20.—In consequence of the demand by agricultural labourers for increased wages, an important meeting of employers resident in the district of the Wayland Agricultural Association was held at Watton, under the presidency of Lord Walsingham, when resolutions were adopted whereby the meeting pledged itself to decline to recognise the system of compulsion exercised by the Labourers’ Union, and to refuse any demand for higher wages made by those who were members of the Union, “although willing to give favourable consideration to any request made in a proper manner whenever circumstances might be found to justify it.” It was further decided to invite co-operation from a larger area, and to form a society to be called the Wayland Farmers’ Defensive Association. Similar action was taken by employers in the North Walsham district, at Swaffham, and in the Blofield and Taverham Hundreds. (See March 14th, 1874.)
MARCH.
25.—The Sheriff of Norwich (Dr. Bateman) and the Mayor (Sir Samuel Bignold) attended at the Shirehall, on the conclusion of the Norfolk Assizes, when the former, addressing Mr. Baron Martin, presented his lordship with a pair of white kid gloves, in commemoration of the fact that for the first time in forty-three years the city of Norwich had had a maiden Assize. The Mayor corroborated the statement, and said that in that year, 1830, he happened to be Sheriff of the city. His lordship remarked it was extremely creditable that a city of 80,000 inhabitants should have no cases for trial at the Assizes.
29.—Two meetings were held at Norwich, in furtherance of an effort to secure a visit of the Royal Agricultural Society to the city in 1874. The Norfolk Agricultural Association agreed to suspend its own show, and to vote £500 to the funds of the Royal; and a gathering of county and city gentlemen promised subscriptions to the amount of £1,100. The Mayor authorised the secretaries to guarantee the full amount required—£2,000.
29.—A fire occurred at Mr. Darken’s music warehouse, Norwich, and damage was done to the amount of £1,500.
APRIL.
2.—The Docking Union Association, founded in 1839 for the purpose of promoting habits of industry and frugality and of rewarding good conduct amongst labourers, was dissolved, and the balance of £87 paid to the funds of hospitals in the county.
4.—Died at Southtown, Great Yarmouth, aged 82, Commander George Jenner, R.N. He entered the Navy in 1806, and served on board the Milan; in 1810 he joined the Desiré, was at the taking of San Sebastian, and was awarded the medal for gallant service.
12.—At the All England Champion Athletic meeting, held at Lillie Bridge Grounds, London, A. R. Upcher won the quarter-mile and H. K. Upcher the 120 yards hurdle race. “This makes seven championships won by Norfolk men, namely, the walking, in 1868, by W. Rye; the four miles, in 1870, by H. C. Riches; the quarter-mile, in 1870–71–73, by A. R. Upcher; the pole jump, in 1872, by H. C. Fellowes; and the hurdle-race, in 1873, by H. K. Upcher.”
14.—The foundation-stone of the Norfolk County School was laid by the Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness, with whom was the Princess of Wales, left Wolferton station by special train, and was accompanied by the Bishop of Norwich, Lord and Lady Suffield, and Viscount Newry. At Holkham the Royal party was joined by the Earl of Leicester and Lady Anne Coke, and other members of the family. At Elmham station the Prince and Princess were received by Lord and Lady Sondes. A detachment of picked men of the 3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteers, under the command of Captain Bulwer, formed a guard of honour at the entrance to the enclosure on the school site. After an address had been read to their Royal Highnesses by Prebendary Brereton, chairman of the Board of Directors, the Prince laid the stone, inscribed, “Albert. Edward, Prince of Wales, April 14, 1873.” The Lord Bishop offered prayer, and a hymn was sung, after which a large and distinguished company, presided over by the Earl of Leicester, partook of luncheon in a marquee. Their Royal Highnesses, after taking tea with Lord and Lady Sondes, at Elmham Hall, returned to Wolferton by special train. The school was opened on September 16th, 1874, when an inaugural luncheon was held, and an address delivered by the Right Hon. Earl Fortesque.