20.—Died at Northrepps Hall, aged 88, Hannah, widow of the first Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, whom she survived twenty-seven years. Lady Buxton was sister of the well-known philanthropist, Elizabeth Fry, and of Mr. John Joseph Gurney.
22.—Died at Burlingham Hall, Mr. Henry Negus Burroughes, aged 81. He succeeded to the family estates at an early age, and in 1815 served the office of High Sheriff. In 1837, in conjunction with Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, he successfully contested the representation of East Norfolk against Mr. W. H. Windham and Mr. R. H. Gurney, and he continued to represent the division until 1857, having meanwhile stood a second contest, in 1841, with Sir William ffolkes, and been twice re-elected, in 1847 and 1852, without opposition. In 1857, however, he and his colleague, Sir Henry Stracey, who had been elected in 1855, in the room of Mr. Wodehouse, declined to come forward again, the then popularity of their chief opponent, Major-General Windham, who had just returned triumphant from the Crimea, rendering success doubtful. Mr. Burroughes had taken an active part in the public business of the county.
23.—In the week ending this date there was a marked decline in the mortality from small-pox in Norwich. The largest number of deaths in any week was 37, and for several weeks the number was reported as 30.
30.—Died at Coltishall, in his 80th year, Mr. Nathaniel Palmer, of the Inner Temple, barrister-at-law. By his death the Recordership of Yarmouth and the Judgeship of the Norwich Court of Record became vacant. The first-named office was filled by the appointment of Mr. Simms Reeve, and the latter by the election of Mr. Carlos Cooper. Mr. Palmer was one of the oldest of the Norwich magistrates, and for many years occupied a leading position in the Liberal party. Born in 1792, he was the son of Mr. Nathaniel Palmer, Government contractor for the Navy and distributor of stamps, and was articled to Mr. Worship, solicitor, of Yarmouth, in which borough he practised as an attorney, with considerable success. In 1827 he was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple. He married Rachael, only daughter of Mr. Thomas Hitchin, of Norwich, by whom he had five children. One of his sons was Mr. T. H. Palmer, registrar of the Norwich County Court.
APRIL.
1.—Mr. Henry Leslie’s Opera Bouffe Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in “Princess of Trebizonde.”
13.—The agricultural labourers’ agitation began in Norfolk with a meeting held at Old Buckenham. The movement was shortly afterwards taken up in earnest in many parts of the county. The principal object of its supporters was to obtain an increase in the rate of wages. (See February 20th, 1873.)
22.—Died at Norwich, aged 50, Mr. Frederick Simpson, for many years City Treasurer. Mr. T. Hancock, a member of the Town Council, resigned his seat, and on May 3rd was elected to the vacant office.
MAY.
1.—The arbitration case, Coaks v. Tillett, was opened at the Shirehall, Norwich, before Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart. The inquiry had reference to a claim made by Mr. I. B. Coaks against Mr. J. H. Tillett, arising out of the winding-up of the affairs of the East of England Bank. An action was originally brought in the Court of Queen’s Bench, and was intended to have been heard at the previous Norwich Assizes, but by consent of both parties the matter in dispute was referred to the arbitration of Sir Willoughby Jones. Mr. Merewether appeared for Mr. Coaks, and Mr. Tillett conducted his own case. The amount claimed was £2,160, and the arbitrator, after an exhaustive inquiry was due consideration, awarded £1,881 4s. 5d.