Metropolitian: Instruction.

Brethren . Bro . Latham was W . M ., with Bros . Fells S . W ., Metcalf-Baillie J . W ., Goodchild S . D ., Done J . D ., Carr I . G ., Pitt Secretary and Preceptor . The first and second degrees were rehearsed with great care and much feeling , Bro . Gask , of the firm of R . and J . Beck , Cornhill , being the

candidate in tho first case . The meeting was eventually closed with good wishes , and some of the visitors intimating their desire to join the Lodge . The membership is now very large , and it is expected the ballot for a Life Governorship of one of tho Masonic Charities will take place in a week or two .

ISRAEL LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 205 . Presentation to Brother B . Da Costa P . M . Preceptor . ON Wednesday , 21 st ult ., about eighty Brethren assembled at the Israel Lodge of Instruction , to witness the presentation to the Preceptor . The chair was occupied by Bro . Joseph Trenner W . M . of the Lodge of Israel ,

No . 205 , and among those present were Bros . H . J . Phillips P . M . Sec . 205 , H . S . Harris P . M . 205 , D . Moss P . M ., & c , & c , B . Stuart P . M ., M . Da Costa P . M ., M . Corper W . M . 1349 , L . A . DaCosta P . M ., S . E . Crabb , Friend , P . Myers , Goulson , Davis , Stratford , Zelton , Nanson , Hart , Oxley P . M ., Nash , Fox P . M ., T . Scott P . M ., Durrell , Gordon , G . Harris , & c , & o .

The Chairman opened the proceedings by expressing the honour he felt at being present on behalf of the Mother Lodge , and he asked them to believe his assurance that the Lodge of Israel felt proud of the fact that Bro . Da Costa was the Preceptor of their Lodge of Instruction . He then called on Bro . Moss P . M . to make the presentation .

Bro . Moss was received with applause when he rose to discharge his delicate task . His opening remarks referred to his absence in South Africa , and the pleasure he felt in being with them that night to present their Preceptor with the beautiful testimonial the members had so generously provided . No recognition could have been more richly deserved , and even then , with all they had done , could they adequately repay Bro . Da Costa for

the time and patience he had devoted to their Masonic education ? He complained that Grand Lodge made no effort to recognise the splendid work of the Preceptors in various parts of the metropolis . Never was a collar conferred upon them , although the honour thus given would be most highly valued . It was the Preceptors who drew together the Brethren who attended

Lodges of Instruction , and through their instrumentality large sums were collected for the Charities . He , representing the Friars Lodge , No . 1349 , was enabled to take to one Institution the sum of £ 600 . To his friend Bro . Da Costa he would say he might be proud of the gift which he had the pleasure to , hand bim , for no one more richly deserved it than he .

The gift consisted of a silver salver , punch bowl and ladle , and two goblets , weighing nearly 250 ounces ; an illuminated address on vellum , beautifully framed ; and a gold muff chain , bracelet and watch for Mrs . Da Costa . The inscription on the salver was as follows :

Israel Lodge of Instruction , No . 205 . "'¦ - Presented to Bno . B . DA COSTA P . M . 1349 , on February 21 st , 1900 , by the Brethren of the Israel Lodge of Instruction , . ' as a token of their appreciation of his valued services as their Preceptor . On the vellum the following was engrossed by Bro . Badkin :

Israel Lodge of Instruction , No . 205 . Held at the Rising Sur , Globe Road , E . This testimonial , together with n , service of silver , was presented by Bro . D . Moss P . M . P . D . G . S . B . S . A . R ., on behalf of the above Lodge of Instruction , on Wednesday , February 21 st , 1900 , to

Bro . B . DA COSTA P . M . in appreciation of the inestimable services he has rendered is their Preceptor , and in grateful recognition of the ability , tact and judgment with which he has always guided them . Knowing that the success of the Lodge is mainly due to his unfailing kindness and courtesy the Brethren nre desirous of expressing the earnest hope that he may be with them for very many years , in health and in happiness , to continue his good work . Signed on behalf of the Brethren ,

D . Moss P . M ., & c . Chairman . A . E . CRABB Vicc-Cbairman . I . GOTJLSTON Treasurer . H . HARBIS Hon . Secretary . Bro . Moss added his best wishes to Mrs . Da Costa , and trusted she would always be reminded by the presents they were sending her of the esteem in which her husband was held .

Bro . Stratford at this moment very gracefully presented a framed certificate from the Victoria Park Hospital , recording the fact that that night Mr . and Mrs . B . Da Costa had been elected Life Governors of the Institution . Bro . Da Costa , upon attempting to speak met with an ovation which lasted some minutes . When his emotion had somewhat subsided he in a few chosen words thanked the Brethren , but it was evident that bis feelings were too poignant , and the hearty cheers told how much he was appreciated .

Votes of thanks were proposed by Bros . H . J . Phillips and H . S . Harris to the Chairman , Vice-Chairman , Treasurer and Hon . Secretary , which were ably responded to . Refreshments were provided , and a smoking r-oncert followed , the artists being Bros . Clifford , P . Bell , Morris Abrahams , M . Goodman , A . Smiley , and Messrs . Goodwin and Morgan .

During the proceedings the Chairman asked the Brethren to drink to the health of their Brethren in Ladysmith , and expressed the hope they would soon be relieved . This caused immense enthusiasm , and lent a key note to the proceedings , which ended by the singing of patriotic songs ; and those who were Brothers before renewed their bond by linking hands and singing , with " heart and voice , " Auld Lang Syne .

ALEXANDRA PALACE LODGE , No . 1541 . ON Saturday , at the commodious rooms of Bro . 0 . Sisman , the Station Hotel , Camberwell New Road , S . E ., Bios . M . McVey W . M . 1310 W . M ., H . Randall S . W ., W . Willsbire J . W ., W . S . Whitaker P . M . Prec , C . L . Plant

P . M . Dep . Prec , J . Hooper P . M . Tress ., C . Johnson Sec , R . B Hopkins ( the King of Silver Bells ) S . D ., B . F . Maegregor J . D .. F . W . Trotter I . G ., J . S . Ross Steward ; Past Masters Beecroft , R . Taylor , H . Comfort ; Bros . J . Wynrhan , and others . The ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . J . Hooper acting as

Metropolitian: Instruction.

candidate . The Lodge was resumed to the first degree , and Bro . Plant workfd the fifth section , whilst Bros . Comfort and Whitaker worked the sixth , and seventh . The Auditors' report was brought forward , and adopted , Bro . Comfort

complimenting the Secretary on the able manner in which the accounts had been kept . As one of the Auditors ho was pleased to say the Lodge was in a flourishing condition . A vote of thanks was passed to the Auditors , and Bro . Comfort , on behalf ' of himself and the other Brethren , acknowledged the compliment .

Bro . Johnson proposed that Bro . Whitaker be re-elected Preceptor of the Lodge , as it would be very difficult to find a better one ; Bros . Comfort and Hooper supported the proposition , which was carried unanimously . Bro . Whitaker thanked the Brethren for having re-elected him . Other Masonic duties prevented him being regularly at his post , but if Bro . Plant their Deputy Preceptor would support him he would be pleased to retain the office . Other appointments were : Bros . Plant P . M . as Deputy Preceptor , J . Hooper as Treasurer , and 0 . Johnson as Secretary—all being re-elected .

Bro . McVey W . M . strongly advised the Brethren to attend more regularly , otherwise they would go backwards instead of forward , with their Masoniq work .

PERSEVERANCE LODGE , No . 1743 . ON Monday , at the commodious rooms of Bro . H . J . Cathie , the Brown Bear , Aldersgate Street ( facing the Metropolitan Railway Station ) , Bro . Thomas Humphreys P . M . Preceptor as W . M ., O . Patton S . W . R . Perry . J . W ., G . Daunton P . M . Sec , G . A . Andrews S . D ., J . A . Campbell J . D ., R . Maiiwell I . G ., George Herbert Burns W . M . 1687 , A . Herbert Burns , T . Bolton P . M ., J . Wynman , & c .

The Lodge was opened in the three degrees and resumed to the second , when the W . M . rehearsed the ceremony of installation , Bro . G . Herbert Burns being presented as W . M .-elect . He invested the Officers , and Bro . T . Humphreys delivered the three addresses , in a manner which was highly

appreciated by the Brethren . The W . M . afterwards rehearsed the ceremony of raising , Bro . Campbell acting as candidate . The Lodge was resumed to the first degree , and the same Brother answered the questions , and was entrusted . Lodge was again opened in the second degree , and the ceremony of passing was rehearsed .

Bro . T . J . Bolton P . M . was elected a member , and Bro . 0 . Patton W . M . for Monday . We remind our Brethren that the Lodge meets every Monday , at 8 o ' clock , and that Brethren wishing to join will receive a hearty welcome .

LADIES NIGHT AT THE CITADEL LODGE , No . 1897 . THE sixth annual supper in connection with this Lodge was held in the Caledonian Salon , at the Holborn Restaurant , on Friday , 23 rd ult ., under the presidency of Bro . Fred Dunstan P . M . and Secretary 1326 P . A . G . D . C . Middx . Preceptor , supported by a large number of Ladies and Brethren , amongst whom we noticed the following : Mr * , and the Misses DunstanBro . and Mrs . Geo . Clark , Bro . and Mrs . U . B . Ladler , Bro . and

, Mrs . G . Earner , Bro . and Mrs . T . W . and the Misses Alderman , Bro . and Mrs . W . E . Jeanes , Bro . and Mrs . G . D . Eraser , Bro . and Mrs . Reed , Bro . and Mrs . Purle , Bro . and Mrs . W . Whiteside . Bro . and Mrs . Baron , Bro . and Mrs . Russell , Tiro , and Mrs . M . Strang , Bro . T . Feistel and the Misses G . and F . Feistel , Bro . A . Wyatt , Bro . J . Bartlett and Mrs . Dominey . Bro . Herbert , Mr . F . Willsmer and Miss Pink , Mr . Whiteside , Bro . and Mrs . Harry Willsmer ,

and others . The toast of the Queen was proposed by the Chairman . The Citadel Lodge of Instruction was given in a very able speech by Bro . U . B . Ladler , one of the most enthusiastic supporters and best of workers at the Instruction meetings . A brief response was given by Bro . Harry Willsmer Secretary and Treasurer .

The next toast , rightly styled the important one of the evening , the Ladies and Visitors , was proposed by Bro . Gordon Lamer in happily conceived terms . He humorously referred to a ' ¦ Lady" whom everyone had been thinking of and talking about lately—Ladysmith . Bro . Alf . Wyatt replied on behalf of the Ladies , and Bro . Geo . Eraser , of the London Scottish Rifles Lodge , for the Visitors . The Chairman was proposed by Bro . W . E . Jeanes , and was accorded a very hearty reception .

The Secretary was proposed by Bro . Geo . Clark P . M . ; and the ' -Artists " by the Secretary ; the latter being replied to by Bro . T . Feistel . During the evening the following Brethren and Lady friends entertained the company : the Misses G . and F . Feistel pianoforte duet " Poet and Peasant , " Song Mrs . W . Whiteside " Jeanette and Jeannot , " Violin Solo

" Mazur " by Miss F . Pink , song the " Cheed of Spain " Miss G . Dunstan . Bro . J . Bartlett contributed two solos on the Bassoon " Lucy Long" and " Charlie is my darling . " Bro . T . Feistel recited " A very fishy story , " and Bro . M . Strang told a touching little story entitled " Prince" ( a tale of the American War ) , Miss Gertrude Feistel acted as Accompanist .

During the evening a tastefully designed box of confectionery was presented to each Lady as a memento of the occasion . Bros . T . Feistel , G . Lamer , W . E . Jeanes ( Stewards ) , and H . Willsmer ( Secretary ) occupied the positions of Vice-Chairmen .

Mark Masonry.

MARK MASONRY .

ST . ANDREW LODGE , No . 34 . THE regular meeting took place at the Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , on Tuesday , 20 th ult ., Bro . John Lawrenson W . M . After the reading and confirmation of minutes , successful ballots wore taken for Bros . Samuel Kolly P . M . P . G . Std ., and Gersbou Gooby , Caledonian Lodge , No . 204 , the former as a re-joining member , and the latter for advancement into the degree of Mark Masonry .

Bro . Lawrenson afterwards installed Bro . James Green S . W . into the principal chair , assisted by Past Masters of the Lodge , this being followed by the investiture of Officers . A substantial banquet had been provided , to which , after Lodge business , the Brethren adjourned , a very pleasant evening being spent . Amoai : those present were Bros . George Hargreaves S . W ., Jno . Butterworth S . O ., J . W .

Stubbert J . O ., J . M . Veal P . M . P . P . G . D . Chaplain , A . K . Boothroyd P . M . P . P . G . Std . Treas ., Jno . Walker P . M . P . P . G . A . S . Sec , Col . Henry L . Rocca P . M . P . P . G . M . O . D . C ., Julius Laurisch P . M . P . G . Reg . M . Cbes ., G . A . Myers P . M ., J . M . Sinclair P . M . Visitors : A . H . Jefferis P . G . D . Eng . Dep . Prov . G . Master Lanes ., H . G . Small P . P . S . G . D ., J . Stanley Derbyshire P . G . D . C , W . Berry J . W . 189 , and others .