11.--Norfolk, in common with other parts of the country, was visited by a
severe spell of wintry weather.
15.--A dispute between smackowners and smacksmen at Yarmouth ended on
this date. Differences had arisen over the substitution by the former of
the share system for the old plan of payment by wages and poundage. The
strike was beginning to have a disastrous effect upon trade, and was
ended by an amicable arrangement.
18.--Died, at Stirling, Mr. J. F. Young, for many years a favourite actor
upon the Norwich stage. Mr. Young was widely known as a member of the
original "Caste" Company. He had been lessee of both Norwich and
Yarmouth Theatres, and was greatly respected in private and professional
circles.
21.--The action, Stanley _v._ the Mayor and Corporation of Norwich and
the Attorney-General, was tried in the Chancery Division of the High
Court of Justice, before Mr. Justice Kekewich. This case raised the
question of the right of the freemen to receive in perpetuity the rents
of the Town Close Estate, a valuable plot of land of about 100 acres in
extent, which was conveyed to the city in 1524 by the Prior of Norwich.
It was contended on the part of the plaintiffs that this land became
vested in the Corporation for the exclusive benefit of the freemen, the
terms in the original grant "citizens" and "commonalty" being synonymous
with "freemen." Mr. Justice Kekewich concurred in this contention, gave
judgment for the plaintiffs, and ordered the costs of the action to be
borne by the estate. (_See_ January 23rd, 1888.)
23.--A remarkable sale by auction was held at Leziate under a warrant of
distress for the non-payment of tithe. "Mr. W. H. Boyce, of Holt House
Farm, having made up his mind to object on principle to the payment of
the tithe rent charged by the Rev. A. J. Groom, rector of
Ashwicken-cum-Leziate, and having also failed to induce the rector or his
legal agent to make any abatement of the amount due, namely, 42 8s., a
warrant of distress was issued, under which seizure was made of ten
homebred steers, two cows in calf, and part of a stack of hay. The sale
was conducted by Mr. W. B. Lane. It was carried out in quite an amicable
manner, and the humour of the thing was enhanced by Mr. Boyce providing
luncheon for those in attendance. The auctioneer had sold up to a
certain point, when he announced that his duty was done, but Mr. Boyce
gave him a commission to go on selling as long as he liked. This he
accordingly did with excellent results. At the conclusion of the action
Mr. Boyce thanked his friends for the way in which they had acted,
expressed his objections to tithes in general, and the present claim in
particular, and afterwards entertained several of his friends at dinner."