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.