1.--The issue of second-class tickets was abolished throughout the system
of the Great Eastern Railway Company, except in the case of trains
running in the metropolitan suburban districts.
2.--"Sidney Carton," a dramatised version of Dickens' "Tale of Two
Cities," was performed for the first time on any stage at Norwich Theatre
by the Compton Comedy Company.
5.--The frost continued to be very severe. Large numbers of skaters
visited Wroxham and Surlingham Broads.
--The course of lectures on Ecclesiastical History was continued at
Norwich Cathedral by the Rev. J. A. Robinson, Fellow of Christ's College,
Cambridge, who dealt with "The Apology of Aristides." On February 1st
the Rev. Prebendary Meyrick lectured on "The Life and Times of Justin
Martyr"; and on March 8th the Rev. Stanley Leathes, D.D., Prebendary of
St. Paul's, on "The Life and Times of Irenaeus." The second course was
commenced by the Rev. G. A. Schneider, who lectured on "Tertullian: His
Life and Times," on December 1st, and on "The Works on Tertullian," on
December 19th. (_See_ April 2nd, 1895.)
7.--Died, at Woodbastwick, William Fryer, for seventy-four years parish
clerk, in his 92nd year. He entered into office in June, 1819, and
continued to discharge his duties to within a short period of his death.
If not the oldest parish clerk in point of age, there was reason to
believe that Fryer had held office longer than any other parish clerk in
the kingdom. He was for many years postmaster, general shopkeeper, and
village carpenter and blacksmith.
11.--The first meeting in Norfolk of the National Agricultural Union
promoted by Lord Winchilsea was held at the Corn Hall, Harleston, under
the presidency of Mr. J. Sancroft Holmes. Other meetings of the Union
were held during the year in various parts of the county.
12.--The series of Science Lectures for the People was resumed at St.
Andrew's Hall, Norwich, by Dr. Andrew Wilson, on the subject of "The
Distribution of Animals, and what it Teaches." On February 8th Dr.
Drinkwater lectured on "Light and Colour from the Sun."
21.--At the instance of the Rate Basis Committee of the County Council a
conference of delegates from all the Unions of Norfolk was held at
Norwich, to consider the advisability of adopting a uniform system of
assessment through the county. A resolution was carried recommending
Assessment Committees to make the annual value of property as determined
for the purpose of Schedule A the basis of rating. It was also decided
that the Rate Basis Committee send out to the different Unions a general
or consolidated scale of deductions.
25.--The Norwich Board of Guardians resolved to request the Local
Government Board to repeal parts of the Norwich Poor Act of 1863 in order
to make the general law as to franchise and election of Guardians
applicable to Norwich.
28.--It was authoritatively announced that the Bishop of Norwich had
placed his resignation in the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury. An
Order in Council, passed in the presence of her Majesty, on May 16th,
declared the See of Norwich vacant. (_See_ May 31st.)
31.--Archdeacon Crosse was installed a Canon Residentiary of Norwich
Cathedral.