Jan. 14th.—The Mayor (E. H. L. Preston, Esq.), had given a ball at the Town-hall; about 180 guests were present; Mr. Sturge led the band; and Mr. Collins provided the refreshments.
A large otter, measuring 4¾ feet and weighing 30 lbs., had been shot near the North River; it had previously been pursued by a skater, who had seized it by the tail, when it turned upon him and inflicted a considerable wound on his wrist.
Jan. 15th.—The Magistrates had refused to convict in a vaccination case, which conduct was greatly exercising the Board of Guardians.
Jan. 25th.—The schooner “Starling” had foundered in the fair way of the harbour between the piers, and thus blocked the navigation.
Feb. 1st.—The first subscription ball was advertised with the following list of stewards:—The Mayor, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Henry E. Buxton, Charles Sharpe Sharpe, and William Danby-Palmer, Esqs.
Feb. 4th.—Bro. Edward Howes had been installed W.M. of Lodge “Friendship,” the members of which lodge had presented a testimonial to Bro. C. L. Chipperfield.
Mr. W. J. Foreman had presided at the meeting of the Great Yarmouth Building Society, and Mr. Frederick Palmer at the meeting of the Norfolk and Suffolk Building Society. Each institution published a favourable report of its proceedings and declared bonuses of £15 and £16 13s. 4d. respectively.
Mr. Woodger had given 20 tons of coal to the poor in the South Ward.
Feb. 8th.—Contains the following account of the death of Robert Steward, Esq.:—
“We regret to record the death of this gentleman who expired suddenly at his residence in Cambridge, on Saturday evening. Mr. Steward for a number of years occupied a very prominent position in this borough, having filled the office of Chief Magistrate on five occasions. He was until recently an active member of the Town Council, having represented the Southtown or St. Andrew’s Ward for a lengthened period, during which time he exhibited a warm interest in all that related to the welfare of the borough. Mr. Steward was one of the first to associate himself with the Volunteer movement, and was ever ready with his purse to aid the cause. It was the occasion of his fifth election to the Mayoralty that his fellow-townsmen determined to present him with a testimonial in recognition of his public services, and so heartily was the appeal responded to, that a sum was soon raised sufficient for the purchase of a handsome service of plate, which was publicly presented at the Town Hall. Latterly Mr. Steward had been suffering from failing health, and had taken up his residence at Cambridge, but on all occasions when anything of public interest was under discussion he was at his accustomed post in the Town Council. Mr. Steward was a Justice of the Peace for the Borough, and also for the County of Suffolk. As a public man his loss will be much felt, for though occasionally overbearing and impetuous, his faults were overlooked in the thorough earnestness with which he applied himself to the promotion of those measures which he considered for the general good. Out of respect the flags on the Town Hall and shipping have been hoisted half-mast.”