6.--The mild weather of Christmas week was succeeded by frost of great
intensity. On this day the thermometer stood at 14 degrees, and the
river above the New Mills at Norwich was frozen. Large numbers of golden
plover made their appearance in the neighbourhood of Thetford, and an
extraordinary quantity of wild fowl came within the bounds of Shadwell,
where Sir Robert Buxton prohibited their being shot or molested.
9.--Early in the morning intelligence was received at Norwich that the
Princess of Wales had, on the previous evening, given birth to a son
(Prince Albert Victor). Throughout the day rejoicing peals were rung
upon the bells of St. Peter Mancroft, the Royal Standard was displayed at
the Guildhall, and on the 19th the Corporation sent a congratulatory
address to the Queen and to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
19.--Died at Norwich, Mr. George Fisher, a member of the talented and
well-known local family of that name, and of the Norfolk and Suffolk
Company of Comedians. On retiring from the stage, he conducted a school
at Swaffham, and subsequently resided at Lynn, where he was for many
years known as an enthusiastic votary of the violin, and a useful member
of the band of the Musical Union. He was author of a curious and
voluminous work, entitled, "A Companion and Key to the History of
England," printed by Skill, of Swaffham, and published in 1832.
20.--Died at Hove, Brighton, Captain J. J. B. E. Frere, R.N. He entered
the Navy in 1826, and had been for nearly twenty-five years engaged on
active service--against the pirates in the Mediterranean, in the
operations on the coast of Syria, in the Pacific with Lord George Paulet,
and as commissioner for the Government of the Sandwich Islands, while
held temporarily under the British flag.
21.--The hearing of the action, Cox _v._ Wise, arising out of the
inundation in Marshland, was resumed in the Court of Queen's Bench, and,
after three days' argument for the rule in support of the verdict, and
against the rule to set it aside, the case was closed. Their lordships
reserved judgment until May 24th, when Mr. Justice Mellor held that the
Middle Level Commissioners were trustees for public purposes, acting
without reward and deriving no tolls from the works; they had not the
means of raising funds except for the specific performance of the objects
of their private Act. He was of opinion that they were not liable for
damages, and that the rule must be made absolute. Mr. Justice Blackburn
was of the contrary opinion; he thought the plaintiff had a right to his
verdict, and that the rule should be discharged. Lord Chief Justice
Cockburn thought the defendants were not liable, and said that the rule
must be made absolute. Rule absolute accordingly. (_See_ June 9th,
1865.)