Part 43 (1/2)

Sept. 15th. Review on Mousehold Heath of the Norfolk Volunteers, on which occasion Corporal J. Wilshak, of Yarmouth, was presented with the Champion's Prize (20 and bronze medal) from the hands of Lady Suffield.

Sept. 18th. Messrs. Churchwardens Steward and Aldred presented with a silver tea service each, by members of the congregation of St. Nicholas'

Church, in testimony of their esteem. (See Nov. 23rd, 1879.)

Sept. 26th. First number of _Yarmouth Chronicle_ published by Messrs.

Steer and G.o.dfrey.

Oct. 3rd. The cutter ”Samuel and William” (60 tons), belonging to Messrs. Smith and Sons, launched, this being the first built at Runham, near the Suspension Bridge. She was built by Messrs. Winter and Pigg.

The father of the latter built the yacht, ”Red Rover,” the property of S.

Nightingale, Esq.

Oct. Mr. C. C. Newcombe, appointed Postmaster.

Oct. A pedestrian named Elson, of Nottingham, walked for several days from Yarmouth to Lowestoft and back three times each day-a distance of sixty miles a-day.

Nov. 2nd. The Board of Health decided to borrow 3,000 for extending the Parade south, on the suggestion of C. J. Palmer, Esq.

Nov. 9th. R. Steward, Esq., elected as Mayor. On March 10th, 1864, Mr.

Steward was presented with a testimonial, value 200, subscribed for by the town. It comprised an elegant tea and coffee service, a silver salver, and a cake basket.

Nov. 16th. The Royal Sea Fisheries Commissioners held an enquiry at the Sailors' Home.

Nov. 20th. Destructive fire at the farm of Mr. J. Hammond, at Gorleston.

Nov. 21st. Mr. Robert Hales, the Norfolk Giant, died in Yarmouth, aged 43 years. He was born at West Somerton, May 2nd, 1820. In the prime of life his height was 7ft. 6in., and he weighed 33 stone. He measured round the chest 64in., waist 62in., thigh 36in., calf of leg 21in., across the shoulders 36in. His father was 6ft. 6in., and mother 6ft. in height. His brothers averaged 6ft. 5in., and sisters 6ft. 3in.

Nov. 29th. Rear-Admiral Sir J. H. Plumridge, K.C.B., died at Hopton. He was distinguished for many gallant services in Egypt, Denmark, Genoa, and Bomarsund. He was Knighted in 1855.

Nov. 30th. Mr. H. Panks presented with a silver watch and chain, and a book, as a mark of esteem and appreciation of his efficient services as organist, by the congregation of St. John's Mission Room.

Nov. The Rev. W. T. Harrison presented with a handsome pocket communion service.

Nov. The lifeboat ”Friend of all Nations” launched from Mr. Critton's yard. Cost nearly 400.

Dec. 3rd. Furious gale (more disastrous than recorded May 28th, 1860), attended with loss of 17 smacks, 2 schooners, and 1 brig, belonging to Yarmouth, and all their crews; also seven other vessels lost off the coast. The total number of lives lost was 145 men and boys, leaving 73 widows and 110 orphan children. Her Majesty's gunboat ”Ruby,” one of the vessels despatched from the Humber to search for the missing smacks, was lost on Texel Beach. On the 21st, the Government sent from Sheerness the steamer ”Medusa” (800 tons) to search the North Sea for missing smacks, but she returned unsuccessful. On the 28th a meeting was convened at the Town Hall by the Mayor, for relieving the sufferers, 222 being subscribed in the room, which, with other subscriptions, amounted to nearly 2,000, her Majesty heading the list with 100.

The Yarmouth College, South Quay, established; and Sutherland House School in 1875.

Dec. 8th. Case of arbitration at the Town Hall between the Corporation and the Gas Company as to the value of 10,000 square yards of land for building the new Gas Works. The Corporation demanded 7,646, but the arbitrator (Mr. Rodwell, Q.C.) awarded 4,106 15s.

Dec. 14th. The schooner ”Spray” on fire, and was run ash.o.r.e near the Wellington Pier. She was laden with deals, coal, and c.o.ke; valued at about 700.

Dec. 16th. Owing to the death of Major S. C. Marsh on Aug. 30th, the Artillery Volunteers presented his family with a solid silver working model of a field piece, with a miniature officer at the trail end, the whole standing on a chased silver plateau and an ebony stand, as a memento of Mr. Marsh's connection with the Corps.

Dec. 17th. Conversazione at the Public Library, many objects of interest exhibited.

Great Yarmouth Building Society established.

Deaths: Mar. 25th, William Yetts, Esq., J.P., aged 67.-April 6th, John S.