12.—The last stage of the agitation for making Norwich a port was commenced on this date, when Major Peel presented a petition in the House of Commons from the Mayor, Aldermen, and inhabitants of Norwich in favour of the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Bill. The Bill having been read a second time, entered the Committee stage on February 21st, when Mr. Alderson opened the case on behalf of the promoters; the examination of their witnesses concluded on Feb. 27th. The case for the opposition was commenced on the same day, and the evidence concluded on March 7th. In the division on the question “that the preamble of this Bill is proved,” there were 25 ayes and 5 noes. Peals were rung on the church bells at Norwich when intelligence was received, on March 8th, that the Bill had passed through Committee, and Mr. Crisp Brown, on his return from London, on the 9th, was met at St. Stephen’s Gates by a large number of citizens, who, headed by a band of music, drew his carriage to his residence in King Street. On March 11th the Bill was reported to the House, and on the 22nd it was read a third time and passed. On the same evening it was read a first time in the House of Lords; it passed its second reading on March 26th, and was referred to Committee, who took evidence on May 7th, and on the 22nd it was read a third time and carried without opposition. The news of the final success of the measure was received in Norwich with great rejoicing. On the 23rd a procession was organized to meet the promoters on their arrival from town. The Times coach, by which they travelled, was met at Harford Bridges, and at St. Stephen’s Gates the horses were removed from the vehicle, which was dragged in triumph through the city, preceded by bands of music and by men carrying models of ships and naval emblems. At night a bonfire was lighted in the centre of the Market Place, and was fed with wooden spouts, palings, and watch-boxes. Some of the ringleaders were lodged in clink, but their comrades rescued them and threw the clink doors upon the bonfire. Sheep were roasted in Ber Street and Bishop Street. The Bill received the Royal assent on May 28th. The first meeting of the proprietors of the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Company was held at the Guildhall, on July 3rd, when Col. Harvey presided. Mr. Edmund Newton was appointed clerk, Mr. Cubitt engineer, and Messrs. Harvey and Hudson treasurers. The work of excavation was begun in the Lowestoft section on September 4th, when Mr. Crisp Brown dug the first spadeful of earth, and a dinner and aquatic sports were held to celebrate the event. 17.—Died at Wymondham, aged 69, Mr. Thomas Troughton, who was Sheriff of Norwich in 1810.