2.--A fine specimen of the sea eagle (_falco ossifragus_) was shot near
Fritton Decoy. It measured from tip to tip of its wings seven feet nine
inches, and was presented to the Norwich Museum.
5.--Four thousand weavers met at Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, and passed
resolutions protesting against the action of certain manufacturers in
reducing the rate of wages without consulting other employers, and
requesting the Mayor to summon a meeting of the masters to shew cause why
the reduction had been made. On the 12th a procession of 600 operatives,
headed by a man carrying a loaf of bread draped in black crape, passed
through the streets of the city. A petition to Parliament was prepared,
in favour of an Act to regulate the price of labour. The petition was
presented in the House of Commons on May 30th, by Mr. William Smith.
12.--The last stage of the agitation for making Norwich a port was
commenced on this date, when Major Peel presented a petition in the House
of Commons from the Mayor, Aldermen, and inhabitants of Norwich in favour
of the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Bill. The Bill having been read
a second time, entered the Committee stage on February 21st, when Mr.
Alderson opened the case on behalf of the promoters; the examination of
their witnesses concluded on Feb. 27th. The case for the opposition was
commenced on the same day, and the evidence concluded on March 7th. In
the division on the question "that the preamble of this Bill is proved,"
there were 25 ayes and 5 noes. Peals were rung on the church bells at
Norwich when intelligence was received, on March 8th, that the Bill had
passed through Committee, and Mr. Crisp Brown, on his return from London,
on the 9th, was met at St. Stephen's Gates by a large number of citizens,
who, headed by a band of music, drew his carriage to his residence in
King Street. On March 11th the Bill was reported to the House, and on
the 22nd it was read a third time and passed. On the same evening it was
read a first time in the House of Lords; it passed its second reading on
March 26th, and was referred to Committee, who took evidence on May 7th,
and on the 22nd it was read a third time and carried without opposition.
The news of the final success of the measure was received in Norwich with
great rejoicing. On the 23rd a procession was organized to meet the
promoters on their arrival from town. The Times coach, by which they
travelled, was met at Harford Bridges, and at St. Stephen's Gates the
horses were removed from the vehicle, which was dragged in triumph
through the city, preceded by bands of music and by men carrying models
of ships and naval emblems. At night a bonfire was lighted in the centre
of the Market Place, and was fed with wooden spouts, palings, and
watch-boxes. Some of the ringleaders were lodged in clink, but their
comrades rescued them and threw the clink doors upon the bonfire. Sheep
were roasted in Ber Street and Bishop Street. The Bill received the
Royal assent on May 28th. The first meeting of the proprietors of the
Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Company was held at the Guildhall, on
July 3rd, when Col. Harvey presided. Mr. Edmund Newton was appointed
clerk, Mr. Cubitt engineer, and Messrs. Harvey and Hudson treasurers.
The work of excavation was begun in the Lowestoft section on September
4th, when Mr. Crisp Brown dug the first spadeful of earth, and a dinner
and aquatic sports were held to celebrate the event.
17.--Died at Wymondham, aged 69, Mr. Thomas Troughton, who was Sheriff of
Norwich in 1810.
19.--Mr. William Smith, in the House of Commons, presented a petition
from the inhabitants praying leave to bring in a Bill to regulate the
state of the poor in Norwich. The Norwich Court of Guardians Amendment
Bill was brought in and read a first time on March 1st. On March 24th it
was stated that the promoters of the measure had effected a compromise
with the Court of Guardians as to the proportion of representation;
persons assessed 10 pounds and upwards were to have two votes, and those
above 5 pounds one vote; the Recorder, Steward, and Aldermen not to be
Guardians; the hamlets not to be assessed on stock, but the proportion of
assessment between them and the city to be five-sixths--_i.e._, when the
city was assessed 1s. the hamlets were to be assessed 10d. The Bill went
through Committee of the House on the 26th, and was reported on the 28th.
It was read a first and second time in the House of Lords in April,
finally passed on May 4th, and received the Royal assent on May 28th.
The first election under the new Act took place on June 11th, and the
first meeting of the new Court was held on June 20th, when Mr. Anthony
Hudson was elected Governor, and Mr. Joseph Geldart Deputy-Governor.
19.--The _Crim. Con._ case, Sir Jacob Astley, Bart., _v._ Capt. Garth,
was tried in the Court of Common Pleas, when a verdict was given for the
plaintiff, damages one shilling.
20.--A cricket match was played on the ice at Diss Mere. It commenced at
10 a.m., and was well contested until dusk, in the presence of about
1,500 spectators.