1.--A deputation of the clergy and tenantry on the Royal estate waited
upon the Prince of Wales at Sandringham, and presented him with a silver
casket and an address, congratulating his Royal Highness upon his safe
return from India.
4.--Castleacre church was re-opened for public worship after its
restoration, at the cost of about 3,000, almost entirely subscribed by
the parishioners. The chancel was renovated through the munificence of
the Earl of Leicester, lord of the manor, and holder of the impropriate
tithes.
--Died at Ashwicken Rectory, the Rev. John Freeman, aged 61. He was the
author of a life of Kirby, the entomologist, published in 1852.
5.--The trial of a petition filed by Mr. J. D. Smith against the return
of Mr. Philip Back and Mr. Josiah Harrison Ladyman, as members for the
Fourth Ward, at the Norwich Municipal Election, in November, 1876,
commenced in the Sessions Court at the Guildhall, before Mr. Thomas
William Saunders, barrister, and Recorder of Bath, the Commissioner
appointed for the purpose. This was the first municipal inquiry of the
kind that had been held in the city, and the greatest interest was taken
in the proceedings. The petitioner, who alleged bribery, treating, and
other corrupt practices, was represented by Mr. Merewether, Q.C., M.P.,
and Mr. Blofeld; and the respondents by Mr. Grantham, M.P., and the Hon.
John de Grey. The inquiry lasted eight days, and on the 13th the
Commissioner delivered judgment, declaring the respondents to be duly
elected. The scene which ensued in the court was one of the wildest
enthusiasm, which was increased by the announcement that costs followed
the event. In the evening the bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, and
a band paraded the streets of the city.
18.--The first annual meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Bicycle Club was
held at the Grapes Hotel, Norwich. The first road race of the club took
place on April 30th. Six competitors entered for the run, which was from
the Grapes Hotel by way of Unthank's Road to Wymondham, Wicklewood, &c.,
and thence to Carleton Forehoe, through Colney and Earlham, to the top of
Belvoir Street, Earlham Road--distance about 24 miles. The winner was J.
Campling; F. D. Wheeler second. The club uniform consisted of "a cloth
helmet with a metallic monogram in front, a smart dark gray tunic, and
knickerbockers." The first sports organized by the club were held, by
permission of the Corporation, in Chapel Field, on October 18th.
19.--Died at Bracondale, Miss Fanny Anne Martineau, only daughter of Mr.
Philip M. Martineau, aged 64. She was a cousin of Harriet Martineau, the
authoress, and, like other members of the family, possessed intellectual
gifts of a high order.
--Died at Nice, Lord George William Loftus, third son of John, second
Marquis of Ely, by Maria, daughter of Sir H. W. Dashwood, Bart. He was
born in May, 1813, and in June, 1846, married Martha, eldest daughter of
Mr. J. Fuller, of Norwich.
27.--A meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency
of the Mayor (Mr. R. Coller), at which it was resolved, on the motion of
Mr. C. S. Read, seconded by Mr. George Forrester, "That it is desirable
to hold a Christmas show for the county of Norfolk and city of Norwich,
of fat stock and other produce of the farm and garden." A second meeting
was held on February 10th, when the Norfolk and Norwich Christmas Show
Association was established, with the Prince of Wales as patron. The
first show commenced on Thursday, November 22nd, and closed on Saturday,
the 24th. The general exhibits were displayed in the Volunteer Drill
Hall, and the live stock shown in an annexe erected in Chapel Field.
30.--A severe gale occurred at Yarmouth. The sea rose to a great height,
broke over the Marine Parade, and did considerable damage, and many
houses on the North Quay were flooded. Several fishing vessels were lost
in the storm. The Lords of the Admiralty sent the Valorous and Seamew,
Government vessels, in search of the missing boats, but they returned to
the Roads on February 24th and 25th, and reported that no intelligence
had been gained. Of the Yarmouth, men alone 112 perished, leaving 46
widows, 11 aged parents, and 101 children. A fund was raised for their
relief, and 5,255 collected, including 2,715 from the Mansion House.