7.--In consequence of continued applications for relief by the unemployed
weavers, &c., the Norwich Court of Guardians increased the mulct for the
ensuing quarter 3,000 pounds--an addition to the rates of 2s. in the
pound.--On January 12th a Crape Ball, at which the lady patronesses wore
white Norwich crape, other ladies scarlet geranium-coloured Norwich
crapes, and gentlemen waistcoats of plain white shawl with shawl pattern
border as part of their evening dress, was held at the Assembly Room for
the purpose of promoting a fund for the relief of the poor, and produced
a clear profit of 79 pounds. The fund was formally inaugurated at a
public meeting held at the Guildhall on January 16th, and upwards of
5,000 pounds was afterwards subscribed.--The Paving Act Commissioners on
January 24th decided to macadamise Ber Street in order to afford relief
work, and in March the manufacturers, with the same object, commenced
making bombazetts and twilled stuffs, articles that were entirely new to
Norwich. On March 10th the governors of the Bank of England granted to
the manufacturers the loan of 80,000 pounds for four months at the rate
of five per cent. per annum; and on May 15th application was made to the
committee in London for the relief of distressed manufactures, who
granted 600 pounds to the unemployed weavers, still numbering several
thousands.--The Court of Guardians on July 4th increased the mulct for
the ensuing quarter to 15,000 pounds; and in August offered to obtain
employment for a considerable number of distressed weavers if they would
consent to a slight reduction of wages. The men declined the offer
because the manufacturers refused to guarantee that they would not send
work into the country. During the remaining portion of the year
employment continued to be scarce.
14.*--"Mr. W. E. L. Bulwer, of Heydon Hall, has lately been presented by
his tenants with a piece of plate, of the value of 500 guineas, as a
testimony of their respect and esteem for his general good conduct, and
especially as a mark of gratitude for his disinterested generosity during
the late agricultural distresses."
18.--Died at Yarmouth, John Joy, for 30 years guard of the mail coach to
London. "He has left three sons, two of whom, since the death of Serres,
are said to be the first marine painters in the kingdom."
26.--A great skating match at Wisbech, in which all the principal fen
skaters took part, was won by Farrow, of Nordelph.
31.--A large number of weavers caused a riot in Norwich, and destroyed a
carrier's cart which was conveying into the country materials for
manufacturing purposes. On February 1st the mob stopped all country
carts and seized what manufacturing articles were found upon them, broke
the windows of several factories, and became so aggressive that the Scots
Greys were called out to quell the disturbance. The rioting was resumed
on February 13th, when many citizens were sworn in as special constables,
and after the Riot Act had been read the cavalry cleared the streets.