ning had been seasoned with
an amount of humour which rescued even those proposing the conventional
toasts from the imputation of being commonplace. "The Health of the
Architect," Mr. Smirke, concluded the proceedings; and the principal
portion of the company then adjourned to the drawing-room, where not
only was coffee served, but--strange novelty in such an
assemblage--cigars were introduced--an innovation which did not seem
unwelcome.

NEW GUILDHALL AND LAW COURTS, PLYMOUTH.

_August 13th, 1874._

The new Guildhall, Municipal Offices, and Law Courts at Plymouth were
opened by the Prince of Wales, on the 13th of August, 1874. On landing
at the Royal Victualling Yard, the Prince proceeded in a State carriage
for Plymouth. At the entrance to the borough he was received by the
Mayor and Corporation; the procession proceeding through dense crowds to
the Guildhall square, where the Prince was formally received as Lord
High Steward of the Borough, and presented with his rod of office. An
address having been read by the Recorder, the Prince made the following
reply:--

"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,--I rejoice at again being able to
renew my acquaintance with your ancient borough, and I return
you my grateful thanks for the expressions of goodwill which you
have paid me. The sentiments of loyalty conveyed in your
address are most gratifying proofs of the feelings which animate
the inhabitants of Plymouth towards Her Majesty the Queen and
the members of the Royal family. I have frequently visited your
borough, but never on so important an occasion as the present,
when a work of no ordinary magnitude has been completed. As High
Steward of the Borough, I cannot but take an especial interest
in all that relates to its welfare or adds to its embellishment,
and it gave me peculiar pleasure to accede to the request that
was made to me that I should open this magnificent building. In
conclusion, let me congratulate most heartily all those who have
been concerned in the undertaking on the success which has
attended their labours, and, connected as I am with your town, I
feel proud to think it has been the result of local genius,
perseverance, and energy."

An elegant silver key was then presented by the Mayor with which the
Prince opened the new Guildhall. A banquet followed, at which, in
response to the toast of the Prince and Princess of Wales, His Ro