Mr. E. Stagg (one of the Councillors for the Regent Ward) had died.
£149 13s. 6d. had been raised for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Sergeant Berry (of the Police).
Mr. S. K. Smith had landed from one of his boats 24 lasts of herrings, which sold for £264.
It was calculated that some 2,000 French fishermen were then in Gorleston.
Oct. 26th.—Mr. Robert Rising (of Horsey) had been elected a Haven and Pier Commissioner in the place of Mr. Burroughes resigned.
Nov. 5th.—Owing to the extension of the franchise and the “split” in the Conservative camp, the Municipal Election had excited a good deal of attention, as the following report shows:—
“MUNICIPAL ELECTION.”
As was expected, these elections were fought out with considerable spirit, the town throughout the day presenting all the aspects of a contested general election, cabs duly placarded with the names and claims of the candidates rushing about the streets in all directions en route to the various polling-places or committee-rooms.
In the North Ward the Conservatives were early at work, and were enabled to put their candidates considerably ahead, Messrs. Worship and Hilton counting a formidable majority at an early stage of the contest. The friends of Messrs. Neave and Blyth were, however, far from dismayed, and worked with a degree of zeal that certainly deserved if it did not ensure success. In the course of the afternoon the Conservative majority had been greatly reduced, and it looked at one time as if Mr. Neave’s return would have been secured. The aspect of things nerved the Conservatives to renewed efforts and enabled them to keep ahead of their opponents, the result being the return of their candidates, Messrs. Worship and Hilton.
In the Market Ward the greatest excitement prevailed, popular feeling being in favour of Mr. J. Norman (L) and Mr. I. Preston. The latter, although a Conservative, came forward on independent grounds, and as opposed to the compromise that has been entered into for the return of Messrs. Norman and Combe. The last-named gentleman was brought out under the auspices of that section of the Conservative party, better known as the “clique,” which evoked the determined opposition of the “independent” portion of the party. There was another candidate in the person of Mr J. Garratt (L), but that gentleman retired at an early stage of the contest in favour of Mr. Combe. Soon after the commencement of the polling, it became evident that Mr. Norman’s election would be safe, and that the real fight would be between Messrs. Combe and Preston. The last-named had a large staff of energetic supporters, and he was soon placed in a majority which no efforts on the part of his opponents could break down. The result, therefore, in this ward was the return of Messrs. Norman and Preston, which must be regarded as a great blow to the dominant section of the Conservative party, who strained every nerve to carry their man.
The contest in the Regent Ward was of diminished interest as compared with the other parts of the town, and resulted in the return of the Conservative candidates, Messrs. Barber and Tomlinson. Against these gentlemen were arrayed Messrs. Woodger and Page; but the candidature of the two last-named was carried on in a sort of guerilla fashion that evinced little confidence in a successful result, and their respective chances will be found very fully illustrated in the returns given at the close of the poll.
In the St. George’s Ward the battle was between Messrs. Doughty and Baker, (C), and Messrs. Palmer and Hammond (L). Here a most determined fight was made, the Liberals commencing the business of the day in a style that evidently meant winning. Soon after the first hour’s polling, Messrs. Palmer and Hammond took a commanding lead, and although the utmost zeal was evinced on the part of their opponents, they kept increasing their majority until by noon it had assumed such proportions as to place the issue of the contest beyond all question. The result was unexpected, and created quite a sensation among the Conservatives, who chagrined at the turn of affairs in the Market Ward, were little prepared for this fresh source of annoyance and discomfiture.
In the Nelson Ward there was no contest, Messrs. Woolverton, (C), and Stone (L) being unopposed.
The election in the Southtown or St. Andrew’s Ward was provocative of the usual excitement, the Gorlestonians coming out in considerable force, and testifying their Conservative or Liberal proclivities in the liveliest manner. The candidates were Messrs. Steward and Hammond, (C), as opposed to Messrs. Beevor and Nelson. The contest was well fought throughout, and resulted in the election of the Conservative candidates.
In celebration of the victory in the St. George’s Ward, the Liberals paraded a band, which did honour to the occasion by playing a selection of popular music through the principal streets.
OFFICIAL DECLARATION.
The official swearing-in of the newly-elected members took place on Thursday afternoon, the proceedings creating more than their wonted interest from the expectation of a “scene.” These anticipations were fully realised. Previous to the commencement of the usual routine, Mr. J. F. Neave, one of the defeated Liberal candidates in the North Ward, addressed Mr. S. Nightingale, and, in a tone of considerable vehemence, charged that gentleman and his supporters with having secured the election by unfair practices by bringing forward individuals to personate voters who were dead or at sea, or by other means equally discreditable. The scene which ensued was of the most lively character, some half-dozen Councillors speaking at once. Those in the body of the Court showed their enjoyment by encouraging shouts of “Go it Neave,” “Give it them,” an appeal, however, which was scarcely necessary, as the North Ward champion appeared in fine mettle, and continued his address, although the greater part of it was lost in the general turmoil. Referring to the result, Mr. Nightingale was understood to say that Mr. Neave would never be so near winning again, which elicited a rejoinder from the latter that he had been told he should never be elected a Guardian, but he had shown them what he could do, and if he were spared he would yet be in the Council. This declaration of future hostilities was received with great uproar, which was with difficulty quelled sufficiently to enable the business of the meeting to be proceeded with. This having been brought to a termination, after sundry interruptions, the newly-elected hastily quitted the Court, the proceedings having afforded a singular exhibition of political amenities, from a Yarmouth point of view.
The following is the official return:—
NorthWard. | |
Mr. Hilton (C) | 395 |
,, Worship (C) | 384 |
„ Neave (L) | 371 |
„ Blyth (L) | 287 |
MarketWard. | |
Mr. J. A. Norman (L) | 402 |
,, I. Preston, Junr. (C) | 376 |
,, Combe, (C) | 336 |
,, Garratt (L) | 4 |
RegentWard. | |
Mr. J. Tomlinson (C) | 281 |
„ R. D. Barber (C) | 261 |
,, Woodger (L) | 86 |
„ R. Page (L) | 7 |
St.George’s Ward. | |
Mr. F. Danby-Palmer (L) | 292 |
,, H. Hammond (L) | 291 |
,, Baker (C) | 164 |
,, Doughty (C) | 142 |
NelsonWard. | |
Messrs. Woolverton (C) and Stone (L)unopposed. | |
Southtown or St.Andrew’s Ward. | |
Mr. R. Steward (C) | 365 |
,, Hammond (C) | 358 |
,, Beevor (L) | 309 |
,, Nelson (L) | 300 |
As the result of this election, it was believed that Mr. E. H. L. Preston would be Mayor for the ensuing year.