8.—A meeting was held at Costessey, under the presidency of Mr. Stafford H. Jerningham, for the purpose of discussing the projected construction of a light railway between Norwich and Dereham. The line, which was to be constructed under the Light Railways Act, was to be fifteen miles in length, and a capital of £85,000 was required. The suggested route was from East Dereham, between North Tuddenham and Mattishall, on to Hockering and East Tuddenham, thence to Honingham, and by Easton and Costessey to Hellesdon, where the Eastern and Midlands line to Norwich would be joined. Meetings were held at other places along the suggested route. On July 26th an inquiry was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, by Mr. Gerald A. Fitzgerald and Col. Boughey, C.S.I., Light Railway Commissioners, into an application made for a provisional order for authorising the construction of the railway. After hearing evidence the commissioners stated that they could not see any prospect of a return of capital such as would lead the public to become investors, and, therefore, they did not feel justified in recommending the Board of Trade to grant the order.
11.—Died at his residence, Gordon Square, W.C., Dr. James Martineau, aged 95 years. A son of Thomas Martineau, a manufacturer of bombazines and camlets, he was born at Norwich on April 21st, 1805. His sister was the famous Harriet Martineau. From his tenth to his fourteenth year he was educated at Norwich Grammar School, and on leaving school studied medicine, but as the work was not congenial to him he gave it up, with the view of becoming a minister of the denomination to which his family belonged. They were Unitarians, and thenceforward he was prominently identified with that body. He was the author of several theological works, and had conferred upon him by Harvard College, Mass., the honorary degree of LL.D.
31.—Information was received at Norwich that an outbreak of foot and mouth disease had occurred at Fritton. All sales necessitating the movement of cattle were prohibited, and public markets in the district closed. On February 7th a deputation of farmers, cattle salesmen, butchers, and others from the county waited upon Mr. Walter Long, President of the Board of Agriculture, for the purpose of asking him to relax in some degree the stringent restrictions placed upon the movement of cattle. Shortly afterwards an amended order was issued, and on March 31st Norwich Cattle Market was re-opened. At Loddon Petty Sessions on May 19th three farmers were summoned for contravention of an order of the Board of Agriculture by the wrongful removal of cattle and sheep. It was urged by the defendants that “it was a case either of removal or starvation,” and the magistrates inflicted nominal penalties. Mr. George Holmes, one of the justices, protested against the false position in which they were placed by the orders of the Board of Agriculture, which could not possibly be obeyed by many owners of stock in the district. During the sitting of the court a memorial was signed by the magistrates and others and sent to Mr. Long, praying for a modification of the restrictions in the Loddon and Clavering Union.
—Died at the Close, Norwich, the Rev. Edward Bulmer, M.A., minor canon of Norwich Cathedral, aged 67. His father was vicar-choral and custos of Hereford Cathedral, and rector of Morton-on-Lugg, and his grandfather on his mother’s side the famous organist, Dr. Clarke Whitfield, composer of the well-known anthem, “In Jewry is God known.” In addition to writing the libretto to Dr. Bunnett’s “Rhine Maiden,” Canon Bulmer for some years contributed to “The Argosy,” and other magazines, articles end poems, which were characterised by versatility and graceful diction.
FEBRUARY.
12.—Mr. Lewis Barton, of Elvin Road, East Dereham, attained his 100th year. He was born at Old Buckenham on February 12th, 1800.
15.—Severe weather was experienced in Norfolk. In south Norfolk many of the roads were blocked by snowdrifts. During a storm on the coast the brigantine Lizzie and Edith was wrecked off Eccles and four of the crew drowned.
16.—Died at Teignmouth, Mr. Peter Paul Marshall, aged 69. For fourteen years he was City Engineer at Norwich, and resigned his appointment in 1891. Mr. Marshall, who was a native of Edinburgh, was an artist of considerable merit, and had exhibited works at the Royal Academy and the British Institution.
22.—Among the officers reported wounded at the battle of Colenso on this date was Major H. L. Smith, of the 2nd Surrey Regiment, eldest son of Mr. Henry Smith, of Ellingham Hall. Major Smith took part in the Afghan War in 1879, and in the Egyptian War in 1885.
23.—Died at the Britannia Barracks, Norwich, Mr. George Francis Archdale, aged 34. He was the eldest son of Major Archdale, of Coltishall, and was appointed to the command of the Norfolk Volunteer Service Company for active duty in South Africa. Shortly after taking up his quarters at the barracks he was seized with influenza, and fatal complications ensued. Mr. Archdale, who was educated at Wellington College, was a partner in the firm of Messrs. Hogge and Seppings. He held a commission in the 3rd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, was a crack shot, and for several years captained the China Cup team for Norfolk.