27.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Baron Pigott, Francis Howard Clare (42), shoemaker, was indicted for the wilful murder of his wife, Ann Frances Clare, on October 16th, 1868. The woman was found with her throat cut, and it was alleged that the prisoner had inflicted the wound. Mr. Metcalfe, for the defence, set up the theory of suicide, and the jury, adopting that view, returned a verdict of not guilty. APRIL. 1.—In the House of Commons a motion was agreed to for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into alleged corrupt practices at Norwich at the last election of members to serve in Parliament. (_See_ August 21st.) 14.—The Watton and Swaffham Railway Bill was considered by a Select Committee of the House of Commons. The company asked for powers to extend from Watton in the direction of Thetford the line of railway constructed between Swaffham and Watton. The Committee decided that the preamble had been proved. On June 25th a Select Committee of the House of Lords ordered the Bill to be reported to that House. The estimated cost of the construction of the line was £72,500; the capital proposed to be raised under the Bill was £80,000—£62,000 by shares, and the remaining £20,000 by borrowing powers. The line to Roudham was opened for passenger traffic on October 18th. 15.—The Committee appointed by the House of Commons to investigate the condition of turnpike trusts considered the affairs of the Norfolk group. The Committee decided that the New Buckenham, the Norwich, Swaffham, and Mattishall, the Norwich and Watton, and the Thetford trusts be not continued, and that the Aylsham and Cromer trusts be continued. MAY. 12.—Died at King’s Lynn, Mr. Charles Gill, “the well-known and highly respected lessee and manager of theatres in the East Anglian district, and talented comedian.” Mr. Gill had attained the age of 74 years, and left a daughter with whom he was about to proceed to Australia. In his earlier days Mr. Gill performed with the great Kean and many other eminent actors. 17.—Loveday’s English Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. Mdlle. Mariana and Miss Ella Collins made their first appearance in Norwich.