OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue XV, 8 October 1904, Page 22

OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

ilf NLVfVBE ELECriUC- RAILWAY. In the few spare moments of bis very busy days Bishop J.enihan has lately pot together a very ingenious miniature electric railway, of whieh we give a photograph taken at Bishop's House, J'onsonby. The ears are exact models of those in use in. America for passenger and freight traffic, and the line cou-ists of 90ft of track. The power is generated from a series of dry cells and bhiller batteries, and to allow these to recuperate, a lis-.nd dynamo, having a laminated tootled iron armature ami six section communtator is brought into use. This is capable ef giving from 1(1 to 20 volts ami one to two amperes on this circuit, but it will exceed this latter figure considerably on a short circuit. As the cars move on the track they light ii]> small incandescent lamps and ring electrical bells at various connecting points. Bishop Lenihan intends to lend this beautifully finished model to the Gisb.orne community for exhibition at the forthcoming Roman Catholic bazaar, and then give it to the Marist Brothers’ College, Auckland. so that the students may gain an insight into its working and learn something about the fascinating study of electricity. The fittings of the model were supplied to Bishop Lenihan by the, Carlisle ami Finch Company. Cincinnati, through. Messrs. E. Partridge ami Co., Auckland. THE CHILDREN’S HOME. AYRSTREET, PARNELL. A CHARITY DESERVING COLONIAL SCPf’tfRT.

Anything which will minister to the happiness, comfort and proper upbringing of such children who have been deprived of domestic attention and parental love arid solicitude cannot appeal to the responsible in vain. Many excellent institutions are doing capital work in oil parts of the colony, but none is more strenuous in endeavour, none more plucky under adverse circumstances, and none more useful, than the little home for waifs and strays conducted by Sister Cecil, Parnell, Auckland. Though conducted under the auspices of the Anglican Church, the Home receives, we understand, little or no direct aid from church funds, and may be ssid to be so far undenominational that, providing there is room, assistance is as freely offered to one creed as to another. No one can visit the Home, which is open to the inspection of those interested, without being struck by the really fine training of the children. 'The discipline is there; but so is the love;

anil the children are perfectly and completely and have a faith and respect for the Sister in charge which is as obvious as it is deep-seated and sincere; and which, therefore, to the child lover is altogether satisfying and beautiful. Jhe Home, which is spotlessly clean throughout, and conducted with rigorous economy, is completely without any regular or assured income, and has till now relied solely on voluntary contributions in money and in kind. The attention of Parliament is, however, being drawn to the justice of its claim for a share of public funds on the pound for pound basis, ami doubtless soon affairs will be set on a better basis in this respect. Jhit regular funds from the benevolent are urgently wanted. Huge charitable institutions in England, such as Dr. Barnado's Homes, have appealed for help here, and not. one is glad to say, in vain. But, after all, our first duty lies at. our own doors. And it may be said with confidence that here is an institution to which help may be freely ami trustingly devoted. Any sort of assistanc e is valued. No c

sort of assistance is valued. No eontriImtion. however small, is unworthy of gratitude ami cordial thanks. A sale of work to be opened by Airs Neligan (wife of the Anglican Bishop) takes place this week, and should be well patronised, and in the meantime, and afterwards, queries will be answered and donations acknowledged by Sister Cecil at the Home, or by Bishop . Neligan, of A u<k land. THE MAKING GORGE BRIDGE, STRATH >RI). On page 3, we give some illustrations of the suspension bridge over the Makino Gorge, Slratford, which has just been completed. The bridge, which is on the Stanley-road, spans a gully nearly 100 ft deep. This has hitherto been traversed by means of a iradte and wire rope, a very primitive means of conveyance, that was tot illy inadequate for the of the district. The substitution of a substantial viaduct that carries wheeled traffic is an improvement greatly appreciated by the settlers. The structure was erected by the firm of John Hurns and Co., Ltd., of Auckland, under the superintendence of Mr. J. IL Mackay, civil engineer, Stratford, and is a fine specimen of a steel wire suspension bridge.