7.--At a meeting of the county magistrates, held at Norwich, the Earl of
Orford presented a petition signed by a very large number of occupiers of
land, "praying for a considerable change, if not a total abrogation, of
the police force, as the introduction of the force had not decreased
either the number of robberies or cases of vagrancy, while the expenses
of the county were much increased by the costs arising from the
prosecution of persons apprehended by the police for offences of a very
trivial nature." The Rev. J. C. Collyer presented a counter petition
from the clergy, landowners, and inhabitants of Reepham, "praying that no
alteration take place in the county police, which had been found a most
useful body in that part of the county." A resolution was unanimously
adopted affirming that great benefits had been derived from the
introduction of the police, and thanking Col. Oakes, the Chief Constable,
for his exertions in the formation of the force.
8.--Deputations from the various agricultural societies in East Norfolk
attended a meeting at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, at which the East
Norfolk Agricultural Association was formed, for the exhibition of stock
and agricultural implements in Norwich or its vicinity. Lord Wodehouse
was elected president, and Mr. E. C. Bailey secretary. The first show
was held on Norwich Cricket Ground, on September 13th. There were
twenty-four classes of live stock, and four entries of implements; 800
persons were present, and the sum of 40 pounds was taken at the gates.
Lord Wodehouse presided at the dinner, held at the Assembly Rooms.
14.--The Lynn mail coach, on its journey to London, overturned between
Melbourne and Royston, and Simpson, the coachman, was killed.
15.--"Died last week, in the 85th year of his age, Mr. Thos. Leech,
hosier, one of the oldest inhabitants of Diss. He was the representative
of the venerable Bishop Blaize in the last procession of the wool-combers
held at Diss at about the same time the like pageant was exhibited at
Norwich, Diss having been esteemed a great manufactory of hosiery, and
one of the chief in Norfolk and Suffolk."
19.--At a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, it was decided to
celebrate the christening of the Prince of Wales by the erection of an
almshouse, and to raise 1,000 pounds for carrying out the scheme. At an
adjourned meeting, on January 25th, the resolution was rescinded, because
"the opening of an alms-house was only the opening of a pauper warren."
On the same day a dinner was given at the Royal Hotel, a ball took place
at the Assembly Rooms, and the inmates of the Workhouse were entertained.