Lord Arthur Lennox and O. E. Coope, Esq., had been met by their friends at the “Greyhound Inn,” Gorleston, and escorted into the town, the “procession” consisting of one private carriage, followed at a long distance by flag bearers and about half-a-dozen gentlemen on horseback preceding a carriage containing the candidates and their friends. On arriving at the Market Place at nine o’clock these gentlemen mounted a balcony, when R. Ferrier, in a few words, amidst tumultuous cheering introduced Lord A. Lennox; I. Preston, Esq., did the like service for Mr. Coope, and the candidates having addressed the meeting, which was also addressed by Messrs. Harvey, Charles Cory, and R. Ferrier, jun., dispersed.
Mr. Goldsmid had also addressed the electors at the “King’s Head.”
The Mayor and Corporation had attended the Water Frolic (Mr. Fiddes acting as Admiral). Mr. Bagshaw was of the party, but Mr. Goldsmid, although expected, did not put in an appearance.
The Mayor’s bespeak at the Theatre for the benefit of the Hospital had raised £25 6s. 6d.
July 31st.—Mr. D. A. Gourlay had been toasted at the Water Frolic by Mr. S. Palmer, as Mayor elect.
The following was the return of the polling:—
| Rumbold. | Goldsmid. | Lennox. | Coope. | |||
| At | 9 | a.m. | 174 | 175 | 140 | 140 |
| ,, | 10 | ,, | 334 | 330 | 326 | 323 |
| ,, | 11 | ,, | 469 | 461 | 502 | 493 |
| ,, | 12 | ,, | 579 | 561 | 601 | 587 |
| ,, | 1 | p.m. | 639 | 617 | 687 | 674 |
| ,, | 2 | ,, | 672 | 643 | 754 | 737 |
| ,, | 3 | ,, | 709 | 671 | 788 | 772 |
| ,, | 4 | ,, (close) | 729 | 698 | 844 | 813 |
Aug. 14th.—It was reported that from 200 to 300 freemen had been bribed to vote for Lord Lennox and Mr. Coope, and it was “confidently anticipated” that those gentlemen would resign their seats to avoid exposure.
Aug. 21st.—The races had been held on the 17th and 18th (Stewards: Lord Suffield, Viscount Anson, The Hon. Capt. Rous, and George Danby Palmer, Esq.) when Mr. O. E. Coope’s “Bit Nibble” won the Members’ Plate. Lord A. Lennox had attended the Race Ordinary and suggested a course of action under which better entries were likely to be obtained.
Aug. 28th.—Mrs. Coope (mother of the M.P.) had given £50 to the Church restoration, £50 to the Town Charities, and £10 to the Hospital.