9.--A verdict of accidental death was returned by a coroner's jury at
Norwich in the case of Henry Skepworth, a sergeant in the 7th Dragoon
Guards, who died from injuries received when returning from Wymondham,
where a party of non-commissioned officers and men of the regiment had
given a military display at the athletic sports. It was subsequently
announced that "certain irregularities having lately occurred at sports
and other displays in which soldiers have taken part, and notably in the
Colchester district, where a sergeant met with his death, the
Commander-in-Chief has refused applications for their services on such
occasions."
16.--Mr. Ben Greet's company gave pastoral representations of "As You
Like It" and "The Comedy of Errors" at Bracondale Woods in aid of the
endowment fund of the Jenny Lind Infirmary at Norwich.
20.--The railway from North Walsham to Mundesley was opened for goods
traffic. The first passenger trains were run on July 1st.
21.--The Norwich Corporation Baths at the old Museum premises, St.
Andrew's Broad Street, were opened by the Mayor (Mr. C. C. R. Spelman).
--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Hawkins, Samuel Frederick
Steele (27), railway carman, was indicted for the wilful murder of Thurza
Ann Bensley, at Yarmouth, on February 23rd. The jury found him guilty,
but considered him insane when he committed the act, and expressed the
hope that he would be kept in strict custody for the rest of his life.
His lordship said he would add that as a rider to the verdict.
--It was reported at a meeting of the Norwich Town Council that Messrs.
Hughes and Lancaster had completed their contract, amounting to 21,522
for supplying Shone's ejectors, &c., in connection with the sewerage
works.
22.--George Watt (44), labourer, was indicted at the Norwich Assizes,
before Mr. Justice Hawkins, for the wilful murder of his wife, Sophia
Watt, at Sprowston, on April 14th, and was found guilty, and sentenced to
death. The execution (by Billington) took place at Norwich Prison on
July 12th.
25.--The championship meeting of the National Cyclists' Union was held on
the Earlham Road Recreation Ground, Norwich. The five miles'
professional championship was won by H. E. Meyers, Dutch Cyclists' Club,
in 15 minutes 36 1-5th seconds; the five miles' amateur championship by
A. S. Ingram, Polytechnic Club, in 14 minutes 11 2-5ths seconds; and the
25 miles' amateur championship by H. W. Payne, West Roads Cyclists' Club,
in 1 hour 4 minutes 52 4-5ths seconds.
29.--The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened
at King's Lynn. Sir William ffolkes, Bart., was deputed by the
president, the Duke of York, to perform his duties at the show in
consequence of his Royal Highness' absence on naval service. The Duchess
of York arrived from London by special train, and was received at Lynn
railway station by Sir William ffolkes, and at the entrance to the show
ground by the High Sheriff (Mr. Simms Reeve) and the show officials. Her
Royal Highness before returning to London was entertained to tea by Lady
ffolkes in a marquee erected on the grounds. The show closed on the
30th.