17.--The Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival (held on this occasion for
the benefit of the Hospital, the Blind Institution, the Eye Infirmary,
and the Dispensary) commenced at St. Andrew's Hall. The principal vocal
performers were Madame Malibran, Miss H. Cawse, Miss Bruce, Master Howe,
Madame De Meric, Signer Douzelli, Mr. Horncastle, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. E.
Taylor, and Mr. H. Phillips; conductor, Sir George Smart. Selections
were given from "The Creation," "The Last Judgment," "The Deluge," and
"Israel in Egypt." The Festival concluded on the 20th with a fancy dress
ball. The total receipts were nearly 5,000 pounds, and the expenses
about 4,200 pounds.
20.--Died at Yaxham Rectory, the Rev. Dr. Johnson, rector of that parish,
with Welbourne annexed. "He was the friend of Cowper, and editor of his
letters and posthumous works."
30.--Died at Gorgate, near East Dereham, aged 77, the Rev. Thomas Crowe
Munnings, M.A., rector of Beetley-cum-East Bilney. He was a well-known
and prominent agriculturist.
--The arrival of the City of Norwich trader and the Squire (London
trader) "rendered this date ever memorable in the history of the city by
its being the day on which Norwich became a port." These vessels, the
first that had entered the Norwich river direct from the sea by way of
the New Cut, were towed to the city from Surlingham Reach by a steam tug,
with a band playing and colours flying. The river banks from Carrow
"balance bridge" to the Foundry were thronged by thousands of citizens,
and at Rudrum's Wharf the City of Norwich was boarded by the Mayor (Mr.
S. Bignold) and several members of the Corporation. The bells of St.
Peter Mancroft were rung, and the directors of the Norwich and Lowestoft
Navigation entertained a large company at dinner at the Rampant Horse
Inn. The success of the day's proceedings was marred by the drowning, in
Surlingham Reach, of a lad named Allerton, son of the master of the City
of Norwich.