6.--The celebrated dwarf, "General Tom Thumb," held a series of "levees"
at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, commencing on this date. "The General
left the Hall daily in his miniature carriage, drawn by the smallest
ponies in the world, and attended by an African coachman and footman in
livery."
19.--A clipper barque named the Athelstan, of 500 tons burthen, was
launched from the yard of Messrs. H. Fellows and Son, Yarmouth.
29.--The General Election, consequent upon the defeat of the Derby
Ministry on the Reform Bill and the Dissolution of Parliament on April
23rd, commenced in Norfolk on this date. At Yarmouth Sir Edmund Lacon
(C) and Sir H. Stracey (C) were returned, with 699 and 659 votes
respectively. The Liberal candidates were Mr. A. W. Young, 536, and Mr.
E. W. Watkin, 568.
--The nomination of candidates for the representation of Norwich took
place at the Guildhall. The Conservative candidates were Sir Samuel
Bignold and Mr. Charles Manners Lushington; and the Liberal candidates
Mr. W. H. Schneider and Lord Bury. The Mayor announced at the
Police-Court that, having received information that probable attempts
would be made to prevent voters from exercising their rights, he had
obtained the assistance of a large body of county police, and had
telegraphed to Sir Richard Mayne to supply a strong party of Metropolitan
constables. The poll was opened on the 30th, and the election resulted
as follows: Bury, 2,154; Schneider, 2,138; Bignold, 1,966; Lushington,
1,900. (_See_ June 17th.)
--The Earl of Euston and Mr. Baring were returned without opposition as
members of Parliament for Thetford. Mr. J. J. Colman, of Norwich, had
been invited to become a candidate in the Liberal interest, but declined.
The register contained the names of 220 electors.
--Lord Stanley (C) and Mr. J. H. Gurney (L) were returned unopposed for
King's Lynn.