5.--At Yarmouth Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder, Mr. N. Palmer,
Fortunatus Robert Townshend Crisp was indicted for publishing, in a paper
called the "Paul Pry," a slanderous and malicious libel upon Henry Holmes
Baker. Many persons in Yarmouth had, it was stated, been grossly
libelled in this notorious publication. Defendant was found guilty, and
ordered to pay damages amounting to 5 pounds.
9.--Capt. Philip John Money was elected Mayor, and Mr. John Barwell
appointed Sheriff, of Norwich.
11.--Mr. Arrow, auctioneer, of Lynn, was served with an Exchequer writ
under peculiar circumstances. Proceedings had been taken against several
individuals in St. Margaret's parish for non-payment of Church rates, and
their goods were distrained and put up for auction in the Saturday Market
Place. Among other articles offered was a silver-cased watch. Mr. Arrow
not having a licence to sell plate, offered the works only, and proposed
to make a present of the case to the person who purchased the works, and
in this manner the watch was disposed of. On receiving the writ, Mr.
Arrow wrote to the Commissioners of Stamps and Taxes, giving a full
explanation of the circumstances, whereupon further proceedings were
stayed.
16.*--"A new Paving Bill is being prepared by Mr. C. S. Gilman, and its
entire management is to be entrusted to a committee of inhabitants and
owners of property in Norwich and the hamlets." Among its objects were
the prevention of the erection or maintenance of any toll-gate in any
part of the hamlets, the acquisition of powers to widen Briggs Street,
Theatre Street, and London Street; to open a carriage way through the
Back of the Inns from London Street to White Lion Street; to afford
public carriage communication from the Back of the Inns through Angel
Street to the Castle Ditches, and to effect other improvements conducive
to the health, cleanliness, and security of the inhabitants. (_See_
January 31st, 1840.)
22.--At a meeting of the county magistrates, held at the Shirehall,
Norwich, the Hon. and Rev. R. Wilson moved, Lord Wodehouse seconded, and
it was resolved by a large majority to adopt the new Constabulary Act
throughout the county. The force, known as the "Rural Police," was
constituted as follows:--One chief constable, at the salary of 500 pounds
per annum; 12 superintendents, at 100 pounds each; and 120 petty
constables, at 1 pound each per week. Each superintendent was allotted a
district of twelve square miles. On January 3rd, 1840, Lieut.-Col.
Richard Montague Oakes was appointed Chief Constable.
23.--Ducrow's Circus was opened at the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich.
26.--A meeting of the insurers in the Norwich Union Life Office was held
at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, "to take into consideration the
examiners' report, agreeable to the resolutions of the meeting held on
the 6th inst." These proceedings arose mainly because of long-continued
personal attacks made upon Mr. Bignold by Mr. Bacon, editor of the
"Norwich Mercury." "The character of Mr. Bignold was placed on the
highest pinnacle of unimpeachable honour and good fame; and the present
state of the society's affairs is founded on that firm and equitable
basis of adjustment which fully warrants its members in looking forward
to years of increasing prosperity and success for the establishment."