7.--Great discontent was caused among the agriculturists of the county by
the issue of a Privy Council Order directing the closing of the markets
for the sale of store stock, owing to the recurrence of foot-and-mouth
disease. At a meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, a
resolution was adopted and forwarded to Earl Spencer, declaring "that the
severe restrictions imposed on the sale of cattle in the county were
uncalled-for, and that a heavy penalty inflicted upon all persons moving
diseased cattle would be a sufficient protection from disease." On the
14th Mr. Edward Birkbeck, M.P., presided at a large meeting held at
Norwich Corn Hall, at which resolutions were adopted protesting against
"harassing and unnecessary restrictions, entailing serious loss upon the
farming community"; and on the 18th a deputation appointed by the meeting
waited upon Earl Spencer, with the object of obtaining relaxation of the
restrictions. An important conference of the local authorities and Privy
Council inspectors was held on the 21st, to discuss the state of the
cattle lairs at Trowse and Lakenham, when it was resolved that as the
local authorities had done all in their power to check the spread of the
disease through the lairs, the Privy Council be requested to take such
further steps as might seem desirable. On the 28th a telegram was
received from the Privy Council, stating that the Order relating to the
sale of fat beasts had been so far relaxed as to permit animals that had
been offered at a public sale in a place not infected being sent within
six days to the Metropolitan markets; and on February 17th the "London
Gazette" announced that the restrictions in Norfolk, Essex, and Suffolk
had been removed. Another outbreak occurred in December, and on the 9th
of that month Norwich market was closed in respect to the sale of fat
cattle. On the same day a large meeting of farmers, graziers, and
dealers was held, under the auspices of the Norfolk Chamber of
Agriculture, for the purpose of supporting an application made by Mr.
Birkbeck, M.P., to the Vice-President of the Privy Council (Mr.
Mundella), "that other than the Metropolitan market be opened to fat
cattle sold on Norwich Hill and at the cattle sales held in the county."
On December 23rd it was announced that the authorities of the county and
city were taking energetic measures to stop the sale of store stock
unless the animals had been on a farm or premises fourteen days, and
persons were appointed to watch the movements of animals, with the view
of detecting any evasion of the Privy Council Order. (_See_ March 17th,
1883.)
10.--Mr. J. L. Toole appeared with Mr. G. Loveday's London Folly Company
at Norwich Theatre, and continued his performances on the 11th, 12th, and
13th. His characters were Barnaby Doublechick ("Upper Crust"), Spriggins
("Ici On Parle Francais"), Paul Pry, Tom Cranky ("Birthplace of
Podgers"), Caleb Plummer ("Dot"), and Tittums ("The Steeplechase").
11.--An "Old English Fair," in aid of the restoration fund of the church
of St. Peter Mancroft, was opened at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, and
continued on the 12th and 13th. A total profit of 1,880 10s. 6d.
resulted, and by the first week in March the required sum--4,000--for the
completion of the work had been raised. (_See_ April 29th, 1883.)