3.--At a meeting of manufacturers and others at the Guildhall, Norwich,
under the presidency of Mr. John Harvey, resolutions were adopted
expressing satisfaction with the proposal of the Government to reduce the
duties on raw and thrown silks as well as on foreign wools; but they
viewed with surprise and alarm the proposal to allow the free exportation
of British wool, "as a consequence of supplying foreigners with the raw
material must be to throw out of employment many thousands of the
labouring poor."
6.--Intelligence was received at Lynn of the death, which occurred on the
5th, of the Marquis of Titchfield, M.P. A writ for the election of a new
member was moved for in the House of Commons on the 9th, and two
candidates, Lord John C. Bentinck, eldest brother of the deceased
marquis, and successor to the title, and Sir William Browne ffolkes,
Bart., immediately issued addresses. The election took place on March
19th. "Sir William ffolkes, after leaving the hustings, was carried in a
chair round the Market Place and down High Street, he addressed the crowd
from the window of his committee-room, and threw amongst them a large
quantity of silver coin, which was eagerly scrambled for." The result of
the polling was declared as follows: Marquis of Titchfield; 177; Sir
William ffolkes, 89.
11.--A meeting of the manufacturers, merchants, and others interested in
the silk trade was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency
of Mr. Alderman Roberts, to take into consideration the resolutions
passed by the House of Commons relative to alterations in the silk
duties. A resolution was moved to the effect that the meeting viewed
with satisfaction the measures proposed for the extension of the silk
manufactory, "but the object could not fully be attained by the proposed
immediate remission of so great a proportion of the duties on raw and
thrown silks." It was advocated that endeavours be made to obtain
compensation for the loss sustained upon stocks of manufactured goods,
and a petition to Parliament embodying that view was adopted. On April
5th "an unusual scene was witnessed in Norwich, that being the last day
on which manufacturers of the city warehoused their raw and foreign silk
in order to obtain the drawback according to the late decision of
Parliament. The number of pieces of bombazines and crapes bonded was
about 40,000, which may be averaged at 7s. 6d. each, and the total amount
of the drawback will be 30,000. Such of the goods as are for exportation
are already returned to the owners, and an order is expected in a few
days for the delivery of those intended for the home trade. By this
arrangement, which was recommended to Government by a gentleman deputed
from Norwich, little time will be lost, and the manufacturer will obtain
the relief which, but for its adoption, would, under the late alteration
of the law, have proved highly injurious to many of our fellow citizens."
On June 23rd a dinner was given at the Rampant Horse Inn by the merchants
and manufacturers to Mr. John Harvey, Mr. E. T. Booth, and Mr. T. O.
Springfield, "for the zeal and ability with which they promoted the
interests of the trade, and for their successful exertions in obtaining
the drawback."
11.--Died at his house in Chapel Field, Norwich, in his 71st year, Mr.
John Clayton Hindes, many years manager of the Norwich Theatre. "His
loss is sincerely deplored by his relatives and friends and many others
whose necessities have been relieved by his benevolent hand."
--Died at Uxbridge, Mrs. F. E. Horne, widow of the Right Rev. George
Horne, D.D., formerly Bishop of Norwich.
17.--The Norwich Penny Library "having after 12 months' experience proved
its worth," it was resolved at a general meeting of subscribers, presided
over by Mr. William Youngman, that it be placed on a permanent footing by
public subscription. The library room was at Mr. Daines's, St.
Michael-at-Coslany.