2.--The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Holkham Park, on a visit
to the Earl and Countess of Leicester. On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th his
Royal Highness shot over the estate, and on the latter date 2,000 head of
game was killed. On the night of the 5th a distinguished company were
invited to a ball, given by the Earl and Countess; and on the morning of
the 6th the Prince and his noble host engaged in wildfowl shooting.
Their Royal Highnesses returned to Sandringham the same afternoon.
7.*--"Amongst the recent improvements in Norwich there are none to bear
comparison with the magnificent bank of Messrs. Harveys and Hudson, which
is now approaching completion by Messrs. Lucas, nor will there be one
which has been erected at so small a comparative cost. The contract for
the new bank, of which Mr. P. Hardwicke is the architect, does not exceed
13,000." The bank was opened for business on January 1st, 1866.
13.--The Prince of Wales visited Lord Walsingham, at Merton Hall, and
attended a meet of the West Norfolk Hunt. On the 14th, after a day's
cover shooting, has Royal Highness returned to Sandringham, accompanied
by the Hon. T. de Grey.
31.--The agitation against the Malt Tax was re-opened this year at Lynn,
when a great meeting, convened by the West Norfolk Anti-Malt Tax
Association, was held at the Town Hall, under the presidency of the High
Sheriff (Mr. H. Lee Warner). On February 4th, at a preliminary meeting
held at the Swan Hotel, Norwich, presided over by Mr. Clare Sewell Read,
the farmers of East Norfolk formed a similar association, and at a public
meeting which took place on February 18th, Sir Henry Stracey was elected
president, Mr. Robert Gillett treasurer, and Mr. G. H. Murrell secretary.
Many petitions were signed in the district in favour of the repeal of the
tax.