1.--A sudden break-up occurred of the severe frost, which had lasted
twenty-one consecutive days, but at sunset it froze again with increased
severity. This was stated to have been the longest frost recorded in
Norfolk since 1813. On the 20th another thaw took place, followed by
heavy rain; but during the night the frost reasserted itself, and became
very severe on the 21st and 22nd. Then the temperature gradually
increased, bright sunshine followed, and the wind having veered to the
south rain fell. On the 24th the river steamer Alpha cut her way through
the ice on the Yare, and opened up between Norwich and Yarmouth the
traffic which for five weeks had been suspended.
2.--Died, at Weasenham, Mr. Henry Overman, aged 65. He established a
wide reputation as a breeder of shorthorns, Southdown, and Oxford Down
sheep, hackneys and cart horses. Mr. Overman was an extreme Radical,
"but his political extravagancies were amply condoned by his warmth and
kindliness of heart."
6.--The last of the "Science Lectures for the People" was delivered at
St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, by Dr. Andrew Wilson on "Sea Serpents and
other curious Animals, real and fictitious." (_See_ January 19th, 1892.)
9.--The Cambridge crew, owing to the river Cam being icebound, had rowing
practice upon the Estuary Cut, at Lynn.
10.--An "ice carnival" took place on Diss Mere. The performers and
spectators numbered five thousand.
12.--The second lecture of the course arranged by the Norwich Free
Library Committee was given at Blackfriars' Hall by Mr. G. C. Davies on
"Life and Scenery Abroad." The Rev. W. F. Creeny, F.S.A., lectured on
February 3rd on "Sweden and Gothland"; Mr. Bosworth Harcourt on March 3rd
on "An Hour with Douglas Jerrold"; and Mr. H. F. Euren on April 14th on
"Our Fens and Marshes." (_See_ February 24th, 1892.)
17.--Mr. R. E. Crosse was appointed house surgeon at the Norfolk and
Norwich Hospital on the resignation of Mr. H. C. Nance.
19.--Died, at Unthank's Road, Norwich, Mr. Benjamin Viny Winch, aged 60.
Mr. Winch had been upwards of twenty years postmaster of Norwich. He
entered the service at the General Post Office, St. Martin's le Grand, in
February, 1852, and continued there until August 31st, 1870, when he was
appointed to Norwich on the retirement of Mr. Samuel Base, the former
postmaster. The postal arrangements in the city were greatly developed
during Mr. Winch's tenure of office. The business was removed from Post
Office Street (now Exchange Street) to the Crown Bank premises, where the
work in the various departments commenced on August 16th, 1875. Mr.
Winch was an enthusiastic yachtsman, had filled the office of Commodore
of the Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club, and was one of the principal
founders of the Yare Sailing Club.
20.--Immense quantities of sprats were captured at Lynn. Such enormous
shoals had never before, it was stated, been found in the Wash.
--The Norwich Town Council considered a report upon the proposed purchase
of the Waterworks, and appointed a special committee to determine the
value of the undertaking, with the view of making an offer to the
company. On May 26th the Council proposed to offer a sum not exceeding
10 per cent., the actual market value of the shares and capital of the
company. The offer was declined, and on December 15th it was decided
that no further steps be taken in the matter. (_See_ February 22nd,
1898.)
21.--"General" Booth visited Norwich in furtherance of a new "social
scheme" advocated in his recently-published book, "In Darkest England."
He attended a conference at Noverre's Rooms in the afternoon, and
addressed a large meeting which took place at St. Andrew's Hall in the
evening.