3.--The Norwich City Asylum, at Hellesdon, built by Messrs. Cornish and
Gaymer, from plans by Mr. R. M. Phipson, was formally handed over to the
Committee of Visitors by the contractors. The wards were designed for
the accommodation of 311 patients, and the total cost of the Asylum,
including land (1,841), and building (48,708) was 62,159.
15.*--[Advt.] "The Erpingham Coach-and-Four is now running every Tuesday
and Saturday, calling at the several parishes on the way. Times and
fares can be had at the Maid's Head Hotel, Norwich, the starting-place."
17.--The Annual Moveable Committee of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows
commenced its proceedings at King's Lynn, and was attended by 400
delegates.
19.--The Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Yarmouth, in the discharge his
duties as Admiral-Superintendent of Naval Reserves and Coastguards. In
the evening his Royal Highness attended a ball given by the officers of
the Prince of Wales' Own Norfolk Artillery Militia, and left Yarmouth on
the 21st.
21.--A meeting was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency
of the Mayor (Mr. H. Bullard), in furtherance of the proposed new line of
railway between Lynn, Fakenham, and Norwich. Mr. Walrond Smith, C.E.,
stated the details of the scheme, and a committee was appointed to
promote the progress of a Bill before Parliament. The Corporation of
Norwich had previously presented a petition against the railway, but, on
the promoters giving an undertaking to construct a new road from Barn
Road to a point in St. Martin-at-Oak Street, to be carried over the
Wensum by a bridge, the Town Council, on May 26th, consented to the
withdrawal of the petition. Before the end of the year a more elaborate
scheme was submitted by the promoters, who suggested an extension of the
line beyond the intended terminus at North Heigham. It was to cross the
Wensum and pass beneath the Fakenham and Aylsham turnpikes to the hamlet
of Pockthorpe, to be again carried over the river near Bishop Bridge, and
to pass through the Lower Close and St. Faith's Lane to the Prince of
Wales Road, where it was proposed to erect a central station for the
accommodation of passengers, goods, and cattle. Application was made to
the Corporation to contribute 50,000 towards the cost of the land
required for this undertaking. The matter was considered at a meeting of
the Town Council on December 21st, when the proposals generally, and the
suggested contribution in particular, were ridiculed. The Dean of
Norwich, on behalf of the Cathedral body and the inhabitants of the
Close, wrote an indignant protest against the contemplated intrusion upon
their privacy and injury to their property. The subject was referred to
the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee, who, in due course, condemned the
scheme. (_See_ March 31st, 1882.)
24.--The Sheriff of Norwich (Mr. Philip Back) revived the observance of
the Queen's birthday, a custom which had been in abeyance for some years,
by giving a grand ball at St. Andrew's Hall.
27.--The headquarters of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons arrived at Norwich
Cavalry Barracks.