6.--At the Norwich Police Court, Mr. H. Brown, proprietor of the "Cirque
Unique," Castle Meadow, appeared to answer an information preferred by
Mr. William Sidney, manager of Norwich Theatre, charging him with
performing a stage play without licence from the Lord Chamberlain. It
was contended by the prosecution that the equestrian spectacle of
"Mazeppa," as presented at the Circus, was a stage play within the
meaning of the Act to Regulate Theatres. The magistrates held that there
was no contravention of the Act, and dismissed the case.
12.--A public meeting was held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, under the
presidency of the Sheriff, to promote the objects of "The Metropolitan
and County Association for the Equalization of the Poor Rates." A
resolution was adopted, affirming that as the poor rates generally of the
County of Norfolk were unequally levied, some parishes paying less than
one penny and others more than four shillings in the pound, and as the
city suffered from this inequality and great discontent was caused among
the ratepayers, it was the opinion of the meeting that the rates should
be equalised by establishing a county rate.
31.--The Norwich Court of Guardians presented an illuminated address to
Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith, on his retirement from the office of Governor of
the Court, after a service of upwards of a quarter of a century.