Mark Masonry.

The brethren after the closing of the lodge sat down to an excellent banquet , presided over by the newly-installed W . M ., Bro . S . Peters . The usual Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured , and after a pleasant evening the brethren separated .

China.

China .

HONG-KONG , FEBRUARY ICTH . In my last epistle to your numerous readers I said we were to have a Masonic ball . That now is a thing of the past . It was three years ago when the Masons in this lovely spot welcomed their friends to a grand ball at the City Hall , and it was then pronounced by the press and public to have been the " most enjoyable assembly and magnificent spectacle that had been seen in this part of the

world . " Sir John Pope Hennessy was then Governor ol the colony , and whether it was that he was a Roman Catholic or not that he did not attend it is not known . In consequence of the absence of the now late D . G . M ., R . W . Bro . T . G . Linstead , the D . D . G . M ., R . W . Bro . C . P . Chater , officiated at that ball in his absence . In consequence of the illness of the D . G . M . and subsequent death , no general Masonic celebration has been held for two years . There

being no reason why the Masons should not meet -together , it was resolved to hold a ball , which took place on the 31 st ult . Invitations were issued most generously , and out of about 1000 visitors there , were over Soo present . The magnificent spectacle of 18 S 0 was certainly more than rivalled . The decorations were simply grand , and to give on paper a description of them is impossible to convey any adequate idea of the splendid scene .

The building is a very large place , and in front of it is a fountain ( presented to the colony by Bro . Dent ) and between this and the hall was a powerful argand gas burner which threw a brilliant litrht around for 30 or 40 yards the least . On the facade of the building was a gas eightpointed star . A porch was temporary erected at the entrance and was lined with decorative matting and hung with Japanese lanterns . The pillars in the entrance hall

were decorated with evergreens and festoons hung from one to the other . About 20 feet from the entrance is the grand staircase , at the foot of which on either side stood two Masonic gilt pillars supporting two spherical balls on which were delineated maps of tha terrestial globes respectively , and represented " B . and J . " Between this was a gas illumination of the square and compass and "G . " in the centre . At the landing- at the top of the grand staircase was the

W . M . ' s pedestal supporting the volume of the Sacred Law and cross swords upon it . Above this was a large mirror which reflected the whole scene below . On either side of this landing are two staircases on the walls were hanging some transparencies representing the four cardinal virtues , namely , temperance , fortitude , prudence , and justice . On the top of these staircases we came to a longgallery leading to the ball and drawing rooms . In the centre of this gallery the

W . M . ' s pedestal containing the perfect ashlar on a crimson velvet cushion , and above this hung a portrait of Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., in full Masonic clothing . At the head of the ball room was a very elaborately displayed trophy of Masonic jewels , tools , furniture , & c , of every degree . This of course attracted considerable attention From the unenlightened . All the globes throughout the buildintr had the square and compass painted on

them . The brackets on the walls were entirely covered with evergreens , and below these hung the banners used in the R . A . chapter . The doorways and windows were artistically draped with flags , and above each was a shield bearing a Masonic device , and the banners of the various lodges of the colony were conspicuously displayed about the room . In the drawing room were hung portraits of the R . W . Bro . T . G . Linstead , D . G . M . ; the late Wor . Bro . VV . T .

N . Mercer , Deputy G . M ., and others , including a steel engraving of the Hon . Mrs . Aldworth , of Masonic fame . The general eff-ct of all the decorations and rooms was one of beauty and brilliance . The theatre was utilised as in USJ fir the supper room . The stage was converted into a sylvan retreat , and was occupied by the D . G . M ., and deputy and principal guests , whilst the table was horseshoe shape , the inner space

occupied with plants . 1 he centre table in the pit was laid in the form of a square and compass , while on either side were tables in the shape of a plumb-rule , and one at the top in the form of a level . Above the proscenium was the square and compass and " G , " whilst the front of the dress circle was festooned with green . In the'dress circle were Japanese lanterns , bunting , and shields . I have eiven the best possible description of the decorations , but

those brethren who know the building can imagine the brilliancy of the whole affair . Soon after 9 . 30 his Excellency the Administrator , the Hon . W . H . Marsh , C . M . G ., Mrs . Marsh , and other distinguished guests commenced to arrive , being met by the District Grand Master , R . W . Bro . C . P . Chater , and , the Deputy District Grand Master , V . W . Bro . VV . S . Adams , while the Knights Templar in their full robes constituted a

guard of honour , and with their swords formed an arch of steel , under which the guests passed , whilst on either side of the staircases were lined by Grand Lodge Officers and Past Masters , Worshipful Masters , and Master Masons all in full regalia . At the top of the grand staircase were two beel-eaters and two trumpeters announcing the arrival of the company by a blast on their trumpets , and beside these were stationed two young page boys distributing

programmes . The District Grand Master opened the ball with Mrs . Marsh and his Excellency the Administrator with Mrs . Adams . The music was supplied by the bands of the Buffs Regiment and the French flagship La Victorieuse , which played alternately 21 dances . Ihescene as the company passed from the ball room to the supper room was none the less brilliant than that at the opening . The Rosicrucians formed the guard of honour to the distinguished guests .

At the supper table the toasts of '' The Queen and Craft , " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . " "All Poor and Distressed Brethren" were drunk with the usual Masonic ' honours . The last dance was over by three o'clock , but the brethren and lriends remained for some time longer , and the D . G . M . was shouldered to his seat at the supper

table where his health and those of the committee were drunk . On the whole the Masons of Hong-Kong may be congratulated upon the success of the ball . A large number of influential brethren officiated as Stewards . In my next letter 1 will give you a description of the Freemasons' Hall , which is a fine building used exclusively by us Masons .

Testimonial To R.W. Bro. William Kingston, Dist. G.M. Of Malta .

TESTIMONIAL TO R . W . BRO . WILLIAM KINGSTON , DIST . G . M . OF MALTA .

Bro . William Kingston , as our readers must be aware , is a most able and estimable member of the Craft ; 11 is now 2 C years since he was initiated into our mysteries , and for the latter moiety of that period lie has held the high and responsible post of District Grand Master of Malta . He is

also the V . E . Provincial Prior of the Mediterranean m the Order of the Temple , and Chief Intendant Generalof Malta and Tunis for the Order of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine , besides having taken the 30 in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite . That he must have possessed and exhibited unusual merit to have had such important officas conferred upon him admits of no question , nor is it

in any way surprising that merit of the character we have described should be recognised in some form or other more or less tangible . It is therefore with no ordinary degree of pleasure we announce that , at the meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Malta , which was to be held towards the close of this month , it was intended to present to Bro . Kingston a very handsome testimonial , which , however , will

be appreciated far more from the circumstances attending its presentation than foitheintrinsic value it possesses . This testimonial consists of a tea tray , kettle and stand , case of pearl-handled dessert knives and forks , liqueur frame , cruet frame , and sundry other articles , all manufactured in silver by the well-known firm of Mappin Brotheis and Co . We have had the opportunity of inspecting

the several articles , and can testify to the artistic skill and excellence of the workmanship , a skill and excellence which , in fact , consort well with the Masonic skill and excellence of the distinguished brother who , before these lines meet the eye of the reader , will have become possessed of so conclusive and emphatic an evidence of the esteem and respect of his fellow-craftsmen . Wc append the inscription on the

tray , an inscription which is as eloquent as it is brief : " Presented with other silver articles to R . W . Bro . William Kingston , 30 ° , D . G . M . Malta , Provincial Grand Prior of the Mediterranean , Intendant General Red Cross of Rome and Constantine , & c , & c , by the members of

the Craft in the District of Malta , as a mark of personal esteem and as a testimonial of their high appreciation of the zealous , courteous , and effective manner in which he has discharged the important duties of D . G . M . during the past 13 vears , and to commemorate his 26 th year of membership in the Craft . 1 SS 3 . "

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

Miss Hilda Hilton opens the Opera Coiniqne to-morrow ( Saturday ) night with "Bondage" adapted fiom the French . # tt $ " Iolnnthe" at the Savoy still draws immense audiences . Seats must be booked far in advance . We

notice the M . W . G . M . has been to see the pretty opera twice . Mr . Grusstnith , Miss Jessie Bond , Miss Leonora Braham , and Mr . Barrington are the centres of attraction . The music and scenery arc quite on a par with the other big successes of Mr . D Oyly Carte— "Patience , " "Pinafore , " and "TheSorcerer . "

«•* # Bros . Crowder and Payne are making the Canterbury pay , which no one has done before . They cater for the tastes of their audiences , and by continually changing their programme and introducing novelties and new personages keep up the popularity they have now made their own in Lambeth . Their latest Fairy Ballet is attracting just now crowded houses , and altogether they seem to have tapped a new vein and mean to maintain their own in that neighbourhood . tf

* « The Folies Dramatiques , lately the Novelty , opened on Thursday with " Ascot , " a farcical comedy , and " Les Cloches de Corneville "—a shortened version . We shall have something to say later on about this house in Great Oueen-street . In the meanwhile we may mention that a brother of an earl , who is a member of our fraternity

as well as a son of a baronet , a daughter of a clerical peer , and the wife of a colonel are amongst the company . Probably this alone will draw for a time , but without talent it could not last ; but wc know two of those we have mentioned possess qualifications necessary for the stage . Our only hope is that the theatre won't close again on account of failure .

* * * There can be but one verdict about the new comic opera at the Strand , produced on Saturday evening , and that is that its success is secured . "Cymbia" is composed by Florian Pascal , whose real name is Williams , a son of the well-known musical publisher . Mr . Harry Paulton is the author . It is difficult to know which deserves the greater compliment , therefore we leave it to

be shared between them . For the first few nig hts the whole of the seats were booked , and judging by Saturday night the audience seemed to have thought their money well spent . "Cymbia , or the Magic Thimble , " is a story taken from the mythical time of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table . We wish particularly to point out that this is a new and original opera , and not adapted from the French . The music is melodious , and

throughout the piece there is evidence that the composer is a skilled musician . Mr . Fitzgerald and his orchestra also bring their whole talents into play , the consequence of which is the opera goes along merrily . We thought in the opening chorus of the first act the brass instruments were a little too powerful , but this can easily be remedied , and when the whole company get more into swing and feel more at home the new production at the Strand will even

if that be possible , go easier than on a first night . The first and third acts seem to us the best , particularly the latter . A little cutting down in some places and an addition in others will probably be needed . In the opening scene we find bailiffs in possession of King Arthur ' s castle , but he has arranged to restore himself to wealth by marrying three of his sons to three princesses . Cymbia is a shepherdess possessed of a magic thimble , by which she is able to do anything she wishes . Cymbia appears on the scene ,

The Theatres.

and the old king is immediately captivated . Mr . Harry Paulton , as King Arthur , is very droll , and causes much fun by his expressing a wish to be younger , but " I mustn ' t think of it . " Through Cymbia the three sons , Burbas , Bleobber , and Redaine arc engaged to the three rich princesses Mcnda , Rhaader , and Penarra , but they also became enamoured of the shepherdess , and leave their intended brides , who are about to return to their homes

in disgust that there are to be no banners , no music , and no festivities on the marriage day , not knowing that the bailiffs have seized everything . The very robe the king wears has "lot 14 " pinned to it , but he is ignorant of it . Cymbia does not care in the least for the king or his three sons , but she loves a younger one—Carrow . She endows him with the skill of a sculptor , and he thereby displays much artistic merit .

a reference to the recent Belt case . Carrow is the sculptor of four statues , but so much in love is he that the four faces are made to represent the face of but one person , and that one Cymbia . To prevent her working harm in the house Carrow possesses himself of her thimble , but the shepherdess regains it and wields such influence over the old king that he becomes music mad and banishes his three sons because they cannot sinsr . Cymbia loses her thimble .

but finds that Prince Carrow is still constant to her In the third act she recovers it . Cymbia and the three princesses having strayed into a mystic glade , King Arthur comes that way and becomes the bond slave of 30 girls , but for propriety's sake is called their mother . He has to clean their shoes and in one the thimble is found ; he quietly puts it into the pocket of Cymbia , not knowim ; its value , when she immediately regains her power and all ends happily .

Of course the three princes marry the three princesses and Cymbia marries Prince Carrow . Bro . Henry Walsham , who plays the last-named character , sings in his usual tasteful style . Mr . Harry Paulton delivers himself of some of the drollest of his droll sayings ; his topical songs are of course equally good . On Mr . Paulton lies the burden of the piece , and without him it would not become popular , but with him it is a certain success . Madame Camille

D Arville , as Cymbia , makes her debut in London , indeed in England , under the most favoured circumstances . She is a native of Holland and has only been four months in this country and yet she speaks English perfectly . There is no broken-German nor broken-French discernible . Whoever is responsible for bringing her over here has shown much wisdom ; we predict for her . a long stay in England , and no doubt her name will soon , become known

by every one who frequents the theatre . Htr singing is clear and her words easy to catch . Her face is also p-e'ty , and we could not help noticing a strong likeness to atio' . hi r favourite at the Strand who played for some 3 cars , we mean Mi » s St . John . Her voice is a mezz ' -soprano , her high nous are the sweetest , but apart I ruin her singing she is a natural actress , graceful , pathelic , and Highly attractive . The great applause she obtained was ail

deserve J , while complimentary it was well earned . . Va Jame Vesalius , Princess Menda , also new to the English stage , was well received , but she is a long way remove ! fro n Madame D'A > yillc . Miss Vere Carew , Princess Rhaader , mu'it be .-pecially mentioned ; she l . as of-eu delighted Stiand audiences , but at no lime has ahe deserved her applause moie than in her new iharacti r . We hope we do not let cut too much of a stage secret when wc say she is a

daughter of Mrs . Swanbonugh ai . d of llro . Arthur Swanborough . Another of his daughters al-o plays in the opera , we believe for Ihe ~ lir , t trae . Miss Vere Carew is naturally , we shout 1 spy I ercditariiy , fitted for the stage , and we make li tie douut will always sustain the family name with great eciat . As an instance of her capacity we may say that a few months ago she took Mdlle . S a lvia's part in an opera—the principal—at a few

minutes notice w . thuut having been her under study . The ladies and gentlemen of the chorus should not escape notice , for they go a long w ; iy to' make up the success of this new and pr , lty opeia . We may here remark that there is not aiuuisu i-entence n . r suggestive phrase throughout . Cannot Mr . Williams and Mr . Paulton and other Englishmen compose and write operas and plays without going to France for them ? Our tastes are purer

and our authors seem to be so too . The gem of the opera is Carrow and Cynthia's duet , " Till thee I met . " " Is m . t this delightful ? " "Lost , the power to save us is gone , ' . ' are also very fine . Mr . Walsham was well encored in " Love at the helm , " Cymbia's ballad , " No more , no more , " is another favourite . It is almost needless to say that the principal characters were called belore the curtain after each act , as was the composer . Mr . Alias deserves the

highest credit for the lovely dresses he has made from Mr . Wilhelm's designs ; the scenery by Mr . Ryan should be carefully noted , as it adds to the pleasantness of the piece . Bros . Arthur and Edward Swanborough are to be complimented on their change of programme ; probably another will not be required for some time . Bro . Harry Hitcliens , their acting manager , may not while compliments are so

thickly flying about from all quarters come in for them ; but as a brother Mason we remember him , for it is he who set s to the comfort of the audience , and without him we should not fare well . We may add Bro . Edward Swanborough , P . M . Asaph Lodge , is S . W . of the new Strand Lodge , which sent up £ 150 to the recent Benevolent Institution Festival .

Births, Marriages, And Deaths.

Births , Marriages , and Deaths .

__ [ The charge is 2 s . 6 d . for announcements not exceeding Four Lines under this heading . ]

BIRTHS . PAICE . — : On . the 24 th inst ., at Home Glen , The Avenue , St . Margaret's , Twickenham , the wife of E . Paice of a son . STEVENS . —On the 27 th inst ., the wife of H . Stevens , Esq ., of a daughter .

MARRIAGE . FERRIS—STEVENS . —On the 24 th inst ., at Holy Trinity Church , Clapham , Thomas Al . Ferris , only son of Thomas Ferris , Esq ., of Walworth , to Ellen Laiiuia , second surviving daughter of Bro . James Steven .--, of Clapham .

DEATH . GLOSTER . —On the 17 th inst ., at his residence , 114 , Douglasstreet , Deptford , Bro . Henry Cluster , P . G . Steward Middx ., P . M . 1531 , and W . M . 132 C .