4.--In consequence of a requisition the Mayor of Norwich convened a
meeting at the Guildhall to consider the subject of establishing a
botanical garden in the neighbourhood of Norwich. Resolutions were
adopted in favour of the scheme, which was introduced by Dr. Yelloly.
--Died at Norwich, aged 72, Mr. John Funnell Goldsmith Atkinson,
solicitor. "He was devotedly attached to the constitution in Church and
State, and was in reality the character which has often been drawn of
Honest John Bull."
11.--At the Norfolk Assizes at Norwich, before Sir William Alexander,
Chief Baron of the Exchequer, came on the action Howard _v._ Howes. The
plaintiff sought to substantiate his right to the exclusive enjoyment of
a pew in the parish church of Fundenhall. He and his father had occupied
it since 1787 until disturbed in such occupation by the defendant on
November 2nd, 1823. Verdict for the plaintiff, damages 1s.--At the same
Assizes, a similar action, Reader _v._ Bloom, was tried, and damages
claimed for assault. The declaration set forth that the defendant on
August 31st, 1823, at Wells, "did grievously with his hands and feet
assault the plaintiff," a maiden lady, in the same town, to whom had been
bequeathed a house, which, it was supposed, entitled her to the use of a
certain pew in the parish church. Defendant contested the right, locked
the pew, and nailed over the door a piece of wood to prevent entry
thereto. When plaintiff endeavoured to effect an entrance Mr. Bloom
kicked her legs and nipped her arm. The defence was that the plaintiff
first "clapperclawed" the defendant. The jury returned a verdict for
plaintiff, damages 1s.
31.--An election took place at Norwich for the office of freemen's
Sheriff. Mr. Charles Turner was nominated in the "Purple and Orange,"
and Mr. T. O. Springfield in the "Blue and White" interest. "About an
hour after the poll had commenced it was announced to Mr. Turner's
committee that the 'Blue and Whites' were giving 5s. for each vote. This
information caused the 'Purple and Orange' party also to unloose their
purse strings, and the cash was paid down on both sides to all who would
receive it." Result of the poll: Turner, 1,165; Springfield, 929.