5.--In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, before
Mr. Baron Pollock and Mr. Justice Stephen, a petition was presented by
Mr. Joseph Arch against the return of Lord Henry Bentinck as member for
North-West Norfolk, on July 9th, 1886. The petitioner alleged that the
respondent was guilty of an illegal practice in paying the sum of 3 to
Charles Wacey, of South Creake, in respect of expenses in the conduct or
management of the election. The money was sent in a letter from Guist
Hall, where Lord Henry Bentinck was staying, on January 20th. The letter
was as follows:--"Dear Mr. Wacey--I enclose you a little present as some
small compensation for the trouble and worry you have had in connection
with the election and afterward. I am much obliged to you for all you
have done, and I hope you will continue to help us in the future in the
same able and energetic manner in which you have done in the past. Yours
truly, Henry Bentinck. P.S. You had better not tell anyone that I sent
you anything." This letter miscarried, and was delivered not to Charles
Wacey, but to Thomas Wacey, who belonged to the party represented by Mr.
Arch. Thomas Wacey ultimately forwarded the postal orders contained in
the letter to Charles Wacey, who cashed them and kept the proceeds. It
was contended on the part of the respondent that the payment made in
January, 1887, had no relation whatever to the conduct or management of
the election in July, 1886. The money was paid on account of
registration services, and the injunction of secrecy was made because to
have paid all the district secretaries would have involved the respondent
in an expenditure of 100. The petition was dismissed with costs.
10.--A new organ, built at the cost of 450, was opened at St. Gregory's
church, Norwich.
14.--The Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced at Noverre's Rooms,
Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop. The proceedings were
concluded on the 15th.
18.--An "Old World Exhibition" was opened at Blackfriars' Hall, Norwich,
by the Mayor, in aid of a fund for rebuilding the tower of St.
Michael-at-Thorn. This remarkable collection, chronologically arranged
by the Rev. W. F. Creeny, was of great historical and educational
interest, and was contributed to by many of the leading residents in
county and city. The exhibition closed on April 30th.