take in all things related to the progress and
welfare of the kingdom, and more especially to the interest we
have taken in the subject of technical education; and I rejoice,
therefore, to find that I am able to come here to-day to lay the
foundation-stone of an institution which I trust will afford
material assistance in maintaining and advancing the industries
and commercial enterprise of your town. I have very much
gratification in complying with your request that I would accept
the honorary freedom of your borough, and I shall experience a
feeling of pride in signing my name as the first honorary
freeman of a town so loyal and prosperous, and that, I am
persuaded, has so great a future before it as Blackburn."

To another address by the Freemasons of Blackburn the Grand Master
expressed his sense of the compliment paid him by their words of
fraternal friendship, and gladly acceded to the wish that the first
stone of so important and useful an institution should be laid with
Masonic honours,--which was done accordingly.

The Mayoress of Blackburn then, on behalf of the ladies of Blackburn,
presented the Princess of Wales with a magnificent diamond brooch
representing Industry. Her Royal Highness said a few happy words in
acknowledgment. The Prince, it should have been mentioned, received the
roll of freedom enclosed in a very handsome gold casket. The Royal
visitors wore afterwards entertained at luncheon in the Town Hall, where
numerous guests were present. In responding to the loyal toasts the
Prince said:--

"You may be assured that we are not likely to forget our visit
to Blackburn. The cordial and enthusiastic manner in which you
have received us, the beautiful way in which your streets and
houses have been decorated, and the wonderful order that was
kept throughout will not be forgotten by us. It will afford me,
also, great gratification and pleasure to acquaint the Queen
with the loyalty which has been shown to the Princess and
myself, who are the first members of the Royal families of
England who have visited your borough. The objects we have had
in view in coming here are, we are sure, excellent ones; and we
rejoice that there has been afforded to us the opportunity of
laying the foundation-stone of an institution which is likely to
do so much good. As the Mayor has said, I do take a sincere
interest in al