14.—Died at Snetterton, Sarah Edwards, aged 100 years.
15.—Died at St. John Maddermarket, Norwich, the Rev. John Dalton, canon of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton, in his 60th year. Canon Dalton was of Irish parentage, and passed the early years of his life at Coventry. After his ordination, he was employed on missions at Northampton, Lynn, and Norwich. In 1858–59 he resided at St. Alban’s College, Valladolid, in Spain. He returned to that country in 1866, to collect subscriptions towards the erection in London of a cathedral in memory of the illustrious Cardinal Wiseman, who was himself born in Spain; his mission was, however, unsuccessful. Canon Dalton was the author of several theological works. “Amiable, genial-hearted, charitable, and good, no sectarian difference was ever suffered to affect that thorough respect and esteem which was extended to him from the representatives of all creeds.”
28.—At a meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, a resolution was adopted expressive of satisfaction on the appointment of the President, Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., as Parliamentary Secretary of the Local Government Board.
MARCH.
14.—A meeting of the agriculturists of the county, whose interests were affected by the action of the Labourers’ Union, was held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, “to take action with reference to the demands now being pressed upon the occupiers of the soil.” It was decided to form a Norfolk Farmers’ Labour Defence Association. Another meeting took place on April 25th, for promoting the objects of the association. Many meetings were held throughout the county by the Labourers’ Union during this year, and much strong feeling was manifested. At the Norfolk Lent Assizes, on March 28th, before Mr. Justice Blackburn, the Rev. John Spurgin, vicar of Hockham, brought an action against Mr. John Edward Matthew Vincent, of the “Labourers’ Union Chronicle,” for publishing a false and malicious libel, “whereby he was injured in his credit and reputation as a clergyman.” The paper, which was published at Leamington, alleged that the “reverend divine” claimed tithe on charity coals supplied to the poor parishioners, and “had two tons out of the twenty carted to his divine rectory, for his own consumption.” The defendant afterwards expressed deep regret for publishing the imputation, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff—damages £100.
APRIL.
19.—Died, while on a visit to Norwich, Mr. Robert Seaman, of Tunbridge Wells, aged 63. He served the office of Sheriff in 1856–57, and was a magistrate for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.
MAY.
2.—The marriage of Lady Margaret Coke, sixth daughter of the Earl of Leicester, with the Hon. H. Strutt, eldest son of Lord Belper, took place at Holkham church.
5.—Died at his residence, Newmarket Road, Norwich, Mr. John Robison. He was born in Norwich in November, 1809, was for many years a partner in the firm of Grout and Co., and in 1868 served the office of Sheriff.