4.—A new lifeboat named the Licensed Victualler, provided by liberal contributions from the Licensed Victuallers’ Fund, was received by Commander Holmes, R.N., at Hunstanton. A ceremonial launch was dispensed with in consequence of the roughness of the sea.
—Died at Heigham House, Norwich, aged 69, Mr. John Boyce, who had for many years been identified with the firm of Messrs. Bullard and Sons, of the Anchor Brewery. Mr. Boyce, who was a son of Mr. Samuel Boyce, of East Dereham, was elected a representative of the old Second Ward in November, 1867, and served continuously until 1892, when, on the redistribution of seats, he was transferred to the Earlham Ward. He retired in 1894, and on June 18th, 1895, was elected an alderman on the death of Col. Bignold. Mr. Boyce, who was a magistrate for the city, was in politics a Conservative.
5.—Died at Eaton, Norwich, Mr. Philip Back, aged 76. He entered the Corporation in 1873 as member for the old Fourth Ward, and on his re-election in 1876, with Mr. Ladyman, the memorable election petition was presented by his Liberal opponents, Mr. J. D. Smith and Mr. S. Newman, against the return of himself and his colleague. The commissioner gave judgment in favour of the respondents, with costs, and Mr. Back retained his seat. In 1879 he was appointed Sheriff of Norwich.
10.—The time ball, erected on the north-west angle of the battlements of Norwich Castle, was used for the first time. It announces Greenwich time every day at 10 a.m.
14.—Lord Walsingham addressed a letter to the Press announcing that an attempt was being made to re-introduce the great bustard in what was formerly one of the favourite haunts of this fine bird on the borders of the Norfolk fens. The experiment, his lordship stated, was due to the public spirit of an English gentleman living abroad, and he appealed to the public for the protection of the birds.
21.—Prince Pura Chatra of Siam and his brother, Prince Yugula, arrived at Norwich from Cromer, and visited several places of interest in the city.
24.—Dr. A. H. Mann, of Cambridge, was elected chorus master of the Norwich Festival, in succession to Dr. Horace Hill, deceased.
SEPTEMBER.
17.—The Prince of Wales’ Own Norfolk Artillery Militia commenced a route march through Norfolk, under the command of Col. Viscount Coke. The regiment left Yarmouth in two river steamers, and landing at Buckenham Ferry marched to Langley Park, the seat of Sir Reginald Proctor Beauchamp, where they encamped for the night. The march was resumed on the 18th to Dunston Park; on the 19th to Wymondham; on the 20th to Dereham; on the 21st to Westacre; and on the 22nd to Hempton Green, where Sunday, the 23rd, was spent, and the regiment attended service at Fakenham church. On the 24th the column marched to Holkham, and encamped in the park; on the 25th the march was continued to Melton Constable Park; on the 26th to Aylsham; on the 27th to North Walsham; and on the 28th to Woodbastwick Park, where the last camp was formed. On the 29th the column marched from Woodbastwick to headquarters at Yarmouth. The actual distance marched in the twelve days was 150 miles.
22.—The body of a woman was found on the south beach at Yarmouth. The medical evidence proved that death was due to strangulation caused by a bootlace bound tightly round the neck. The deceased had been lodging at Yarmouth since the 15th, and had stated that her name was Hood. On November 9th the London police arrested at Woolwich a man named Herbert John Bennett, who was brought to Yarmouth and charged with the murder of the woman—his wife. On November 24th he was committed for trial at the Norfolk Assizes, but owing to the prejudice excited against the prisoner by a certain section of the Press, the venue of trial was removed to the Old Bailey, where he was found guilty and sentenced to death. (Bennett was executed at Norwich Prison in March, 1901.)