6.—The Aldermen and Councillors according to priority of election, the former in Wards in which they resided, the latter in the Wards for which they were elected, commencing with the North Ward.
At the Parish Audit, the Auditor remarked that “in some instances the amount (of the rate) excused exceeded the sum collected.”
May 17th.—The following appears as to the Corporate Robes of Office:—
“THE ROBES OF OFFICE.”
The Committee as to the Wearing of Robes of Office reported that Mr. C. J. Palmer, had liberally presented to the Council a scarlet silk gown, and a black gown formerly worn by the Mayors as their Robes of Office; and the said were accepted by the Committee, and the thanks of the Committee were voted to Mr. Palmer for the handsome donation. The Committee had resolved that the Mayor should wear the black gown as a Robe of Office on all “Ordinary” occasions and the scarlet gown on all “extraordinary” occasions.
The “Robes” or “Gown” movement, which was so much spoken of six months ago, has at length—through the exertions of the Committee to whom it was referred—come to maturity, and the Mayor now has a second hand best gown for “extraordinary” occasions, and a second-hand second best gown for “ordinary” occasions. The old people about Gaol Street, who caught a sight of the Mayor in his gown on Tuesday last, look upon the revived costume as a “degenerate resurrection;” for, instead of there being completeness and congruity in the “fit out,” there is a burlesque mixture of the ancient and modern. The gown which erst harmonised with the glorious cocked hat, short tights, and silver buckled shoes, appears decidedly “at sea” in company with the modern hat (or “4s. and 9d.”) and “peg-top” trousers. Art critics would object to so close a mixture of the mediæval and the modern, on the ground of the same not being “in keeping.” Perhaps, however, when we see the style of dress on one of the “extraordinary” occasions so judiciously and so elaborately provided for by the Council, we may have something presented to notice which will not cause every Councillor to grin on beholding it, and to talk, as an old writer says, “most consumedly” about it afterwards. Dressed as he was on Tuesday, the Mayor of Yarmouth might, without difficulty, have been mistaken (had he been away from home) for Shylock, for one of the Japanese Embassy, or for an Arch Druid, so remarkably unusual was his appearance. Experience may, it is true, tone down the angularities of the affair; but at the onset the revival of the use of robes does not carry with it either the appearance of gravity or wisdom. On entering the Council Room on Tuesday, the Mayor was preceded by four officials wearing, in addition to the ordinary attire of various colours, gowns, and carrying the sword and two maces as usual, with, on this occasion, the very handsome oar—a part of the regalia which had, for some very “extraordinary” reason no doubt, been disused. Following the officers were the Mayor, who wore in addition to his every day clothing a black robe, of somewhat fierce cut, having a sort of fur or bear skin epulet at each shoulder, ornamented with a description of rough filagree; and over this finery his worship wore (we believe for the first time) the gold chain of office. After the Mayor, entered the Town Clerk in a black robe of a more modest character. For some little time there was much winking and smiling amongst the Aldermen and Councillors. The business then proceeded, and, as will be seen from our report of the meeting, arrangements were made (in spite of Mr. Richard Ferrier’s “chaffing”) for the order of processions. It was also decided to give the Town Hall and the inhabitants the benefit of a public clock, of which the Corporation are owners. It was also jocularly suggested that the Gas Company would be most willing gratuitously to illuminate the dial, and through it the inhabitants.
May 21st.—There had been an “Uproarious Vestry Meeting,” held for the object of passing a vote of censure on the Vestry Clerk; Mr. S. C Marsh presided, and in the result, the meeting being in favour of the Vestry Clerk, a poll was demanded.
May 29th.—This poll had, after a protest by Mr. J. Clowes as to the regularity of the proceedings, been taken by Mr. C. Diver (acting as Assessor). It closed on the first day—
| For the Vestry Clerk | 143 |
| Against him | 61 |
| Majority | 82 |
And next morning Mr. Marsh attended and declared the poll closed.
May 28th.—Five vessels of war (part of the Channel fleet) were in the Roads.
May 31st.—The following ships were anchored abreast of the Jetty:—“Trafalgar” (86), Captain Dickson; the “Revenge” (91), Captain Fellowes; the “Emerald” (51), Captain Caning; the “Chanticleer” (17), Captain Sterling; and the “Porpoise” (tender to the “Revenge.”)