May 4th.—Contains the report of the opening of the Railway from Norwich to Yarmouth, on the 30th April, it was stated that the works had been completed in the space of eight months from their commencement, by Messrs. Peto, Grissel & Co.
A dejeneur had been given at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, by the contractor to 150 ladies and gentlemen, when the following toasts were given:—“The Queen,” “Success to the Yarmouth and Norwich Railway,” “Prosperity to the City of Norwich and the Port of Yarmouth,” “The healths of the Mayors of Norwich and Yarmouth,” “Mr. Peto” (by the Mayor of Norwich), “The Ladies,” (by Mr. Peto), after which they retired; “Mr. Stephenson and the Directors,” and “Mr. Grissel” (by John Penrice, Esq.)
On the same day a train made its first trip to Yarmouth, starting at twelve o’clock, and returning at 7 minutes to 4 o’clock, accomplishing the return journey between Yarmouth and Norwich in 42 minutes.
On 1st May the shareholders and friends of the Railway gave a dinner to the Directors, at the Victoria Hotel, the Mayor in the chair. C. J. Palmer, Esq., was vice-president, and there were also present Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., Adam Duff, Esq., H. Bolingbroke, Esq., R. Till, Esq. (treasurer), G. N. Tootal, Esq. (secretary), the Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich, J. Penrice, J. E. Lacon, Capt. Lacon, RN., E. H. L. Preston, W. H. Palmer, W. Johnson, W. Yetts, J. C. Smith, R. Hammond, W. Goldsmith, T. M. Nelson, E. Youell, I. O. Taylor, W. S. Ferrier, H. Fellows, S. Nightingale, C. Brown, and H. Aldred, Esqs.
May 11th.—A number of sailors had been thrown out of employment owing to a strike of pitmen in the North and other causes, and it was proposed that they should apply to the Guardians for temporary relief.
May 18th.—The Yarmouth Anti-Corn Law League had held a meeting at the Masonic Hall, Mr. D. A. Gourlay in the chair.
A meeting of the Gas Company had been held in London, when it was agreed to reduce the price of gas from 10s. to 8s. per 1000 cubic feet; (in 1840 the price had been 13s. 4d.,) the shareholders were then receiving 5 per cent. on their shares.
Mr. Nelson had stated to Mr. Lacon that he could not redeem his pledge to complete Kimberley Terrace.
Mr. T. C. Foreman (confectioner), had been assaulted by Mr. Bidden (surgeon).
May 25th.—Miss Pestall had received a telegraphic message to provide a dinner for the Railway Directors at five o’clock, which left Norwich at four o’clock on the same day, and the order was fulfilled in “the fine old carved room.”