11.—A meeting of the manufacturers, merchants, and others interested in the silk trade was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. Alderman Roberts, to take into consideration the resolutions passed by the House of Commons relative to alterations in the silk duties. A resolution was moved to the effect that the meeting viewed with satisfaction the measures proposed for the extension of the silk manufactory, “but the object could not fully be attained by the proposed immediate remission of so great a proportion of the duties on raw and thrown silks.” It was advocated that endeavours be made to obtain compensation for the loss sustained upon stocks of manufactured goods, and a petition to Parliament embodying that view was adopted. On April 5th “an unusual scene was witnessed in Norwich, that being the last day on which manufacturers of the city warehoused their raw and foreign silk in order to obtain the drawback according to the late decision of Parliament. The number of pieces of bombazines and crapes bonded was about 40,000, which may be averaged at 7s. 6d. each, and the total amount of the drawback will be £30,000. Such of the goods as are for exportation are already returned to the owners, and an order is expected in a few days for the delivery of those intended for the home trade. By this arrangement, which was recommended to Government by a gentleman deputed from Norwich, little time will be lost, and the manufacturer will obtain the relief which, but for its adoption, would, under the late alteration of the law, have proved highly injurious to many of our fellow citizens.” On June 23rd a dinner was given at the Rampant Horse Inn by the merchants and manufacturers to Mr. John Harvey, Mr. E. T. Booth, and Mr. T. O. Springfield, “for the zeal and ability with which they promoted the interests of the trade, and for their successful exertions in obtaining the drawback.” 11.—Died at his house in Chapel Field, Norwich, in his 71st year, Mr. John Clayton Hindes, many years manager of the Norwich Theatre. “His loss is sincerely deplored by his relatives and friends and many others whose necessities have been relieved by his benevolent hand.” —Died at Uxbridge, Mrs. F. E. Horne, widow of the Right Rev. George Horne, D.D., formerly Bishop of Norwich. 17.—The Norwich Penny Library “having after 12 months’ experience proved its worth,” it was resolved at a general meeting of subscribers, presided over by Mr. William Youngman, that it be placed on a permanent footing by public subscription. The library room was at Mr. Daines’s, St. Michael-at-Coslany. APRIL. 2.—At a public meeting held at Lynn, the Mayor presiding, it was resolved that a gas company be formed. The shares were fixed at £20 each, and Mr. John James Coulton appointed secretary and agent.