Two female factory hands, aged respectively 16 and 17, had “fought it out” on the Denes, the prize, a “young tar,” when the “shorter combatant” proved victorious.
June 7th.—The King’s birthday had been celebrated with a great display of flags, the firing of the Church bells, salutes from the Forts, batteries, etc.
June 14th.—The following notice appears as to the Reform Act:—
REFORM.
For some days previous to the passing of the new Magna Charta of our liberties, the Reform Bill, the friends of that great and really Conservative measure had met at the Ship Tavern, for the purpose of considering the best method of celebrating the anticipated triumph. At their first meeting it was determined to open a subscription, leaving the precise manner in which the proceeds should be expended as a matter for future consideration. District Committees were forthwith appointed to manage the collections. The subscription, which is not yet closed, is expected to amount to something very handsome. It was first intended to give the freemen a dinner, but on sounding the latter it was found that they (without any exception) preferred receiving a pecuniary present; it was therefore at a subsequent meeting resolved, that each of those persons should receive a donation in money, and that the friends of Reform should dine together at a time and place hereafter to be appointed. The news of the passing of the unmutilated Bill was received here with every demonstration of joy. The vessels at the Quay displayed a profusion of flags, as did also the principal taverns and inns in the town—indeed everything seemed to show a universal gladness of heart. On Friday last, however, when information arrived of the Royal sanction having been given to the Bill, the fullness of joy exhibited on the occasion knew no bounds. Expectant of the event, a large party of our townsmen (of every grade and condition in life) had proceeded along the Southtown Road on the forenoon of the day, accompanied by a band, flags with appropriate mottoes, &c., to meet the Telegraph. Singular enough, however, the guard of that coach refused to take up the colours, and in answer to repeated enquiries declared “there was no news,” although it was afterwards ascertained that he had read from a newspaper in his possession an account of the Royal signature to the inhabitants of Gorleston while passing through that village. The Reformers of Yarmouth, to show their indignant sense of such conduct, refused to wait at night for the Morning Star (that coach being under the same proprietory as the Telegraph), but instantly sent a courier to Lowestoft to announce their intention of meeting, in procession, the Old Blue. Ultimately, that coach, surrounded by a profusion of elegant and appropriate flags, bands playing, &c., paraded the town. It was really a most animating and exhilarating spectacle; numbers of elegant and beautiful females assembled at the windows to witness the heart-cheering sight of a countless multitude of persons, composed of all ranks in life, alike animated by one feeling, that of exultation and delight. Surely after this our enemies will no longer prate of a reaction! At any rate, such a flagrant attempt at delusion would be scouted by our patriotic townsmen, as one of the basest of libels on old Yarmouth * * * * The public dinner, rejoicings, &c., will, we have just heard, not take place till after the passing of the Scotch and Irish Bills. The dinner, will, we believe, be held at the Town Hall, there being no reason to doubt that the Mayor, with his accustomed gentlemanly feeling, will grant the building for that purpose. Wm. Barth, Esq., is expected to preside.
During the Spring eight vessels had sailed from Yarmouth to different parts of the Canadas, carrying 916 passengers.
June 21st.—The Haven and Pier Commissioners had attended for the purpose of examining the Harbour Works, and it was hoped that extensive improvements would be made therein.
The Conservatives had not announced any candidates, and it was considered probable that Messrs. Anson and Rumbold would be re-elected.
The Rev. Mr. Griffith, junr., had delivered a very impressive sermon on board the Cyrus under the Bethel Flag.
June 28th.—The Corporation had voted an address to the King upon his escape from the late “atrocious” attack upon him.
A vessel was lying off the Pier Head with the Yellow Flag (cholera) flying.