2.—A meeting of the creditors of the Crown Bank was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of Sir Samuel Bignold, to receive an account of the receipts and payments of the trustee in bankruptcy to November 15th, and to consider the question of the remuneration of the Committee of Inspection. It was reported that the estate, under judicious management, had produced 11s. 6d. in the pound. The solicitors’ law costs amounted to upwards of £10,000, and it was decided that £8,000 be paid as remuneration.
15.—The death took place, at Yarmouth, of Samuel Brock, aged 69, who, on October 6th, 1835, performed the remarkable feat of swimming fourteen miles after the wreck of the Young Company’s yawl Increase, of which he was one of the crew (q.v. Vol. I., p. 344).
23.—The first annual meeting of the Norwich Hospital Sunday Fund was held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of the Sheriff (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin). It was reported that the Sunday collection amounted to £670 8s. 11d., and the Saturday collection to £188 16s. 3d.
26.—The pantomime of “The Babes in the Wood, or Harlequin Robin Hood and the Fairies of the Forest,” written by Mr. F. Robson, was produced at Norwich Theatre by Mr. Richard Younge’s company. “Jack the Giant Killer” was the Christmas attraction at Batty’s Circus.
1874.
JANUARY.
2.—Died at Neal’s Square, St. Benedict’s Church Alley, Norwich, Susannah Steavenson, in her 105th year. “A few days ago she repeated no less than thirty verses which she had learnt at school 95 years ago. She attended the Mayor’s feast, given to the aged poor last Whit-Monday, and was accompanied by her daughter, aged 79. Mrs. Steavonson was born December 14th, 1769, and, according to a certificate given in 1836 by the Rev. W. F. Blakewell, the then minister at the Octagon chapel, was baptised there on December 24th, 1769. She was the daughter of Joshua Sabberton, chairmaker, in St. George’s Colegate.”
7.—Died at Saxlingham Hall, Mr. Edward Steward, aged 67. He was the last Tory Alderman elected under the old Corporation, and, owing to his youth, was known as “The Boy Alderman.” In 1832 he fought a severe contest with Mr. (afterwards Sir William) Foster, for the office of Freemen’s Sheriff, and was defeated by seven votes only. In the following year he was elected without opposition, and served in conjunction with Mr. W. J. Utten Browne. Mr. Steward was president of the Norwich Union Fire Office.
13.—Died at his residence, St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, Mr. John Godwin Johnson, in his 77th year. Born November 26th, 1797, he was the youngest son of Mr. John Johnson, for many years Governor of Norwich Castle. He became a pupil of Dr. Rigby, and afterwards joining Mr. Page Scott, commenced a long and successful career as a medical practitioner. Mr. Johnson was a member of both the old and “reformed” Corporations, was elected Mayor in 1855, and for twenty-five years was on the Haven and Pier Commission. He took a prominent part in founding the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Sick Children.
13.—Died at Amélie les Bains, Mr. Charles Mends Gibson, F.R.C.S., aged 65. He was for many years resident medical-officer of the Norwich Bethel, devoted much of his time to scientific pursuits, was a member of the Royal Microscopical and other societies, and a warm supporter of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum and Literary Institution.