Mr. G. Blake had been summoned for refusal, on conscientious grounds, to pay the Church Rate.
June 3rd.—A meeting had been held “in support of Her Majesty’s Ministers.”
June 10th.—Messrs. Rumbold and Wilshere had issued their address to the electors; Lord George Somerset and Mr. Smythe had been named as probable Tory candidates for the Borough.
June 17th.—Mr. G. Blake had been ordered to pay 1s. 6d., the amount of the Church Rate, “which he did and departed.”
The census had been taken, showing a population of 25,000.
During the week the roof had been placed on the hotel and houses forming the south end of Kimberley Terrace.
June 24th.—The Mayor “having received the precept for the election proceeded to the Market Place, and Guild Hall, accompanied by several hundred gentlemen, when such precept was read,” no opposition being yet announced.
The “Norfolk,” 120 tons, had been launched by Mr. A. R. Palmer.
July 3rd.—The election had taken place when Sir George Parker proposed, and Mr. J. Brightwen seconded Mr. C. E. Rumbold; Mr. Geo. Danby-Palmer and Mr. B. Dowson proposed and seconded Mr. Wilshere; Mr. R. Ferrier and Mr. Lacon proposed and seconded Mr. Thos. Baring; and Mr. E. H. L. Preston and Mr. W. H. Bessey performed the like office for Mr. J. Soames. These proceedings lasted from eleven o’clock until half-past two o’clock, during which time “it rained hard and many got wet to the skin,” but, notwithstanding that, “a more disorderly attendance” had never been seen. After the nomination the late members were chaired round the town, when there was a scuffle in the Market Place and one man was seriously wounded. Next day the poll was held and the numbers declared—
| C. E. Rumbold | 943 |
| W. Wilshere | 945 |
| T. Baring | 501 |
| J. Soames | 491 |