Jan. 1st, the first local Parliament was opened by Governnor Cochrane. An Act passed the imperial Parliament restoring to Newfoundland her constitution of 1833, retaining, however, the qualifications under the amalgamated system. The colonial Building, or what we call The house of assembly, was opened for the first time. The form of government which Newfoundland possesses today was granted by the Imperial Government, and on May 22nd, Governor Darling opened the House of Assembly. Big demonstration held protesting against terms of Anglo-French Fishery Agreement Convention.
Delegates leave Newfoundland for Canada.
On July 21st, the Atlantic cable was successfully landed at Heart's Content by the steamship Great Eastern. Firts sod for railway construction turned, August 29th. First locomotive arrived Dec. 5th. On November 1st, the streets of St. John's were first lighted by electricity. The switches were manipulated at the headquarters of the Electric Light Co. by Anna and Emma Pooke, daughters of Mr. T. S. Pooke, manager.