I suspect a slightly earlier date, perhaps, given its widespread popularity by early 1867.

The 'great comic song' was sung on Wed Jan 9th, 1867 in Bray, Ireland (Freemans Journal, Dublin), on the same day at Shipston-on-Stour, along with 'Shelling Green Peas' (Berrow's Worcester Journal) and on Tuesday 8th at Wrexham (Wrexham Advertiser).