11.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Bigham, William Jimby,
38, was indicated for feloniously setting fire to a straw stack at
Surlingham. The chief warder informed the judge that the prisoner was,
or pretended to be, deaf; he understood nothing and was unable to read or
write. The judge thereupon had a jury sworn to decide whether the
accused was "mute of malice or by the visitation of God." They found him
to be mute of malice, and the judge ordered a plea of not guilty to be
taken, and the case proceeded, with the result that the jury returned a
verdict of guilty. His lordship remarking that he had not the slightest
doubt prisoner was pretending he could not hear the proceedings,
sentenced him to twelve months' imprisonment.
17.--The celebration of the bi-centenary of the Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel commenced at Norwich.
25.--Died at Cleveland House, Newmarket Road, Norwich, Mr. George Clayton
Eaton, in his 66th year. A son of Mr. Thomas Damant Eaton, on whose
death he succeeded to a liberal competency, Mr. Eaton followed no
business occupation, but devoted his time to literary pursuits, gave most
valuable aid to various charitable organizations, and took part in
furthering the usefulness of several scientific institutions. During the
transition of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum from its old quarters in St.
Andrew's to the Castle, Mr. Eaton laboured incessantly, wrote one of the
descriptive guides to the Museum, and compiled the catalogue of the
pictures. He was vice-president of the Norfolk and Norwich Library.
When the library was destroyed by fire in 1898, Mr. Eaton was appointed a
member of the special committee who advised upon the purchase of new
books, and it was in this respect that his literary knowledge proved
valuable. One of his latest acts of public generosity was to give, in
conjunction with his brother, the Rev. William Ray Eaton, the site on
which the mission-hall for the parish of St. Peter Mancroft is erected.
29.--A sale of the Sandringham shorthorns and Southdowns, the property of
the Prince of Wales, was conducted at the Home Farm, Wolferton, by Mr.
John Thornton. His Royal Highness and a large party from Sandringham
were present. Forty-one heifers made a total of 2,954 14s., an average
of 72 1s. 3d.; 13 bulls realised 780 3s. The 54 lots of heifers and
bulls made 3,724 17s., an average of 69. The sheep made less
satisfactory prices than on previous occasions.
30.--The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Norwich for the purpose of
opening the new Jenny Lind Infirmary. His Royal Highness arrived at
Trowse by saloon train from Wolferton at 1.10 p.m., and was received by
Mr. Russell J. Colman, chairman of the Committee of Management of the
Infirmary. Four minutes later the train by which the Princess travelled
from London entered the station. Their Royal Highnesses, escorted by the
13th Hussars, were driven to Carrow Abbey, where a large and
distinguished party had been invited to meet them at luncheon; and
afterwards they proceeded to the new Infirmary, where they were presented
with an address read by Mr. Colman, to which the Prince of Wales replied,
and declared the building open. The Princess of Wales then accepted
purses in aid of the endowment fund, a short address was delivered by the
Dean, and the Bishop offered prayer. On leaving the Infirmary their
Royal Highnesses proceeded to the Cathedral, and after hearing a short
organ recital, took tea at the Palace. In the evening they left Thorpe
station for Sandringham.