Visit Of The Grand Master, H.R.H. The Prince Of Wales, To Portsmouth.

On Sunday , H . R . H . Bro . the M . W . Grand Master visited the Masonic Club , and was received by Bro . Alderman XV . D . King ( Chairman of Directors ) ' and Bro . E . S . Main , the energetic Secretary . No members of the Press were invited , hence no details have been given . On Monday morning Bro . H . R . H . intimated his desire to attend the Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar Lodge , and by desire thc Hon . Secretary , Bro . A . L . Emanuel , attended at Government House to receive instructions

from H . R . H . Circulars were issued calling the members together at 12 . 30 on Tuesday , and to appear in evening dress and white gloves . The Masonic Hall Hig hbury-street , Portsmouth , where the lodge hold its meetings , was profusely draped with red baize , and the walls in the hall were hung with shields bearing thc insignia of every office in the Province of Hampshire -md Isle of Wig ht . Over thc stairs , and facing the door , was the shield of thc lod ° "c surrounded with bannerettes , and a similar one stood over door of the ante-room leading into the lodge .

Soon after noon thc brethren commenced to assemble , as did also the band of the 2 nd Battalion Black Watch , which was stationed in . the banqueting-room . The members of the lodge just before the expected arrival ( 12 . 50 ) , lined the way from the door to the lodge room . At 1 . 15 p . m ., Bro . His Royal Highness arrived , and the band , under thc direction of Bro . Buck , played " God Save the Queen " and " God Bless the " . Prince of Wales . " At the door of the building the Most Worshi pful Grand

Master was received by XV . Bro . A . L . Emanuel , who introduced His Royal Highness to the acting W . M ., Bro . Townsend . The M . W . Grand Master then proceeded , accompanied by the acting W . M ., to the lodgeroom , followed by His Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar , with Bro . A . L . Emanuel , Bro . Col . Stanley Clarke , Equerry-in-Waiting to His Royal Hig hness , and Bro . Page , S . W . ; Bro . Lieut .-Col . Descharmes , French Military Attache , and Bro . Lord Carrington ; the whole of the brethren following , and forming on each side of the lodge-room .

The following officers of the lodge were then introduced to His Royal Highness by W . Bro . A . L . Emanuel : Bros . H . W . Townsend . acting WJd . ; Captain G . Haldane , acting I . P . M . ; Thomas Page , S . W . ; Lieut . Sackville H . Garden . R . N ., J . W . ; Rev . P . H . Good , M . A ., Chap . ; H .

Threadingham , Treas . ; J . R . Martyr , R . N ., S . D . ; Lieut . Southwell T . Bourke , R . N ., J . D . ; John Lind , P . M ., D . of C . ; J . McLeod , R . E ., I . G . ; John Winterbottom , Organist ; Sam P . Kni ght and H . Long , Stewards . His Royal Hig hness congratulated Bro . Page , who was introduced as the W . M . elect .

Champagne and biscuits having been handed to the M . W . Grand Master by the Stewards , Bros . Sa * m Knight and H . Long , and also to the other brethren , Bro . T OWNSEND said -. Most Worshipful Grand Master , Your Serene Highness , and Brethren , —In the absence of our Worshi pful Master , Lord Charles Beresford , it is my pleasing duty to ask you to drink " The

health of the Most Worshipful Grand Master , Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " who has kindly honoured us with his presence here to-day . It needs but few words from me to ensure a hearty reception to this toast . Scarcely twelve months have passed since the idea was first entertained of founding this lodge , and I think the promoters scarcely anticipated that in so short a time it would become , as it is now ,

the strongest lodge ill the province of Hampshire . I may say this is mainly due to the fact that His Royal Highness , Bro . the Prince of Wales , and his illustrious brothers , graciously honouring us b y becoming honorary members of the lodge . I ask you , brethren , without any further comment to drink most heartily " The health of the Most Worshi pful Grand Master the Prince of [ Wales . " ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Sylvester , a member of the lodge , sang " God Bless the Prince of Wales . "

H . R . H . Bro . the Princeof WALES , G . M ., in reply , said : Your Serene Hig hness and brethren , I thank you very much for the compliment you have paid me , and I assure you it has given me great pleasure to come here to seethe lodge of which I have heard so much through your Worshipful Master , Lord Charles Beresford . Il is also with pleasure I have heard and seen

what I have , and experienced your kind reception , and when writing to Bro . Lord Charles Beresford I shall certainly mention to him of to-day ' s proceedings . All I have to do now is to drink to " The Health of the Printe Edward of Saxe-Weimar Lodge , " coupled with it the name of your Worship ful Master , Bro . Lord Charles Beresford , whose absence you all , as much as I do , deeply regret to-day .

Bro . Captain HALDANE , acting I . P . M . : On the part of thc members of the Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar Lodge , I beg to return our most hearty thanks to His Royal Highness for the honour he has done us in coming to this lodge and proposing the toast he has done . Bro . T OWN-SEN ** : Most Worshipful Grand Master and brethren , I now ask you all to drink to " The Health of His Serene Hi ghness Prince Itdward of Saxe-Weimar . "

His Serene Highness Prince Edward of SAXE-WEIMAR said , in reply : Your Royal Highness , my lord , and gentlemen , 1 am greatly obliged to you for drinking to my health , and also for doing me the honour of calling the lodge after my name . I feel very much flattered at it ; and am very pleased indeed in coming here wilh His Royal Highness .

His Royal Highness desired Bro . A . L . Emanuel to thank Bro . S ylvester for the admirable manner in which he had sung " God Bless the Prince of Wales . " Bro . Colonel Hay ( Gordon Highlanders ) was introduced to His Royal Highness by the Equerry-in-Waiting .

His Royal Highness then retired , the organist playing a m-. rch and the band playing " God Bless the Prince of Wales . " On leaving thc lodgeroom His Royal Highness signed his name in the attendance book "Albert Kdward , G . M ., " as did also " Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar . " The following were the brethren present :

Bros . Sir Henry Drummond Wolff , G . C . M . G ., M . P . ; Simon Hyne , Col . J . C . Hay , J . Gieve , I " . Hyams , Major Brunker . D . A . A . G .,- G . Backler , W . M . ; Royston Pike , VV . C . Primmer , T . Tufnell , A . E . Elms , H . Lane , J . Fraser , W . A . Marshallsay , W . Maybour , ) . G . Livesay , C . J . E . Mumby , G . L . Green , Col . Bray , D . A . G . ; G . Lacy , G . M . Nefder , J . W . li Pillow , P . P . GO . ; and Edward Davies . Visitors : Bros . E . M . Wells , ioCy ; Captain VV . B . Goldsmith , R . N . ; R . A . Hancock , G . Reading , M . Emanuel , J . Simpson , H . P . Foster , T . O . Harding , J . D . Gieve , W . D . Parkhouse , and P . IL Emanuel ( Freemason ) .

[ l'R'OM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT . ] Our brethren of thc " mystic tie" who arc also members of England ' s " second line of defence , " and as such , took part in the review at Ports-¦ "iiou h , on Monday last , will remember with frequent recurrence of pleasurable sensations the magnificent reception accorded lo them b y the members of the Portsmouth lodges , and the brethren generally interested in the Freemasons' Hall and Club of that historical town . In the most liberal spirit the directors of Ihe club , through their indefatigable Secretary , Bro .

Visit Of The Grand Master, H.R.H. The Prince Of Wales, To Portsmouth.

E . S . Main , caused a circular to be sent to numerous lodges in the Metropolis and the provinces , inviting the brethren to avail" themselves of the conveniences of their admirabl y arranged building during Review week . This cordial advance on their part met with a ready response , and thc resources of the club were freely p laced at the disposal ot a considerable number of brethren .

A brief description of the Freemasons' Hall and Club will , doubtless , interest many betides those who had practical experience of its usefulness on the occasion referred to . "The Borough of Portsmouth FYceinasons' Hall and Club Company" was incorporated on the 17 th April , 18 79 , by thc following gentlemen , . who became its first Directors , viz . : Bros . Alderman W . D . King , J . P ., Chairman ; Geo . T . Cunningham , Vicc-Chairman ; Thomas

Good , George Wilkins , Henry Cawte , J . T . Craven , George Mason , C . G . Adames , Samuel R . Ellis , and Edward S . Main , Secretary . The nominal capital of the Company was X- ' jOoo , subsequently increased lo . £ 5000 , divided into shares of £ 5 each . The first portion of the entire building , the Club premises , was opened on the 16 th March , 1 SS 0 , and the remainder , the Hall and Lodge-rooms , in July of thc same year . At this time the following '

Masonic lodges hold their meetingsat the Hall , viz : Royal Sussex Lodge , 342 ; United Service Lodge , 1428 ; Landport Lodge , 1776 ; Duke of Connaught Lodge , 1834 ; the Unity Lodge of Improvement ; Royal Sussex Chapter , 342 ; United Service Chapter , 142 S ; the Phcenix Mark Lodge , 25 ; and a Conclave of thc Red Cross R . and C . A warrant for the Landport Chapter is about to bc granted .

The lodge and chapter room is a lofty and well-ventilated apartment , 60 feet long by 20 feel wide , elaborately filled and furnished for the purposes of Masonic working . It is certainl y the fineit lodge-room wc have yet had the opportunity ol visiting . The requisite ante-chambers and convenient adjuncts are on the same lloor , and all are situated apart from approach b y non-Masons . The banqueling-rocm , on ihe ground floor , is of similar dimensions to the lodge-room , and contiguous le the kitchens and servants '

offices . 1 he club premises in front comprise coffee room , dining room , large and luxuriously furnished reading room , council room for thc '' ' Chamber of Commerce , " billiard and card rooms , and retiring rooms . There are extensive and well-stocked cellars , occupying the entire basement area . The general arrangements of the building , and its perfect adaptability to all requirements of lodge and club associations , received much commendation from the numerous visitors ol the past week .

As an evidence of the spirit with which Freemasonry is worked in Portsmouth , the splendid decorations of the building , and the substantial and beautiful arch built across the wide road , in welcome of the M . W . Grand Master and volunteer Freemasons , may be taken . On the front of thc club premises a large transparency was affixed . lt was painted on a black ground and bore-the Masonic emblem ol the dove and olive branch , a

cornucopia , representing peace and plenty , eleven five-pointed stars , the sun , the world , Mercury and the crescent , moon , crown and jewels , Prince ol Wales' feathers , and the legends , " Success to Freemasonry , on which the sun never sets , " " Vivat Regina , " and " Ich Dien , " over the volunteer motto , " Defence , not Defiance . " This desi gn , at once chaste and very appropriate , was by Bro . W . E . Atkins , marine artist , of Portsmouth , and

attracted universal attention . So also did the Masonic composite arch , designed by Bro . George Rake , P . M ., the Borough Architect , and built by Bro . Lawrence , under the personal superintendence of Bro . Thos . Hall , of Lodge 804 , Borough Clerk of Works . Its situation beim- * at the entrance to tlie town from the Railway Station , caused it to be the most conspicuous of all the many decorations -, and it stood out in "real

contrast to other arches by reason of its double passages over the footways on either side ; the span of the principal arch being twenty-ei ght feet , and the total width sixty-two feet . On each facade of the centre arch waVthe motto " Love and Loyalty to our M . W . Grand Master , " and the pedestals and other portions of the structure were decorated with trophies of Ha" * s and Masonic emblems bearing the names of each of the eiht Portsmouth

g Lodges , and the whole was surmounted b y the Royal Standard and a large number of bannerettes , supplied b y B . Edinglon . We were informed that thc substantial character of this magnificent adornment is due to the possibility of its re-erection at no distant date . The whole of these decorations were illuminated at ni ght b y four brush electric lamps , the electrical arrangements being under the direction of Bro . William Lane of the 1 and .

port Lodge , and electrician to H . M . Dockyard . The volunteer Freemasons were evidently taken by surprise , and were loud in their expressions of delight and satisfaction with their brethren for evincing so liberal a spirit On the arrival of the M . W . Grand Master , on the evcnin . r f Saturday the lull band of the 42 nd Highlanders ( the Black Watch ) was stationed in front of the club premises and against the arch and for some time layed

, p selections of appropriate music , until the approach of the Grand Master who was enthusiastically welcomed as the strains of " God Bless the Prince of Wales " arose above the shouts of the assembled Freemasons . That our chief fully appreciated the welcome was made apparent by the visit he paid to the Hall and Club on the subsequent day . 'Ihis event was chieflbrought

y about by the exertions of the Chairman " of Directors ( Alderman W D King ) and their Secretary ( Bro . E . S . Main ) . A very brief notice of ' the intended visit was alone given , but it sufficed to bring together several earnest workers , who speedily made all necessary arrangements for the reception ot so distinguished a visitor .

At about 6 . 30 the arrival of the Grand Master was announced , and accompanied b y Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar , Lords Carrington and Bury , Col . S . M . Clarke , and Sir Albert C . Seymour , he was conducted to the lodge room by the Chairman and Vicc-Chairman of the Company accompanied by several of the Directors and the Secretary . After a brief inspection of the Masonic portion of the building , and an expression of

satisfaction with what had been pointed out to him , His Royal Hii > hnessand suite severally signed the attendance book and took their departure The following brethren were present during the reception , and simied thc visitors book : — ° Bros . Alderman W . D . King ( Chairman ); Geo . Cunningham ( Vice-Chairman ) 2-and

, , S . W . 1776 ; Geo . Mason , W . M . 1834 ; J . K . Ellis ; Thos . Good ; H . Cawte ; G . S . Main ( Secretary ); G Kake P . M . 4 S 7 ; R j O'Connor , P . G . S . W . ; James Stevens P . M . i 42 C ; S ^ Cornell-son , P . M . 144 , ; E . H . Steer , . 70 : G . H . N . Bridges , . 2 . 0 ; G Coop , 1 G 12 ; G . H . Dean ; J . W . Willmott ; 1 . G . Neven ; R . W . Bate , W . AL 4 S 7 ; G . P Arnold , P . M . 142 S ; G . Ellis ; 1 . Willingford : H . Trives : E . A . Wills . I P . M . ic H

Kimber ; G . Fetys ; J . M . l-oster ; W . E . Williams ; C . F . Browne ; li . Barnes : W . D Parkhouse ; J . Gicve ; H . Hill ; J . E . Buck ; F . Meredith ; C . Fowler ; C . B . Betterby j G . Dicke ; A . l-ield ; J . W . Gieve ; W . Nules ; W . E . Atkins ; W . P . Winter , jun K . J . 1 urney ; G . Izod ; l < . Benham ; J . Watson ; G . F . Gourd ; 11 . H . Unding ; G . C Porter ; J . W . Peters ; C . Fowler ; D . Whitehall ; J . Exell ; W . Limington ; W . Lane ; K S . Sanders , 342 j B . Newton , 177 G ; A . H . Hancox ; H . Adams ; A . Jones ; G . Reading ; A . Mckinley ; A . Earwicker ; G . J . Earney ; E . Earney ; G . Drake , 1776- T Cowling , I 770 ; . J . Arnold , W . M . 1 77 O ; Lieut . Probert , 121 O ; C . Prise , 121 O : and others