July 5th.—A public dinner was to be held to celebrate the passing of the Reform Bill, and Mr. Windham, the Liberal candidate for E. Norfolk, was to meet his friends, Major Keppel being unable to accompany him.
July 12th.—The Dreadnought lugger (having on board a large cargo of smuggled goods) had been captured.
The Sylvan (belonging to J. H. Palmer, Esq.,) had arrived at Quebec with emigrants.
July 26th.—The annual water frolic is thus noticed: “Monday last was our annual water frolic. The heavens, which appeared inauspiciously to lour during the early part of the day, cleared about noon, and a cloudless and sun-lit sky enabled the admirers of boating excursions to enjoy with high zest the pleasures afforded them by the recurrence of this aquatic treat. The beautiful bosom of Breydon was literally covered with craft of every description, from the stately barge and elegant pleasure boat, down to the humble punt. Three boats, the Coriander, Balls; the Emerald, of Lowestoft, Col. Jones; and the Hornet, of Beccles (the two latter latteeners), were the competitors for the cup. The former had the start, and kept the lead during the three heats, and eventually won by 400 yards. About five o’clock p.m. the boats drew up for dinner. The toute ensemble was at this time picturesque in the extreme, the river, as we have said, studded with boats of various descriptions; the rond (which at this time was more than usually dry and firm) crowded with well-dressed persons of both sexes, whose joyous countenances showed that they looked gratifyingly on the sight; the beautiful ruins of Burgh Castle (the Garianonum of the ancients) in the distance, gilded with the gloomy brightness of a western sun—the declivity of the hill bedecked with many tea-drinking parties, all presented a scene which must have given delight to every true lover of his species. On the following day a cup (the gift of the spirited landlord of the Berney Arms) was sailed for by five 14 feet boats, which was won by the Sultan, George Alexander, who beat her antagonists hollow. We are happy to say that the general feeling of pleasure was not alloyed by the occurrence of a single accident.”
The Theatre had opened with Guy Mannering and Damp Beds. There was a very poor house.
The brig Ida (188 tons) had been launched from Mr. F. Preston’s yard.
August 23rd.—The following estimate of the number of electors under the Reform Act had been made:—Freemen 1,063; £10 householders in Yarmouth, 492; and in Gorleston, 144; total, 1,699.
The Summer Fishing had commenced; 300 lasts of herring had already been brought in.
August 30th.—Messrs. Windham and Keppel (the Liberal candidates for East Norfolk) had dined with about 50 electors at the King’s Head (B. Dowson, Esq., in the chair.)
The following Corporate officers had been elected:—