FEBRUARY.
3.—The Norwich Corn Exchange Bill was before the examiner of private Bills in the House of Commons. The Standing Orders of the House were declared to have been complied with. The Bill passed through its remaining stages, and on August 1st received the Royal assent. (See November 9th, 1861.)
5.*—“Several primroses were gathered in the hedges near Ormesby a few days ago. The weather is exceedingly mild in this locality, which is not a little remarkable for this, almost the easternmost, part of England.”
10.—Mr. Gough, the celebrated temperance advocate, made his second appearance at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.
12.—Died at Buxton Vicarage, in his 79th year, Lieut.-General James Claud Bourchier, Colonel of the 3rd Dragoon Guards. He served under Sir Ralph Abercrombie in the expedition against Cadiz, in 1800, in the campaign in Egypt in 1801, and in the campaigns of 1811–12–15. He was present at the siege of Badajoz, the battle of Salamanca, the cavalry affairs at Callada de Carino and Venta de Toso, the battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo, and the capture of Paris.
14.—Mr. Barnum, the celebrated showman, lectured at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, on “Money-making and the Art of Humbug.” The lecture was described as “a strange medley—a most anomalous production.”
MARCH.
6.—East Dereham church was, for the first time, lighted with gas, through the munificence of an anonymous parishioner. Evening services were held from this date.
8.—The Norwich New Street Bill, the object of which was to acquire powers for constructing what is now known as the Prince of Wales Road, was before a Select Committee of the House of Lords. It was stated that a number of Norwich gentlemen had formed themselves into a company to construct a new roadway and street, and to buy the land fronting the said street to the depth of about 108 feet, leading from a point near the Eastern Counties Railway Station to King street, near Harveys and Hudsons’ Bank, a distance of something less than 500 yards. Rose Lane at that time formed the only approach from the station to the city. The Committee decided in favour of the Bill, leaving the question of compensation to be determined by a jury. The Bill was considered by a Select Committee of the House of Commons on June 28th, when the whole of the clauses were passed. (See June 19th, 1860.)
20.—Died at his residence, Highgate Rise, London, Mr. M. Prendergast, Q.C., Recorder of Norwich, and Judge of the City of London Sheriff’s Court. He was called to the Bar in 1820, and was appointed Recorder of Norwich on the death of Mr. Jermy, in 1848. He was succeeded in the Recordership by Mr. Peter Frederick O’Malley, Q.C.