_North Ward_.
Mr. Hilton (C) 395
,, Worship (C) 384
„ Neave (L) 371
„ Blyth (L) 287
_Market Ward_.
Mr. J. A. Norman (L) 402
,, I. Preston, Junr. (C) 376
,, Combe, (C) 336
,, Garratt (L) 4
_Regent Ward_.
Mr. J. Tomlinson (C) 281
„ R. D. Barber (C) 261
,, Woodger (L) 86
„ R. Page (L) 7
_St. George’s Ward_.
Mr. F. Danby-Palmer (L) 292
,, H. Hammond (L) 291
,, Baker (C) 164
,, Doughty (C) 142
_Nelson Ward_.
Messrs. Woolverton (C) and Stone (L)
unopposed.
_Southtown or St. Andrew’s Ward_.
Mr. R. Steward (C) 365
,, Hammond (C) 358
,, Beevor (L) 309
,, Nelson (L) 300
As the result of this election, it was believed that Mr. E. H. L. Preston
would be Mayor for the ensuing year.
Mr. F. Ferrier had been returned in the place of Mr. Stagg, deceased, for
the Regent Ward.
An effort was being made to restore St. George’s Chapel.
Nov. 12th.—At the Council meeting, Mr. J. C. Smith proposed, and Mr.
Bracey seconded, Mr. E. H. L. Preston, as Mayor, and this was carried
_nem. dis._
There had been an enormous catch of herring; Messrs. Smith’s “Ocean Wave”
had taken 29 lasts, and on the Thursday it was computed that 1,409 lasts
of fish had been landed at the Wharf.
Nov. 16th.—C. E. Bartram, Esq., J.P. and Councillor for the South Ward
had died.
Nov. 19th.—The Volunteers had received “Snider Rifles.”
Mr. J. H. Fellows had presided at a meeting at the “New Royal Standard”
to select a candidate for the South Ward, when Mr. Fredk. Palmer was
brought forward, the other candidates named being Mr. I. Hill, Mr. G.
Harvey, and Mr. J. H. Harrison.
Nov. 23rd.—Commissions signed by the Lord Lieutenant:—2nd N.R.V., Lieut.
A. J. Palmer to be Captain, vice Youell resigned; Ensign E. H. H. Combe
to be Lieut., vice Palmer promoted.
Nov. 26th.—The following had been the result of the election in the
Nelson Ward:—
Mr. Fredk. Palmer (L.) 447
„ Isaac Hill (C.) 269
After the declaration of the poll a procession, headed by a band, had
paraded the principal streets.
Twelve vessels had already cleared with 28,390 barrels of herring for
Italian ports.
Dec. 3rd.—A petition alleging bribery at St. George’s Ward Election, had
been presented to the Town Council, and supported there by Mr. J. W. Bunn
(one of the Aldermen). Mr. F. Danby-Palmer repudiated the charge on
behalf of Mr. Hammond and himself, and, ultimately, on the motion of Mr.
Harmer, the document was ordered to be laid “under the table.”
The death of Mr. H. H. Barber (one of the Councillors for the South Ward,
and a Captain in the 2nd N.R.V.) is recorded.
In the Nelson Ward Mr. H. Fenner (C.) had been returned in his place,
having beaten Mr. Woodger (L.) by 85 votes.
The fishing-boats were “making up” after a very successful voyage.
It was proposed to lay down a tramway from Yarmouth to Lowestoft.
Dec. 17th.—The Mayor had presented the testimonial to Inspector Berry; it
consisted of a 20 guinea watch and a purse of £145.
One fishing boat had caught 142 lasts of herring during the season.
It was estimated that £40,000 would be paid to the fishermen in wages.
Messrs. Woolverton and George had opened a Stock Sale at Acle, the former
gentleman acting as auctioneer. There were a large number of entries,
and fat stock had realised 10s. 6d. per stone.
Dec. 21st.—Miss Emma Pearson (daughter of the late Captain Pearson, R.N.)
had written a letter from the seat of war at Orleans, where she was
nursing the sick and wounded.
Dec. 24th.—Records the death of Mr. Henry Fellows, shipbuilder, aged 70.
Herring had averaged £10 per last during the season, and it was computed
that the money value of the fish caught during the season was £180,000.
Dec. 28th.—Mr. Wyllys’ sledge had upset at the corner of Regent Street,
and knocked over a woman, but no serious damage had been sustained.
Dec. 31st.—Mr. J. H. Want had obtained the contract for the erection of a
new Post Office in Regent Street.
1871.
Jan. 4th.—Records the abandonment of what was known as the “Ordering up
system,” under which complainants had been accustomed, on payment of a
fee of 2s. (without summons), to have persons brought before the
Magistrates by the police.
A young Danish girl had been discovered working as a sailor on board a
vessel.
Jan. 10th.—One Thacker, a veteran gunner, generally known as “Old Stork”
had brought down five swans at one shot on Breydon.
Jan. 14th.—The Mayor (E. H. L. Preston, Esq.), had given a ball at the
Town-hall; about 180 guests were present; Mr. Sturge led the band; and
Mr. Collins provided the refreshments.
A large otter, measuring 4¾ feet and weighing 30 lbs., had been shot near
the North River; it had previously been pursued by a skater, who had
seized it by the tail, when it turned upon him and inflicted a
considerable wound on his wrist.
Jan. 15th.—The Magistrates had refused to convict in a vaccination case,
which conduct was greatly exercising the Board of Guardians.
Jan. 25th.—The schooner “Starling” had foundered in the fair way of the
harbour between the piers, and thus blocked the navigation.
Feb. 1st.—The first subscription ball was advertised with the following
list of stewards:—The Mayor, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Henry E.
Buxton, Charles Sharpe Sharpe, and William Danby-Palmer, Esqs.
Feb. 4th.—Bro. Edward Howes had been installed W.M. of Lodge
“Friendship,” the members of which lodge had presented a testimonial to
Bro. C. L. Chipperfield.
Mr. W. J. Foreman had presided at the meeting of the Great Yarmouth
Building Society, and Mr. Frederick Palmer at the meeting of the Norfolk
and Suffolk Building Society. Each institution published a favourable
report of its proceedings and declared bonuses of £15 and £16 13s. 4d.
respectively.
Mr. Woodger had given 20 tons of coal to the poor in the South Ward.
Feb. 8th.—Contains the following account of the death of Robert Steward,
Esq.:—
“We regret to record the death of this gentleman who expired suddenly
at his residence in Cambridge, on Saturday evening. Mr. Steward for
a number of years occupied a very prominent position in this borough,
having filled the office of Chief Magistrate on five occasions. He
was until recently an active member of the Town Council, having
represented the Southtown or St. Andrew’s Ward for a lengthened
period, during which time he exhibited a warm interest in all that
related to the welfare of the borough. Mr. Steward was one of the
first to associate himself with the Volunteer movement, and was ever
ready with his purse to aid the cause. It was the occasion of his
fifth election to the Mayoralty that his fellow-townsmen determined
to present him with a testimonial in recognition of his public
services, and so heartily was the appeal responded to, that a sum was
soon raised sufficient for the purchase of a handsome service of
plate, which was publicly presented at the Town Hall. Latterly Mr.
Steward had been suffering from failing health, and had taken up his
residence at Cambridge, but on all occasions when anything of public
interest was under discussion he was at his accustomed post in the
Town Council. Mr. Steward was a Justice of the Peace for the
Borough, and also for the County of Suffolk. As a public man his
loss will be much felt, for though occasionally overbearing and
impetuous, his faults were overlooked in the thorough earnestness
with which he applied himself to the promotion of those measures
which he considered for the general good. Out of respect the flags
on the Town Hall and shipping have been hoisted half-mast.”
A quantity of human remains had been discovered in a vault in Row 112.
Feb. 11th.—A fine hare had been captured in the Market Place, after an
exciting chase.
Feb. 15th.—Mr. E. H. H. Combe and Mr. Nelson had been nominated to fill
the vacancy, created by Mr. Steward’s death, in the Southtown Ward.
J. C. Smith, Esq., had presided at the anniversary of the “Loyal Prince
of Wales Lodge,” M.U.O.F., at the Market Tavern, when about sixty
brethren were present.
Feb. 25th.—There were 900 boats then engaged in the fishing, of the gross
tonnage of 14,788 tons, manned by 4051 men and 531 boys.
Mr. E. H. H. Combe had been returned as a member of the Council for the
Southtown Ward.
March 8th.—Police-constable Shreeve had met with a fatal accident by
falling from the fire escape.
The pauper lunatics, 18 in number, had been removed from London to the
Ipswich Asylum.
An old house in Row 132 had fallen down.
March 11th.—The late R. Steward, Esq., had bequeathed a legacy of £19
19s. to each of the following charities:—The Great Yarmouth Hospital, the
Priory, St. Peter’s, and Gorleston National Schools, the Norfolk and
Norwich Hospital, the Norwich Blind Institution, the National School
Society, the Boys’ Hospital School (Norwich), the C. M. Society, and the
S. P. G. Society.
March 22nd.—A fine pike, weighing upwards of 25lbs., had been shot in one
of the neighbouring Broads.
April 18th.—At the Guardians’ Election the new and largely augmented
constituency was polled for the first time. There was a regular party
fight, Mr. John Cooper acting as Conservative agent, and Mr. F.
Danby-Palmer for the Liberals, the following being the result:—
_North Ward_.
J. F. Neave (L) 844
H. Blyth (L) 662
S. Nightingale (C) 662
J. T. Buston (C) 567
J. Rant (L) 542
S. Barge (C) 478
_Market Ward_.
J. A. Norman (L) 621
Wm. Laws (C) 476
J. G. Overend (L) 427
R. Dumbleton (C) 418
R. B. Ellis (C) 397
_Regent Ward_.
R. D. Barber (C) 470
W. Worship (C) 426
J. H. Norman (L) 375
C. Diver (C) 367
J. Clowes (Grocer) (L) 289
R. Bryant (L) 198
_St. George’s Ward_.
J. W. de Caux (L) 557
J. Scott (L) 478
J. Rivett (L) 371
W. J. Foreman (C) 298
W. Harrison (C) 248
D. Gooch (C) 244
T. Todd (C) 115
_Nelson Ward_.
F. Palmer (L) 966
C. Woolverton (C) 934
J. Bracey (C) 766
J. Clowes (Solicitor) (L) 678
W. T. Fisher (L) 534
T. C. Foreman (N) 376
G. Harvey (C) 267
J. H. Harrison (N) 8
Previous to the declaration of the numbers by the returning officer,
Mr. John Cooper, on behalf of the Conservative candidates, who had
met the previous night, announced his intention not to proceed with
the scrutiny before the returning officer, who had no authority to
call witnesses, but stated that the whole conduct of the election
would be laid before the Poor Law Board with a view to a thorough
enquiry being instituted. The election had been conducted in a
fraudulent manner. Mr. Cooper, in support of his assertion,
instanced the case of Hurr, one of the collectors, who, he alleged,
had only returned 113 papers out of 300. Names had also been put on
various papers without authority, while the collector (Hurr) had
taken his papers to the house of one of the candidates, where they
were examined and sorted. Another collector in the Liberal interest,
named Norman, had been convicted and sentenced to twelve months’
imprisonment for robbery. Mr. Cooper went on to say that in the
Market Ward (Hurr’s district) upwards of twenty papers had never been
called for, and he understood that there were upwards of 50 which had
been signed by one person. The election had been conducted in such
an unfair and scandalous manner, that the Conservatives had resolved
upon demanding a Poor Law enquiry.
Mr. Livingston said it would be for Mr. Cooper and his friends to
make good the allegations just made. He hoped if there had been any
irregularity it would be fully enquired into.
Mr. J. A. Norman (who headed the poll for the Market Ward) supposed
that Mr. Cooper had suspected the Liberals had been adopting the
former tactics of their opponents, and had taken a leaf out of their
book. (Laughter.)
Mr. Overend (another successful candidate for the Market Ward) denied
that the papers had been sorted in the shop as alleged, and said the
collector called for information.
Mr. Cufaude (the Returning-officer) said the collector ought not to
have done this, as it was most irregular and contrary to the
instructions given to the collectors. He then gave the return as
above, and the proceedings closed.
The result has caused considerable heart-burning among the
Conservatives, who have so long held the sway in all matters
pertaining to local administration, and they cannot be expected to
view with equanimity the storming of one of their chief strongholds
by the enemy.
April 22nd.—Mr. Bowgin, who had died at the age of 90, had left a
considerable sum of money to local charities.
April 26th.—At the first meeting of the recently elected Board of
Guardians, Mr. Frederick Palmer and Mr. John A. Norman were respectively
elected chairman and vice-chairman, in the place of Mr. C. Woolverton and
Mr. W. Laws.
The smack “Sevastopol” (belonging to Mr. H. Fenner) had been destroyed by
fire on the fishing grounds.
Judge Worlledge had been appointed Chancellor of the Diocese in the place
of Mr. Howes, deceased.
May 6th.—The _Free Lance_, a notorious local newspaper, had been
proceeded against for libelling Mr. King, of Gorleston.
May 10th.—Records the death of Richard Hammond, Esq., as follows:—“It is
with deep regret that we announce the death of this much respected
gentleman, who expired at his residence, Regent Road, on Saturday morning
last, after a rather lengthened illness. Mr. Hammond during his long
career has occupied so prominent a position, and has ranked so high in
the opinion of all classes of his fellow-townsmen, that his death,
although regarded as imminent, created much sensation. The deceased, who
was born in 1792, and was consequently at the time of his decease in his
79th year, was one of the oldest Magistrates of the borough, having been
called to the Bench in 1841. During the long period that Mr. Hammond was
associated with the administration of justice he was remarkable for his
uprightness and thorough independence of character. Wealthy, but yet
conspicuous for his unostentatious mode of life, he was at all times
accessible to those of his poorer fellow townsmen, many of whom were wont
to seek his counsel, and advice. In the exercise of his magisterial
functions, he was ever disposed to temper justice with mercy, and in his
death there must be many who must feel that they have lost a true and
valued friend. The deceased for many years occupied a leading position
as among the most prominent, forward, yet consistent members of the
Liberal party, and although he had of late ceased to take any active part
in political controversies, he was always deeply interested in everything
that pertained to the advancement of the cause which he had so greatly at
heart. Mr. Hammond, who was largely connected at one time with the
fisheries, had also a considerable stake in the shipping of the port, and
accumulated a large property, the bulk of which will, doubtless, have
been bequeathed to his three nieces, as he was unmarried. Out of respect
to the deceased, the flags on the Town Hall, public buildings, and
shipping have been hoisted half-mast, while many private families have
shown similar marks of regard to the memory of the deceased.”
The Guardians had decided to allow Nonconformist Ministers to visit at
the Workhouse.
May 17th.—One boat had landed 1,000 mackerel, and that fish was selling
at from 20s. to 25s. per hundred.
May 20th.—The late Mr. Hammond had left the following charitable
legacies:—Hospital, £50; Sailors’ Home, £19 19s.; Priory schools, £50;
and St. John’s, St. Andrew’s, St. Peter’s and Primitive Methodist
schools, £19 19s. each.
The cost of taking the census had amounted to £110 15s.
June 3rd.—Records the death of David A. Gourlay, Esq., as follows:—“We
regret to record the death of this gentleman, who expired at his
residence on Wednesday, at the advanced age of 89 years. During his long
connection with the town, Mr. Gourlay contrived to amass considerable
wealth, having been largely connected with the shipping interest of the
port. The deceased was a much respected member of the Liberal party in
the borough, and in 1849 filled the office of Mayor. He was also a
Magistrate, having been placed on the roll of Justices in 1858, and for
many years represented the Market Ward in the Town Council, which
position he only resigned last year. Mr. Gourlay was of a singularly
quiet habit, devoting his entire time to business pursuits, which he
continued until advancing years and infirmities compelled retirement.
The deceased was deeply interested in the educational movements of the
town, and a few years since presented the magnificent donation of £1,000
towards the Wesleyan Schools. As a mark of respect to his memory the
flags on the Town Hall and shipping have been hoisted half mast. The
number of borough magistrates who have died since 1863 has now reached
15.”
June 10th.—There had been a stormy discussion in the Council with regard
to the proposal to appoint Messrs. Salmon Palmer, Garson Blake, and John
W. de Caux, Justices for the Borough, when Mr. James W. Bunn moved, and
Mr. C. Woolverton seconded a resolution to the effect that such
appointments “would be objectionable”; and Mr. F. Danby-Palmer moved, and
Mr. James Scott seconded an amendment approving such appointments, which
was lost by 25 to 7 votes, those voting in the minority being Messrs. F.
Danby-Palmer, J. Scott, Frederick Palmer, J. W. de Caux, T. W. Attwood,
H. Hammond, and J. A. Norman.
Mr. I. Preston’s “Otter” had made a passage from Yarmouth to Harwich, a
distance of 52 miles in four and a half hours.
June 14th.—Mr. Stafford had resigned the surgeonship for the North
District, his salary being £100; he stated that he had 2,093 paupers on
his books.
June 17th.—One hundred and twenty-seven men of the R.H.A. were encamped
on the North Denes, the officers being Captains Fox-Strangeways and
Scott; Lieutenants Rothe, Hardinge-Brown, and P. F. Blackwood;
Surgeon-Major Lewer, and Vet.-Surgeon Walker.
Messrs. J. Tolver Waters, Frank Burton, and F. W. Dendy had passed the
Legal examination.
June 21st.—Mr. A. D. Stone had been elected a Haven Commissioner in the
place of Mr. Hammond, deceased, without opposition, owing to Mr. de
Caux’s nomination paper having been left at the wrong office.
June 24th.—The “Oleander,” a barque of 440 tons had been launched from
Messrs. Fellows and Son’s yard.
July 12th.—At the Water Frolic the “Halcyon” won the first match, and the
“Vivid” the second match; Mr. I. Preston, junr., acted as Secretary.
There had been a destructive fire at Mr. Bland’s premises on the Queen’s
Road.
July 26th.—There had been a Volunteer Encampment on the North Denes with
a brigade field day, when the troops were under the command of
Major-General Murray.
The Yarmouth Corps had entertained the Officers of the Norfolk and
Suffolk Battalions, the Mayor, Major-General Murray, Brigade Major
Ogilvie, Captain Alderson, N.A.M., and several other guests at the Royal
Hotel.
There had been a proposal made to abolish the Fair.
The newly-appointed Magistrates, Messrs. Palmer, Blake, and de Caux had
qualified.
Aug. 19th.—The Council had voted an address of congratulation to Sir
James Paget upon his being created a Baronet.
The Prince of Wales had consented to accept the Hon. Colonelcy of the
Norfolk Artillery Militia, vacant through the death of Lord Hastings.
Aug. 26th.—Tomlinson’s Brewery and the houses attached to it had been
sold in lots by public auction.
Sept. 2nd.—St. George’s Denes had been for the first time enclosed for a
“Floral Fete,” when Mr. James H. Harrison “with rather a rough element at
the back” appeared as a champion of public rights.
Sept. 6th.—The following Rifle Volunteer Officers had received
certificates of proficiency under the new regulations:—Captains Holt,
Matthews, and Palmer, and Lieutenants Buxton, Diver, Palmer and Wilson.
Sept. 27th.—M. Desfongerais (the re-called French Consul) had been
presented with a testimonial before leaving Yarmouth.
Sept. 30th.—Heavy gales had prevailed from the E. and S.E.
“Low prices and heavy deliveries” continued to characterise the fishing.
Mr. W. B. Neslin, an eccentric character, who had accumulated hundreds,
if not thousands of notes of various epitaphs, had died at the age of 70
years.
Oct. 18th.—E. P. Youell, Esq., had presided at a meeting called to
consider the restoration of Gorleston Church.
Oct. 21st.—The New Corn Hall in Howard Street had been opened with a
public dinner, when about 200 gentlemen attended, the chair being taken
by H. S. Grimmer, Esq., and the vice-chairs by Messrs. G. M. Beck, E. H.
H. Combe, E. Press, and J. W. Bunn.
Nov. 4th.—Five of the Wards had been contested, with the following
result:—
_North Ward_.
Neave (L) 565
Bly(C) 541
Buston (C) 464
Blyth (L) 432
_Market Ward_.
Fyson (C) 394
Baker (C) 374
Garratt (L) 349
Clowes (L) 321
_Regent Ward_.
Burton (C) 239
Ferrier (C) 212
Goodwin (L) 137
Livingston (L) 117
_St. George’s Ward_.
Todd (I) 385
Scott (L) 324
Smith (C) 150
_Nelson Ward_.
Woodger (L) 742
Fenner (C) 467
Palmer (L) 407
_St. Andrew’s Ward_.
Dendy (L) and Baumgartner
(L), unopposed.
Mr. Edward S. Preston, who had been in the field, having retired at the
eleventh hour.
The general result was a gain of one to the Liberal party.
Nov. 11th.—Mr. S Nightingale had proposed, and Mr. J. Scott seconded, the
re-election of the Mayor (Mr. E. H. L. Preston) and he was re-elected
accordingly.
The following Aldermen had been re-appointed:—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, and
Messrs. R. Purdy, G. S. Shingles, E. P. Youell, R. S. Watling, and W.
Danby-Palmer.
Rear-Admiral Thomas L. Gooch had been promoted to be a retired
Vice-Admiral.
The Rifle Volunteers shed on the North Denes had been burnt with the
stores contained in it, “and no clue yet obtained to the perpetrator of
this wanton piece of mischief.”
Nov. 18th.—Mr. Woodger had entertained 40 of his friends at a dinner
given by him at St. George’s Tavern, King Street.
The Liberals were organising Working Men’s Associations in the several
Wards.
Nov. 22nd.—The “Reliance,” steamtug, had struck a piece of wreck near the
Cross Sand, and become a total wreck. She was valued at £2,500.
Nov. 29th.—Three companies of the 33rd Regiment had arrived at the
Southtown Barracks.
Captain Harvey was making experiments with his sea torpedoes in the
Roads, accompanied by Baron de Grancy and M. Vavasseur.
Dec. 6th.—There had been disastrous gales, causing great destruction of
shipping property and loss of life.
Dec. 16th.—A meeting had been held at Gorleston with a view to the
restoration of the Church; the Mayor presided, and Sir E. H. K. Lacon,
Bart., M.P., the Revs. H. Nevill, T. Allnutt (Vicar), J. Walker, S. N.
Vowler, and Messrs. E. P. Youell, H. E. Buxton, C. J. Palmer, E. H. H.
Combe, W. Teasdel, G. B. Palmer, Stanier, Wilton, Holt, Baumgartner,
Bottle, S. Bately, Bellamy, Ling, S. Dowson, W. S. Sandford, Dr. Bately,
Capt. Matthews, Capt. Aldrich, &c., were present.
Dee. 30th.—Reference is made to the “New Law of Merchant Shipping”
(Plimsoll’s Act.)
The Prince of Wales being restored to health, it was expected that he
would visit Yarmouth with the N.A.M., of which Regiment he was Hon.
Colonel, during their training in the Spring.
Mrs. Walpole, of Southtown, had bequeathed legacies of £50 to the
Hospital and £19 19s. to the Sailors’ Home.
It was estimated that the 600 boats hailing from Yarmouth paid “something
like £4000 for towage to the Tug Companies.”
Mr. J. F. Neave had erected a new Primitive Methodist Chapel at Bradwell.
1872.
Jan. 6th.—Mr. J. T. Clarke had been appointed an Admiralty Commissioner.
Jan. 20th.—The Town Council had voted congratulatory addresses to the
Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, upon the occasion of the
recovery of the Prince from his serious illness.
There had been a heavy gale from the S.S.W.
Jan. 27th.—It was stated that within 12 years five penny newspapers had
been started in Yarmouth, all of which had ceased to exist.
Jan. 31st.—Mr. John L. Cufaude, Clerk of the Peace, Clerk to the
Guardians, and Superintendent Registrar had died at the age of 61 years.
Feb. 3rd.—Messrs. Chamberlin, I. Preston, junr., H. R. Harmer and F. W
Ferrier were candidates for the first and Messrs. F. Danby-Palmer and F.
S. Costerton for the two latter of these appointments.
Feb. 7th.—Mr. F. Danby-Palmer had been elected Superintendent Registrar
by “a large majority,” the other candidates being Messrs. S. C. Burton
and H. Cowl.
Bro. James Carter had been installed W.M. of Lodge “Friendship.”
A new route (the loop line) was being constructed between Yarmouth and
Lowestoft at a cost of £15,000.
Feb. 14th.—Mr. F. Danby-Palmer had been unanimously elected Clerk to the
Board of Guardians.
Feb. 17th.—At the Council meeting Mr. W. Laws proposed, and Mr. T. M.
Baker seconded, Mr. I. Preston, junr.’s appointment as Clerk of the
Peace, and Mr. J. W. Foreman proposed, and Mr. J. Bracey seconded, Mr. H.
R. Harmer for that office.
The voting was—For Mr. Preston: The Mayor and Messrs. J. T. Bracey, Laws,
Mabson, Teasdel, Purdy, Nightingale, Bly, Barnby, Norman, Preston (Isaac
junr.), Baker, Wright, George, Woolverton, Burton, Ferrier, Todd, Veale,
Fenner, Gooda, and W. Hammond (22),
And for Mr. Harmer: Messrs. Bunn, Harmer, Youell, William Danby-Palmer,
Worship, Hilton, Neave, Nuthall, Fyson, Barber, Tomlinson, Foreman, do
Caux, F. Danby-Palmer, Scott, J. Bracey, Stone, Woodger, Combe and
Baumgartner (20).
Mr. Attwood declined to vote. After the voting the following “scene”
took place between the Mayor and Mr. Harmer:—
Mr. Harmer said he had come forward as a candidate, considering his
long connection with the party entitled him to their support. He
could not let that opportunity pass without expressing his thanks to
those gentleman who had accorded him their votes. He could but think
if the Mayor had fought a ‘manly and open game’—(cries of ‘no, no,’
and uproar)—and postponed his canvassing from the Saturday to the
Monday, he should have been in a very different position there that
day. (Renewed cheers and uproar.) He believed he should have had
most of those promises which the Mayor had obtained on the Sunday.
(Cries of ‘no, no,’ and general uproar.) He felt certain that a
great many of his friends in the Council whom he had known many
years, and who had been induced to vote against him, were sorry for
it, and had only been led to do so by the promise given the Mayor on
Sunday. (Cries and groans and general tumult in the gallery.) He
met an old friend the other day, and on asking him for his vote, he
replied, ‘I am very sorry I cannot give it you, as I promised the
Mayor on Sunday—(cheers and laughter)—but you have my sympathy, and I
hope you may win.’ He (Mr. Harmer) could not help replying, ‘Hang
your sympathy; give me your vote.’
The Mayor said he could not let Mr. Harmer’s remarks upon himself
pass without comment. Coming home quietly from church on the Sunday
morning referred to following the mace-bearers, Mr. Harmer came up to
him and canvassed him for the Clerkship of the Peace, Mr. Cufaude not
being then dead. (Hear, hear, and uproar.) He told Mr. Harmer that
Mr. Cufaude was not dead and (he might as well tell them all that
passed), said he hoped to God he might live till after March, so that
they (the Conservatives) might have the opportunity of fighting the
Guardians. (Cheers and counter cheers.) In walking down to the
Station-house he said to Mr. Harmer, if that should be the case, and
they should get a majority at the Board of Guardians, Mr. Harmer
could go in for the Clerk of the Guardians, and he (the Mayor) for
the Clerk of the Peace,—(loud laughter)—and that they could work
together. Mr. Harmer replied by saying that he should go in for both
appointments—(cheers and laughter)—and he (the Mayor) replied that he
could not do so, but if he (the Mayor) won one, he would support Mr.
Harmer in the other, and if Mr. Harmer was successful in one, he
could give him his help in trying to obtain the other appointment for
his son. (Hear, hear.) In the afternoon of that day Mr. Cufaude
died, and as he knew Mr. Harmer was canvassing, did they think he was
such a fool as to let him outstep him. (Cheers and uproar.)
Mr. Harmer rose to reply, but the confusion became so great owing to
the shouting and recrimination, backed up by the adherents of the
respective parties in the gallery, that scarcely anything could be
heard amid the din of words. During a temporary lull in the storm,
Mr. Harmer, who was still speaking excitedly, was understood to say
that he did not go between the bark and the tree, but that he wished
to tell the whole truth about the conversation between him and the
Mayor. He asked the Mayor how Mr. Cufaude was, and he replied that
he was very bad indeed, and not expected to live. (At this juncture
of Mr. Harmer’s reply several of the Councillors vacated their seats,
and left the room, and the disorder which had calmed down a little
again broke out. Mr. Harmer, thus interrupted, stopped in his
speech, but in response to cries of ‘go on, go on,’ from the public,
he turned himself to the gallery, and addressing the occupants of
that place, continued his remarks.) He said he observed to the
Mayor—‘In case anything happens, what do you intend to do?’ The
Mayor replied ‘If my son comes forward I must support him,’ to which
he (Mr. Harmer) replied ‘very naturally, too.’ He then told the
Mayor that he should be a candidate for the Clerkship of the Peace,
and as they walked down Regent-street the Mayor remarked to him, ‘If
we can only keep the poor fellow alive till after the next election
of Guardians, then we must all put our hands into our pockets and
turn them (the Liberals) out.’ (Cries of ‘Shame,’ ‘Bribery,’ and
general uproar.) The Mayor then said ‘I will propose that you shall
be Clerk of the Peace and Isaac, Clerk of the Guardians.’ (Cheers
and laughter.) His answer to that generous proposition was, ‘I shall
not stand that; I shall expect the better berth of the two.’
(Renewed laughter, and cries of ‘Go in Harmer.’) The Mayor said
‘Well, after all, perhaps Isaac would rather have the Clerkship of
the Peace, as there is not much to do, and as he is going to be
married, and will be very well off, he won’t want it.’ (Loud
laughter.)
Here the confusion became so great that nothing could be heard, and
as by this time the majority of the Councillors had dispersed, the
proceedings closed amid wild uproar.
Feb. 24th.—Mr. Henry E. Buxton had been elected Commodore and Mr. I.
Preston, jun., Vice-Commodore of the Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club. Mr.
T. M. Read was building a new yacht at Beccles.
Feb. 28th.—Mr. I. Preston, jun., the newly-elected Clerk of the Peace,
had entertained the Recorder and Bar at the Sessions.
In the Market Ward, Mr. R. Dumbleton and Mr. J. Garratt had been
candidates for the seat vacated by Mr. Preston, when the former gentleman
was elected by a majority of 191.
April 6th.—Mr. C. S. D. Steward and Captain Gilbertson had been
re-appointed Churchwardens, and Messrs. Ellis, Skoulding, Lay and
Pestell, Overseers.
April 3rd.—Nathaniel Palmer, Esq., Recorder, had died at Coltishall, aged
79; it was stated that “The deceased was at one period of his career a
prominent member of the Whig party, and was generally known as ‘Orator
Palmer.’ He acted with the other members of the Palmer family and their
cousins—the Stewards and Hurrys—and was with them instrumental in opening
the borough of Great Yarmouth in 1818.”
The following officers were then with the E.N.M. at its annual
training:—Colonel Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., Lieutenant-Colonel Glover,
Major Matthew, Captains Dods, Ensor, Applewaite, Ambrose, and McEnry, and
Lieutenants Haly, Howes, Long, Lacon, Haggard, Fryer, Barber and Napier.
Captain Lacon being absent.
April 13th.—The following had been the result of the Guardians’
Election.—
_North Ward_.
Stafford (C.) 1,163
Neave (L.) 861
Skoulding (C.) 758
Buston(C) 664
Blyth (L.) 562
Rant (L.) 365
_Market Ward_.
Norman (L.) 679
Dumbleton (C.) 675
Laws (C.) 599
Overend (L.) 524
Ellis (C.) 515
Brand (L.) 472
_Regent Ward_.
Barber (C.) 540
Norman (L.) 486
Diver (C.) 428
Preston (C.) 426
Bryant (L.) 337
Rant (L.) 299
_St. George’s Ward_.
de Caux (L.) 613
Scott (L.) 522
Rivett (L.) 400
Foreman (C.) 266
Bunn (C.) 250
Todd (I.) 214
Gooch (C.) 204
_Nelson Ward_.
Palmer (L.) 1,166
Woodger (L.) 1,090
Clowes (L.) 921
Fisher (L.) 770