11.--A conference was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, as to certain
complaints respecting the management of the Eastern Counties lines of
railway. The Mayor presided, and deputations were present representing
the Eastern Counties Railway Company, the Norwich Corporation, and the
town of East Dereham. The principal complaints, as stated by Mr.
Tillett, had reference to unequal charges for the transit of goods, and
the alteration in the price of market tickets. Mr. Love, the chairman of
the company, assured the meeting that any communication made to the
company would receive consideration.
16.--The Norwich Free Library was thrown open for the use of the
citizens. There was no formal ceremony, but in the evening the Rev. A.
Bath Power delivered an inaugural address on the advantages of the study
of literature and science. The building was erected at the total cost of
5,958 pounds, and the internal fittings increased the amount to 6,500
pounds.
19.--At a meeting of the Conservative party in the Eastern Division of
Norfolk, held at Norwich, it was decided that Mr. H. N. Burroughes and
Sir Henry Stracey, Bart., should withdraw from contesting the return of
General Windham and Sir E. N. Buxton. In West Norfolk, Mr. Bagge, "from
private reasons, and from a desire not to disturb the peace of the
county," retired from the representation, and a compromise was effected
whereby both parties concurred to support Mr. Brampton Gurdon, of Letton,
and Mr. G. Bentinck, the sitting member.
21.--The Bishop of Norwich issued an address to the clergy of the
diocese, announcing that it was his intention to resign the duties of the
episcopate. On April 21st the Corporation of Norwich voted an address to
Dr. Samuel Hinds, "late Bishop of the Diocese."
27.--The nomination of Sir Samuel Bignold, Viscount Bury, and Mr. Henry
William Schneider, as candidates for the representation of Norwich took
place at the Guildhall. A poll was demanded on behalf of Mr. Schneider,
and was opened on the 28th. The result was officially declared on the
30th: Viscount Bury, 2,227; Schneider, 2,235; Bignold, 1,631.
--The Hon. F. Baring and the Earl of Euston were returned unopposed for
the borough of Thetford.
--The nomination of candidates for the representation of Great Yarmouth
took place. Sir Edmund Lacon. Mr. McCullagh, Mr. Watkin, and Col.
Vereker were proposed. The poll was opened on the 28th, and resulted in
the return of the Liberal candidates: McCullagh, 609; Watkin, 590; Lacon,
521; Vereker, 451. (_See_ July 24th, 1857.)
--Lord Stanley and Mr. J. H. Gurney were re-elected, unopposed, members
for King's Lynn.
29.--Died at Hackford Hall, aged 80, the Ven. John Bedingfeld Collyer,
archdeacon of Norwich, and vicar of Wroxham with Salhouse. He was the
second son of the Rev. Daniel Collyer, of Wroxham Hall and of Necton, by
Catherine, one of the daughters and co-heiress of John Bedingfeld, of
Caston Castle and of Beeston. Educated at the Charter House, under Dr.
Matthew Raines, he proceeded to Clare Hall, Cambridge, and after taking
holy orders he married, in 1800, Catherine, daughter of William
Alexander, eldest brother of the first Earl of Caledon, and granddaughter
of Dr. Messenger Monsey, of Chelsea Hospital. In 1806-7, upon the
threatened invasion of this country by Bonaparte, Mr. Collyer received a
commission as a major of Volunteers, and acted with great energy and
decision. In recognition of his services in his military capacity, he
was made a deputy-lieutenant of the county and placed upon the commission
of the peace. Throughout his life he was uniformly attached to Whig
principles. He was succeeded in the archdeaconry by the Rev. R. E.
Hankinson.
30.--Mr. G. P. Bentinck and Mr. Brampton Gurdon were, at the Shirehall,
Swaffham, nominated and returned unopposed as members for West Norfolk.
31.--At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Erle, the Grand Jury
returned a bill of indictment against Jacob, Baron Hastings, for a
misdemeanour "in endeavouring to incite Jacob Henry Tillett to fight a
duel." On the application of Mr. Power, a bench warrant for his
lordship's apprehension was issued. On April 1st Mr. Kent, solicitor,
appeared on behalf of Lord Hastings, and applied for bail. His lordship
was admitted to bail, himself in 200 pounds and two sureties of 100
pounds each. The Earl of Leicester and Lord Suffield were his sureties.
The case was traversed to the next Assizes. Further proceedings were,
however, withdrawn, after an interview between Lieut.-Col. Astley and Mr.
Tillett. "His lordship," it was stated "had no intention of sending a
threatening or offensive message to Mr. Tillett, and he felt that an
article published by Mr. Tillett on November 29th, 1856, was an
unjustifiable attack upon him, which led to the warmth exhibited by his
lordship in his interview with Mr. Tillett, for which his lordship
expresses regret and withdraws his offensive epithets. Mr. Tillett, upon
his lordship's disavowal, withdraws any remarks offensive to his lordship
is the article above alluded to, and expresses his regret that any
unpleasantness should have arisen between Lord Hastings and himself."