es and families of
the soldiers, as well as of the men of their regiments. The boys
educated in the regimental schools were easily provided for, but for the
training of the girls for useful occupations it had been advisable to
establish this Industrial Home in the neighbourhood of the barracks.
This was explained by General Higginson, commanding the brigade of
Guards in the Home district, and a report of the state of the
institution during the past year was read by Colonel Cockran, the
honorary secretary.

The Prince of Wales then distributed the prizes to the girls, in his
usual kindly manner. General Higginson, in the name of the brigade,
thanked their Royal Highnesses for the proof they had given of their
favour and good will. The Prince replied--

"General Higginson, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--The Princess begs me
to return her warmest thanks for the very kind words in which
you have expressed your thanks to her on behalf of the brigade
for taking part in the ceremony which we have just witnessed. I
know I am only expressing her views when I state that it has
given her sincere pleasure to be here, and that she shares with
me an interest in everything which concerns the brigade of
Guards. After what has fallen from you, General Higginson, and
after the reading of the report, there is little left for me to
say beyond congratulating those who founded this institution and
those who so ably maintain it, upon the highly satisfactory way
in which it is managed and upon the creditable manner in which,
as we know, every detail connected with its working is
conducted. We sincerely hope that those young ladies who have
to-day received prizes will go forth to pursue their avocations
in life with credit both to themselves and to the instruction
they have received in this institution. We trust that having
reached its 21st anniversary--the coming of age of the Guards'
Industrial Home--the institution will ever continue to flourish.
For my own part, I may say, General Higginson, that I think all
the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the
Household Brigade are aware of the deep feeling which I
entertain towards them, and that I have not forgotten my
association with them three-and-twenty years ago. That feeling
of kindliness towards them, and of interest in all that concerns
them, will continue to the day of my death.