12.--Died at King's Lynn, Mr. Charles Gill, "the well-known and highly
respected lessee and manager of theatres in the East Anglian district,
and talented comedian." Mr. Gill had attained the age of 74 years, and
left a daughter with whom he was about to proceed to Australia. In his
earlier days Mr. Gill performed with the great Kean and many other
eminent actors.
17.--Loveday's English Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich
Theatre. Mdlle. Mariana and Miss Ella Collins made their first
appearance in Norwich.
--The hearing of the election petition against the return of the Hon.
Frederick Walpole and Sir E. H. K. Lacon, as members for North Norfolk,
commenced at the Shirehall, Norwich, before Mr. Justice Blackburn. The
nominal petitioner was Mr. Edward Colman, merchant, of London, who
alleged bribery, treating, undue influence, employment of roughs, illegal
payment of travelling expenses, and, what was a novel feature in election
inquiries, the employment of canvassers. Counsel for the petitioner were
Mr. Serjeant Ballantyne and Mr. Littler, and for the respondents Mr.
O'Malley, Q.C., Mr. Rodwell, Q.C., and Mr. Blofeld. The trial concluded
on the 24th, when his lordship, in delivering judgment, said the petition
had completely failed. Both members were duly elected, and in the
present case there was no reason for departing from the rule that the
petitioner must pay the costs.
24.--The Queen's birthday was observed in the usual manner at Norwich. A
parade of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Volunteers took place. The
event was officially observed on June 2nd, when the troops were reviewed
on Mousehold; the Mayor and Mayoress entertained the aged poor at the
Corn Hall, and gave a feast to the inmates of the Workhouse.
26.--The foundation-stone of the new church of St. James', Yarmouth, was
laid by the Dean of Norwich. The church was partially opened on April
27th, 1870.