
improvements would be made therein.
The Conservatives had not announced any candidates, and it was considered
probable that Messrs. Anson and Rumbold would be re-elected.
The Rev. Mr. Griffith, junr., had delivered a very impressive sermon on
board the Cyrus under the Bethel Flag.
June 28th.—The Corporation had voted an address to the King upon his
escape from the late “atrocious” attack upon him.
A vessel was lying off the Pier Head with the Yellow Flag (cholera)
flying.
July 5th.—A public dinner was to be held to celebrate the passing of the
Reform Bill, and Mr. Windham, the Liberal candidate for E. Norfolk, was
to meet his friends, Major Keppel being unable to accompany him.
July 12th.—The Dreadnought lugger (having on board a large cargo of
smuggled goods) had been captured.
The Sylvan (belonging to J. H. Palmer, Esq.,) had arrived at Quebec with
emigrants.
July 26th.—The annual water frolic is thus noticed: “Monday last was our
annual water frolic. The heavens, which appeared inauspiciously to lour
during the early part of the day, cleared about noon, and a cloudless and
sun-lit sky enabled the admirers of boating excursions to enjoy with high
zest the pleasures afforded them by the recurrence of this aquatic treat.
The beautiful bosom of Breydon was literally covered with craft of every
description, from the stately barge and elegant pleasure boat, down to
the humble punt. Three boats, the Coriander, Balls; the Emerald, of
Lowestoft, Col. Jones; and the Hornet, of Beccles (the two latter
latteeners), were the competitors for the cup. The former had the start,
and kept the lead during the three heats, and eventually won by 400
yards. About five o’clock p.m. the boats drew up for dinner. The _toute
ensemble_ was at this time picturesque in the extreme, the river, as we
have said, studded with boats of various descriptions; the rond (which at
this time was more than usually dry and firm) crowded with well-dressed
persons of both sexes, whose joyous countenances showed that they looked
gratifyingly on the sight; the beautiful ruins of Burgh Castle (the
Garianonum of the ancients) in the distance, gilded with the gloomy
brightness of a western sun—the declivity of the hill bedecked with many
tea-drinking parties, all presented a scene which must have given delight
to every true lover of his species. On the following day a cup (the gift
of the spirited landlord of the Berney Arms) was sailed for by five 14
feet boats, which was won by the Sultan, George Alexander, who beat her
antagonists hollow. We are happy to say that the general feeling of
pleasure was not alloyed by the occurrence of a single accident.”
The Theatre had opened with _Guy Mannering_ and _Damp Beds_. There was a
very poor house.
The brig Ida (188 tons) had been launched from Mr. F. Preston’s yard.
August 23rd.—The following estimate of the number of electors under the
Reform Act had been made:—Freemen 1,063; £10 householders in Yarmouth,
492; and in Gorleston, 144; total, 1,699.
The Summer Fishing had commenced; 300 lasts of herring had already been
brought in.
August 30th.—Messrs. Windham and Keppel (the Liberal candidates for East
Norfolk) had dined with about 50 electors at the King’s Head (B. Dowson,
Esq., in the chair.)