1.--The weather was very mild at this date. "That 1888 will be noted as
an extraordinary year in the meteorological annals of this country is a
fact requiring no demonstration--snow in harvest and blossoming primroses
in the open air on the eve of December, February rains throughout the
summer months, and March gales in November." A correspondent, writing to
"The Times," on December 3rd, stated: "I am still supplied with green
peas grown in my garden at Brundall, the roses are all in flower; the
fields abound in primroses and wild flowers." The cuckoo was said to
have been heard at North Elmham on December 6th. In Norwich primroses
and other vernal flowers were in full bloom on Christmas eve, and
strawberries were gathered at Swainsthorpe on Christmas morning.
5.--The Prince of Wales and Prince George of Wales arrived at Didlington
Hall on a visit to Mr. W. A. Tyssen Amherst, M.P., and left on the 8th.
10.--Lieut.-Colonel Foster was presented with a gold watch, subscribed
for by past and present members of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk
Regiment, on his retirement from the corps, after twenty-five years'
service.
22.--A public inquiry was held at the Guildhall Norwich, by Mr. Charles
Chapman, Assistant Commissioner under the Royal Commission on market
rates and tolls, into the circumstances of markets and fairs in the city.
Statements were made by many of the leading citizens. A similar inquiry
was held at Yarmouth.
29.--The Norfolk County Club, whose quarters were originally at the Royal
Hotel, and subsequently in St. Giles' Street, having purchased the old
Bank House, Upper King Street, Norwich, the reconstruction of the
premises for the purposes of the club was completed on this date under
the superintendence of Mr. Edward Boardman. The house was formerly the
residence of Mr. Anthony Hudson, and was afterwards known as Greyfriars'
College.
31.--Mr. Henry Birkbeck, on the completion of the fiftieth year of his
connection with the banking-house of Gurneys, Birkbecks, Barclay, and
Buxtons, "the Norwich and Norfolk Bank," was presented by the managers
and clerks with a silver salver in commemoration of the event.
1889.