The Eddy Railway Orphanage
[Or It seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time]


A pen and ink sketch of the proposed building, the joint work of Mr. W.H. Davidson and Mr. E.A. Lofts, of the Existing Lines Department

Commissioner Mr. E.M.G. Eddy, who died on 21 June, 1897

An Experiment in Child Welfare The following is a compilation of reports in the New South Wales Railway Budget of the attempt by the well-meaning staff to provide an orphanage for the children of deceased railway and tramway workers in that state.

     A large and specially representative meeting of railway and tramway employees was held in the Railway Institute on the 1st July, 1897, to consider the question of taking steps to perpetuate the memory of the late Chief Commissioner.
     The president of the institute (Mr. McLachlan) was voted to the chair, and before the business for the discussion of which the meeting was called was proceeded with the following motion was unanimously carried :- "That this meeting desires to express its keen sense of the loss sustained by the Railway Department of New South Wales. and the colony generally, by the untimely death of Mr. E. M. G. Eddy, the late Chief Commissioner, and to convey to Mrs. Eddy and family its profound sympathy with them in their deep affliction, and that the chairman of this meeting convey the foregoing resolution to Mrs. Eddy and family."
     The chairman briefly referred to the death of the late Chief Commissioner and to the fact of how deeply all the railway and tramway employees felt the loss of the late Mr. Eddy. Steps had, he said, been taken to perpetuate the late gentleman's memory by certain sections of the public, and it was for the railway men to say whether they would associate themselves with outside people, or whether their memorial, whatever it might be, should be earned out by distinctly railway and tramway employees. Several proposals had already been made, and amongst them it was recommended that the late Chief Commissioner's memory should be handed down by the erection of a Railway Orphanage, to educate and provide for the destitute children of railway men. (Applause.) It would, however, be for the railway men to decide what form their tribute should take. He had received many letters of apology for non-attendance, and all the writers expressed their sympathy with the object of the meeting. (Applause.)
     During a short discussion the proposal to erect an orphanage was warmly supported, and it was generally agreed that such a movement would recommend itself to the hearty sympathy and support of every railway and tramway employee in the colony.
     The chairman was invited to tell what he knew of railway orphanages in England.
     Mr. McLachlan said the Derby Orphanage had been a very great success, and had done much good. A start was made by looking after 12 children, and now the number which had passed through the institute was about 600. The income was about £7000, and it was found that the English public extended a liberal encouragement to the institute. The same thing would probably happen here, and the Railway Commissioners might be disposed to set apart a piece of land to help the movement. But perhaps that was a view which need not be taken at present. His idea was that they would start an orphanage with small beginnings, and that it would grow as years passed away. He did not think there would be any difficulty in getting quite enough money to start. (Applause). The Government might look upon the movement with sufficient approval to endow the orphanage. (Applause).
     After a little favorable consideration it was carried with unanimity that the late Mr Eddy's memory should be perpetuated by establishing a Railway Orphanage.
     During some discussion, which was of a more or less conversational character, a view was expressed and applauded that the general public should be invited, to regard the movement with approval, and to assist the railway men to bring about the object sought after.
     A representative committee of over 30 was appointed, with power to add to their number, and the chairman was authorised to communicate with any citizens' committees with a view of having all effort centred upon the proposal to establish a railway orphanage.
     At the conclusion of the meeting the committee met, and several preliminary matters were discussed.

     A meeting of associations favorable to the establishment of a memorial to perpetuate the memory of the late Mr. E. M. G. Eddy, Chief Commissioner for Railways, was held at the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. A. W. Meeks being in the chair. The associations represented included the Chamber of Commerce, the Woolbrokers' Association, the merchants of the city, the Millers' and Flour Merchants' Association; the Employers' Union, the Fat Stock Salesmen's Association, the merchants of Sussex-street, the Commercial Travellers' Association, the Stock-owners' Association, the Engineering Association, the Licensed Victuallers' Association, and the railway employees.
     Mr. Meeks, in opening the proceedings, said that it had been thought desirable that something should be done to perpetuate Mr. Eddy's memory and to mark their sense of the loss to the country through his death. He thought it would be a graceful act on the part of the people of New South Wales to show in some way their appreciation of Mr. Eddy's great services. Practically all the associations dealing with the public interests of the country were represented at the meeting, and it would be for them to decide what was to be done. The question was one that particularly concerned the railway employees, and he would ask Mr. McLachlan (Secretary to the Railways) to say something with regard to the matter.
     Mr. McLachlan said that, in order to bring about a discussion on the matter, he would move,- "That, in view of the great services of the late Mr. E. M. G. Eddy, Chief Commissioner for Railways, this meeting considers that some memorial should be raised to perpetuate his memory."
     Mr. H. S, Badgery seconded the motion, which was agreed to.
     Mr. McLachlan said that he had been requested to state what steps had been already taken in the matter. He might say that the question of a memorial was taken up at once by the railway employees, who, in view of the interest that the Chief Commissioner had always taken in them, thought it desirable that his memory should in some way be perpetuated. A representative meeting of all branches of the service was accordingly held at the Railway Institute a few days ago, and a number of proposals were considered. The scheme most favoured at that meeting was the establishment of an orphanage to provide for children of railway servants who had been left destitute through the untimely death of their parents. He had heard that a number of associations were in favour of a scholarship, but he wished to point out that this would not meet with the favour of the railway servants, who desired that the memorial, whilst perpetuating the memory of the late Chief Commissioner, should at the same time be something that the railway employees would appreciate. Nothing would have been more likely to have met with the wishes of the Chief Commissioner than the object he had mentioned, as Mr. Eddy had all along endeavoured to establish institutions that would be to the benefit of the railway employees - such as the provident fund that the Commissioners tried to introduce some years ago. Of course, the accommodation that such an institution would be able to provide would have to be measured by the subscriptions, but a similar institution in England, at Derby, which now did a great amount of good, had started with a very small beginning, and he thought that an orphanage, if started here, would grow up and be of perpetual benefit. (Hear, hear.) The railway servants felt, however, that they would not be strong enough to carry the project out by themselves, and as the various associations desired to perpetuate the memory of the Chief Commissioner in recognition of his great services, he would suggest that the matter should be taken up by the meeting in the form mentioned. (Hear, hear.)
     Mr Warden H. Graves and Alderman Rainford spoke in support of the proposal to establish an orphanage.
     During the course of a general discussion it was proposed that the railway employees should perpetuate Mr. Eddy's memory by the establishment of an orphanage as suggested, and that the public should subscribe to some other form of a memorial, such as a bust or a tablet.
     Mr. H. S. Badgery said he thought the best thing to do was to throw in their lot with the railway men and assist them to bring the proposed orphanage scheme to a successful issue. He moved, - "That the proposed memorial be in the form of an orphanage for the children of persons in railway employment." He thought that the matter was one that would commend itself to all, as it was a live object and would, he believed, better harmonise with the views which were held by Mr. Eddy in his lifetime than anything else. He thought that it would be the best memorial that could be established.
     Mr. S. A. Joseph seconded the motion and expressed his approval of the form which it was intended the memorial should take. It was best, he thought to act unitedly in the matter.
     Mr. J. F. Flockart suggested that power should be conferred upon the institution to relieve the widows of railway servants as well as children.
     Mr. McLachlan said there would be danger of trying at too much. The idea was that only children of railway employees should receive attention.
     The motion was then agreed to.
     On the motion of Mr. W. D. Cruickshank, supported by the chairman and others, it was agreed that the name of the institution should be "The Eddy Orphanage."
     Mr. Young and Mr. Cowper, representing the Railway Association, expressed their appreciation of the kindly feeling of the meeting towards the railway employees, and of the graceful memorial which it was proposed to establish in honor of the late Chief Commissioner. They stated that, in their opinion, the railway servants as a body would appreciate highly what was proposed to be done, as well as the kindly feeling of those interested in the movement.
     Messrs. McLachlan and Cowper were appointed hon. secretaries, and Messrs. S. A. Joseph and A. W. Meeks, hon. treasurers. A suggestion which had been made with regard to erecting a tablet or a bust in the Art Gallery, in order to meet the wishes of that section of the public who thought the scheme the best, was left in abeyance for further consideration by the committee.
     It was resolved that a representative from each of the associations present be appointed as an executive committee, with power to add to their number, the hon. secretaries and treasurers being ex officio members. It was also decided to interview all the associations not represented at the meeting, and to ask them to co-operate with the committee with the view of bringing the proposal to a successful issue. It was ordered that subscription lists should be at once opened.
     The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding.

     It is satisfactory to know, judging from the lists which have so far been published in the daily press, that a fairly liberal response is being made to the appeal for subscriptions to the Eddy Railway Orphanage, although it is confessed that the committee would like to see a more enthusiastic support and response from the railway staff.
     In a circular which the secretaries have issued it is pointed out that the public are responding liberally, and the staff are asked to recognise that a responsibility is cast upon them, not only of keeping pace with the outside subscriptions, but at the same time to do honor to the service and worthily recognise the splendid object which is in view.
     It may be said that it is an excellent one in many ways. It is one of the beet memorials that could be raised to the late Chief Commissioner - one that he himself would have been the first to have pushed forward, while it is an object that in itself is so meritorious, as it endeavors to provide for the support and care of poor and helpless children.
     The committee have touched a very strong note when they base their appeal to the men on the ground also of self interest, as the memorial itself is to be controlled by themselves, and is to be purely for the railway service. No one can discount the future, and it is, as a rule, amongst the first provisions of a prudent man, no matter how wealthy the individual, to take out a policy of insurance on his life. The Orphanage will be, in a sense, an insurance, but of a generous character, as it will strive to ensure the care and control of the children who may, through the misfortunes of their parents, be untimely left destitute.
     We have from time to time published particulars with regard to a similar institution in England, namely at Derby, and we will publish in a future issue extracts from the rules of that institution which will give an additional idea of how it is managed.
     While we exhibit a good deal of independence in our opinions and do not care to be tied down by precedents, no doubt, whatever committee is elected to control the local Orphanage - and the committee will be elected by the subscribers - they will be glad to be guided to some extent by the provisions which have been found to be successful in operation at Darby, where the home has in its control at present about 260 children, who are being cared for and suitably educated for the battle of life.
     There is another feature in connection with the Orphanage which has not yet been prominently noticed, but which it seems to us has strong merits to recommend its consideration, and that is that the institution will be a representative railway one. Unfortunately, we greatly lack cohesion in regard to nearly all our movements. It is true we have the Institute, which is a representative concern and is supported generally by all branches, but it is an exception. If we have a picnic, the Traffic men work separately from the Permanent way men, and the Permanent Way do not seem to care to meet at their annual festival their fellow employees from the Loco.; and it is even carried to such an extreme that the men in a single branch will divide themselves into two parties. Time was when all branches tried more to combine, with far happier results and with greater success in promoting what it is understood is one of the aims of the picnics, namely, to bring into good fellowship the different employees, separated as they are throughout the year by the nature of their services. Then we have Sick and Accident Societies, enveloped as they seem to be with dim mists of provident benefits; but here again the Traffic Branch strives to separate itself from the Permanent and the Permanent Way from the Locomotive Drivers, and the Locomotive Drivers from the rest of the staff, and so on ad infinitum.
     As it was pointed out in the circular issued in endeavouring to bring about an amalgamation of the Sick and Accident Societies - but which failed - we all believe in union, theoretically at any rate, and are prepared to hold it up as a beautiful principle; but when it comes to practical application we fail in every instance.
     There is now, however, an opportunity of making a start in unity with the Orphanage. It will not be confined to any one Branch, as children are not the sole prerogative of anyone, nor is misfortune confined to any one set of workers; therefore, the memorial which it is proposed to establish gives a practical opportunity of having a railway service institution which can be controlled in harmony by representatives of all branches, and its benefits divided amongst the helpless orphans of men who are engaged in the various callings that are found upon the railway.
     This view is one which it is hoped will commend itself to the staff, and that the recognition of the principle will lead to other schemes being brought forward, and bring about a more united service, so far, at any rate, as what may be termed social and domestic matters are concerned. Co operation in England in regard to these matters has done much to advance the interests of the artisan classes at home, and the railway employees here, constituting as they do the largest body of men in one service in the Southern world, should afford easy opportunities for such schemes to be worked up.
     Unfortunately, many things in the past have come in to prevent the fruition of co-operative schemes of a general character; but an opportunity is now afforded of starting a co-operative movement which should be the forerunner of others, ripe with the possibilities of great advantage to the Railway Service.

[By separate report]
     The Railway Committee that has the matter of collecting subscriptions etc. in hand for the Railway Orphanage, have been actively at work and have received a considerable number of subscription lists. In order to still further press on the movement they have issued a circular explanatory of the memorial and what is sought to be achieved, pointing out particularly that the object is one which is purely for the benefit of the railway staff, and as a matter of self interest they should therefore do their best to initiate it successfully.
     A complaint has been made by one of the members of Parliament that the posting of the circular referred to savored of coercion, but apparently he could not have been aware of the contents of the circular or of the object of the memorial, or he would never have attempted to make the charge.
     Several meetings have been held at country centres, notably Newcastle and Murrurundi, Mr. Kitchen occupying the chair at Newcastle, and Mr. Day, District Superintendent at Murrurundi. In both cases warm approval of the Railway Orphanage scheme was shown and motions carried to collect subscriptions.
     The committee at work obtaining subscriptions from the public have also met with very fair response, and the lists of subscriptions totalling the £1,514 18s. 0d. collected to date were given thereunder.

     The Memorial Orphanage has received satisfactory support and it is announced that the subscriptions to date amount to £2,250, about £1,000 of this sum representing the contributions from the department; £1,750 of the subscriptions has been placed at fixed deposit, so that it may be earning interest while details are being arranged, it being understood to be the intention of the committee to call a general meeting at an early date, so that the actual starting of the fund may be taken in hand.

     In this issue was published "a few of the pertinent rules in connection with the management of the Railway Servants' Orphanage at Derby".

     The Orphanage Scheme has received the promise of a most important contribution from the Government. On the 30th September a deputation consisting of Mr. Meeks (President Chamber of Commerce), Mr. S. A. Joseph, Mr. Deloitte, Mr. C. L. Cowper, Mr. Hall, and Mr. McLachlan, waited upon the Premier by appointment, and laid the claims of the Orphanage before him, stating that a sum of about £2,500 had been subscribed.
     In his remarks the Premier referred sympathetically to the services of the late Chief Commissioner and of the interest he himself took in the railway service. He was specially pleased to find that the railway employees had contributed over £1,000 towards the Memorial. That amount he reckoned was very liberal, considering that, as a rule, the emoluments received would not permit of large contributions. He could assure them that the matter had his warmest sympathy and he could safely say that the Government would, as requested, by the Committee, contribute pound for pound to the subscriptions.
     This will practically give the movement the sum of £5,000 with which to start operations. Since the lists have been published, some additional subscriptions have been received, amongst them £10 10s from Messrs. Baxter and Sadler; £10 from the Churchwardens of St. James; £5 5s. from Mr. Allen (Victoria) and £20 as a personal contribution from Mr. John M. Cook, London (Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son).

     The Committee regret that they are still unable to state definitely when the Orphanage can be actually taken up. A sum of £2,500 was subscribed, and the money is lying at interest in the bank. The Premier gave a favorable reply to the application of the Committee to augment the sum by a pound for pound contribution, but so far this has not been done, and it is understood it is waiting for the estimates. It can, of course, be understood that until the money is absolutely secured the Committee are unable to decide as to the buildings and arrangements that could beat be made.

     The Secretary of the Eddy Orphanage Fund has received the following letter from the Under Secretary for Finance and Trade:-
     "Referring to your letter of the 1st July last, I have the honor, and by direction of the Honorable the Premier and Colonial Treasurer, to inform you that provision is being made on the Estimates for the current financial year for a grant to the Eddy Orphanage at the rate of £1 for every £1 raised by private subscription."

     There exists, and it is fortunate it is so, a general feeling to do honor to a great and good man, and an expression of esteem is shown outwardly in the erection of some memorial that will perpetuate his memory. If the meritorious service has been in the army or the navy, it usually takes the form of a statue or monument; and although thousands of pounds may be spent in this form, the moral influence of the action is more apparent than any direct practical benefit. Many other forms of honoring the memory of departed great men have been adopted, most of them laudable and of value to humanity, but none are better than such practical schemes as the founding of homes for those destitute or physically incapable of assisting themselves; or in endowing hospitals for the relief of suffering humanity. The Holloway Hospital in London is an instance in this direction.
     With this in view, when it was thought desirable to perpetuate the memory of the late Mr. E. M. G. Eddy, an Orphanage, conducted upon the lines of the great Railway Orphanage in England, suggested itself as one of the best means of keeping alive the memory of a man whom all esteemed and delighted to honor.
     Railway work, although not more hazardous than many other occupations, is looked upon by the general public as a calling involving risk, and provision is made in many cases (especially in England) to relieve those who may lose a breadwinner.
     In New South Wales the Railway Commissioners always deal liberally with those who are injured in the course of their duty, and when a man is killed in the execution of his duty a compassionate allowance is granted.
     The decision to establish a Railway Orphanage in New South Wales was welcomed as a very happy one, and the public, as well as the railway servants, contributed largely to the scheme when subscriptions were invited, the Government subsequently doubling the amount raised, making a total sum available of £5,000. From what can be learned, however, the Committee appointed have a task before them which will tax their energies before the proposal is in practical working. It is understood the proposal at present favoured is to purchase or rent a building in which the children of employees who are left destitute and who, it is thought, might be left to face the cold charity of the world, could be brought up equally as well as if cared for in their own homes, and without the stigma which some people attach to Government institutions of a similar nature. As the children grow up they could receive a technical education, thus better fitting them to take part in the battle of life.
     To the ordinary mind this scheme seems both wise and practicable, but when reduced to the cold practical consideration of men who are not affected by any feeling of sentiment, many difficulties, that were unforeseen, present themselves. We are not surprised, therefore, to hear that the Committee is, in a sense, in a dilemma, and there is a hesitation on the part of some members to accept the responsibility of initiating such a scheme as founding and maintaining an institution which may not prove the success which was at first anticipated.
     It is only fair to point out that the conditions of life in Australia are different to what they are in the old world, where, as a rule, wages are very much below the local rates, and where it is more difficult to put aside money for bad times. In such countries the friendly assistance of a philanthropic institution, such as an Orphanage, is highly appreciated.
     The above, however, may be looked upon as the minor difference: the major may be looked for in the very different way that relief is afforded in Great Britain and Australia. In England private benevolence is more freely exercised and appreciated; here the State does so much for the helpless and indigent as to leave little to be desired.
     Under the local State regulations, if it can be proved that a mother is unable to support her offspring (the father being dead), instead of taking the children away and placing them in an institution under the care of a matron, it ordinarily looks upon the mother as the best matron that can be secured, and allows her to keep them, the Government contributing a weekly allowance for their support. This system of State assistance is found to work very well, and it is this fact that is likely to lead to a Railway Orphanage being, if established, a partial rather than a complete success.
     The amount available, while giving a substantial start, is not sufficient to endow and maintain an Orphanage. Such an institution must depend for its success on the support, the enthusiasm, and the financial help of the staff. It is stated that the employees are considering the matter purely from a practical point of view, and argue that they should not burden themselves with a scheme, no matter how deserving, when the Government would do the same thing at the expense of the general taxpayer.
     The question is one that requires to be resolutely faced and decided before the Government grant is claimed or expense incurred. We confess to a feeling that a little enthusiasm would be thrown into the matter, and the sentiment of comradeship would have led employees generally to not only consider but welcome a scheme that would have given them a direct interest in assisting the distressed children of a deceased employee. At the same time, we do not overlook the fact that the Government scheme has one merit, in that the relief is distributed to the widow, who may with this assistance retain the children in her own care. The English precedent of a Railway Orphanage, however, is so marked in its excellent results that we strongly favour the adoption of the same principle here. The question, however, is not worth taking up if there is an absence of unanimity on the point, and we can only express the hope that something more than cold, selfish feeling will be allowed to dominate a matter that we should take up with pride.
     The question must be thoroughly thrashed out, and it is hoped that when the proposed rules come up for consideration before a full meeting of the subscribers, everyone who feels an interest in the scheme will come boldly forward and fully express his opinions, so that the difficulties may be thoroughly understood, and a wise decision arrived at.

     A meeting of the Committee appointed to arrange for drafting the rules and regulations of the Eddy Orphanage was held at the Railway Institute on Friday, 24th February. It was pointed out by the Secretary to the fund that the sum available for the Orphanage amounts to £5000. The rules and regulations had been drafted, and were now before the meeting for consideration. Upon being read to the meeting a number of difficulties which had hitherto not been thought of were brought under the notice of the Committee by various members, several of the rules being altered. Some of the members wished to alter the original plan of the fund, with a view to its being amalgamated with other funds at present being maintained, while on the other hand members strenuously fought for the original plan. In order to bring the matter to a crisis the following resolution was proposed by Mr. J. Kneeshaw, seconded by Mr. J. Reid:- "That the rules as passed be printed and circulated among the railway employees, and that a public meeting be held in about three weeks' time to consider the adoption of the rules and to start the Orphanage." Upon being put to the meeting this resolution was carried.
     The [public] meeting was to take place in the large hall of the Railway Institute on Friday, March 17.

     The proposed Rules and Regulations were published thereunder.

     A general meeting of subscribers in connection with the Eddy Railway Orphanage was held in the new hall of the Railway Institute, Devonshire-street; on Friday, 17th March. The President of the Railway Institute (Mr. H. McLachlan) occupied the chair, and there was a representative number of subscribers present.
     The Secretary pro tem had, in the circular convening the meeting, briefly recapitulated the steps that had been taken by the provisional committee towards bringing the scheme to a practical issue. The amount collected on behalf of the Orphanage was £2569, which was augmented by a grant from the Government of £2500. The Committee had since been engaged in drafting rules and regulations for carrying on the proposed Institution, and the present meeting was called for the purpose of submitting these Rules for the consideration and approval of the subscribers.
     The Chairman in putting the Rules before the meeting expressed satisfaction that the meeting was being held in the new hall of the Railway Institute, and that the first meeting held in the building should be for such a noble purpose as that of starting the Eddy Orphanage. He said that the members had been furnished with copies of the Rules and Regulations drawn up for the initiation of the Orphanage, and it is now their duty to take the necessary steps to put the matter on a proper footing.
     Mr. Kneeshaw said he had much pleasure in moving that the Rules and Regulations as prepared by the Committee appointed for the purpose be received.
     This was seconded and carried unanimously.
     The Chairman said that it would be noticed from the report that there was a sum of £5069 8s 6d in hand. It was not necessary to recapitulate the delay which had ensued since the starting of the fund. Immediately after the death of Mr. Eddy it was decided that some steps should be taken to raise a memorial. For this purpose a large sum was collected. The delay had been largely due to the necessity for obtaining Parliamentary sanction for the additional vote of £2500. It would have been unwise to have gone on with the scheme without knowing how they stood. Now that everything was settled it was necessary that some steps should be taken towards completing the matter. There had been some slight hesitation on the part of some of the employees who at first thought the scheme was in advance of the times, inasmuch as the Government already managed concerns which helped those who were in distress; but the committee had decided to stick to the original scheme by which they would be enabled to extend a helping hand to their own people. He instanced a case which had come under his observation where a guard was killed while in the execution of his duty, leaving a widow and several children. She tried to do her duty to these children, but unfortunately took ill and died, leaving five children behind her. That was one of the instances in which they should endeavor to help their fellow workmen. A scheme such as the one proposed would fit these children to face the stern battle for life. He took it that they did not wish the orphans of railway men to be left to the cold charity of the world, or of Government institutions, which, with all due respect to them, were by the necessities of the case compelled to be soulless in such matters. As a rule railway people had a very kindly feeling for those who had been associated with them in their daily callings, and by assisting in such an institution as this they would be able to show their sympathy in a practical way. The rules and regulations were before them for amendment or adoption.
     Mr. Kneeshaw proposed that the rules as printed be adopted. He took that course because they had been very carefully considered and revised by a large committee. A sub-committee had been appointed to frame a set of rules and regulations. They had carefully considered the rules made for governing similar institutions throughout the world, in addition to which they had received valuable assistance from Mr. Thomas Hall, Chief Accountant, who had been connected with an institution such as this in England. After the rules had been drafted by the sub-committee they were considered by the larger committee, which was a very representative gathering. Hereafter it might be found necessary to amend some of the rules, but he took it that they wanted at present to start the institution on a fair footing. If the rules were adopted as arranged at present and it was at any time found necessary to amend them the machinery was sufficiently ample to do so.
     Mr. Dark moved as an amendment that the rules be taken seriatim and discussed. He said there were rules included to which many of the workmen objected, therefore, without prejudice to the committee who labored to draw up the rules, it would be the fairest way to take them seriatim.
     Mr. E. B. Taylor said he hoped Mr. Kneeshaw's resolution would not preclude any amendment being adopted. If there was a strong objection to any of the rules it should be competent for any member to point it out, and submit the matter to a vote.
     Mr. T. Hall said he had much pleasure in seconding Mr. Kneeshaw's resolution. The rules had been very carefully considered by the committee, who had given much time and thought to the subject, and who had the best interests of the Orphanage at heart. He thought it would be better to give these rules a fair trial as an experiment, and as experience was gained, the amendments would come with much better grace. It would then be seen whether there would be any benefit to be gained by such amendments. There was no doubt that the rules as framed were calculated to strengthen the hands of the committee who would have the management of the Institution. It was impossible to expect unanimity of opinion with regard to some of the rules, but it was desirable that they should make a beginning with such an institution in the way suggested by the committee.
     Mr Moore thought it would be better to take the rules seriatim rather than adopt the resolution of Mr. Kneeshaw. He did not like the idea of shutting out discussion. He had looked through the rules and thought some of them should be amended.
     After further discussion the motion moved by Mr. Kneeshaw was carried.
     Mr. Dark asked the chairman to define the meaning of the word "destitute" as used in the rules. Was a child to be a pauper, or merely deprived of its parents? He also submitted that a child of the age of 12 years was in that peculiar state that it required the guardian care of some one. He could not understand why they were going to reject a child because it was under 4 years of age. Were they going to leave these children to the tender mercies of government institutions? He objected strongly to these qualifications, and hoped that the committee would reconsider the rules bearing on the ages.
     The chairman pointed out that the matter was not so bad as made out. Many children who were left orphans were really not destitute, because relatives would feel an obligation to take care of them. The age between 4 and 12 was fixed in accordance with the rules governing other institutions. The objection to taking younger children was that it would be too expensive, as it would involve a special staff of nurses, and it is well known that children over 12 could always be adopted, because they were useful to the adopter. If there was a case in which it would be wise to admit such cases the Board would have the power to do so. The rules were not so arbitrary, but that difficulty would be overcome.
     Someone here interjected that as the annual meeting would be held in July they could go on with the rules as put before them till that time.
     Mr. Parry said they all agreed with Mr. Dark if they had the wherewithal to carry it out. At present they had but limited funds. At present they must get the machinery to work, and if there were sufficient funds to extend the work it would be a very simple matter to alter the rules in the direction indicated.
     Mr. Eagles said he had told the men that the Institution must crawl before it could walk. There were difficulties, but they had been smoothed away. He hoped the rules would be given a chance, and if any alterations were to be made they could be brought in later on. It would always be found that there was dissatisfaction at the initiation of a fund like this, but he thought they should give the present rules a trial.
     Mr. Taylor said the Board was to consist of employees in the service. He had conversed with many in the service, and they were unanimous in approving of the rules as being most liberal, and they were constructed in such a way as to admit of amendment at any future time. He thought that, all things considered, they could not get a better code of rules. He did not say they were perfect, they even did not go so far as they would like, but they were as comprehensive and would do as much good as the funds available would permit. It depended upon the employees as to the amount of good to be done. If the men contributed to the fund the Board had the power of not only wiping out the limit of 4 years, but they could at once say that every child shall be admitted to the home.
     Mr. Moore pointed out some verbal alterations that were required in the rules, and with regard to the constitution of the Board he said he was looking forward to the time when benefactors would come forward and donate large sums to the fund. In that case some provision should be made to have them represented on the board. He thought that outside subscribers should be entitled to nominate one person on the board of management. He also thought the subscription was fixed too low.
     The Chairman said the matter of subscription was discussed fully, and in order to give everybody a chance to subscribe it was fixed at 1s., but that did not prevent anyone giving a pound or more if he thought fit. With regard to public subscriptions and outside representation the question had been raised, when the fund had been established as to whether the outside committee wanted a voice in the management. They said they were content to leave the matter in the hands of the employees. He took it that if they conducted the business properly the outside public would contribute. The invested funds would be in the hands of the Railway Commissioners who were stated as trustees.
     Mr. Kneeshaw, in reply, said he accepted the responsibility of replying to Mr. Dark's amendment. With regard to the term destitute many children were left by parents to whom the term destitute would not apply. It was a wide term and the matter might be left to the board of management. With regard to the ages of children to be admitted he might inform them that the large Orphanage in Derby (England) had fixed the limit at 7 years while we made it 4. The Committee thought that up to that time they could be looked after by other institutions after which they could be received at the Eddy Orphanage. He did not think any difficulty need be apprehended with reference to the older age as the Board had discretionary powers, and as the institution grew alterations could be made. As to the subscriptions propositions were made from 5s., to 3d., and it was fixed at 1s., because it was thought to be unwise to make it too high for those who could not afford to pay more. They had started the institution on as liberal a basis as possible, and as it grew it would be quite possible to amend the rules if found necessary. Mr. Moore took objection to outside subscribers having no vote, but this was a very small matter and could be rectified later on if thought advisable.
     Upon being put to the meeting the rules as proposed by the Committee were adopted.
     The election of officers to govern the institution was then proceeded with, the following being selected:-
     President: Mr. T. Hall (chief accountant). Vice-Presidents: Messrs. H. McLachlan and H. B. Howe. Hon. Treasurer: Mr. J. Parry. Hon. Secretary : Mr. E.B. Taylor. Committee: Messrs. J. Douglas, C. Paull, A. E. Blakey, H. Dark. W. M. Lackey, S. Young, J. Kneeshaw, J. Reid, T. P. Eagle, A. Percival, E. Silcocks, and T. F. Ryan.

     The first meeting of the Board of Management of the Orphanage was held in the Railway Institute on 28th March, when the President, Mr. Thos. Hall, Chief Accountant, took the chair, and nearly all the members were present. After dealing with several matters of details the question of the future home was discussed. After carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of either erecting a building or leasing premises it was resolved to get a rough plan and estimate prepared of a building suitable for the needs of the home at a cost of about £1,500. The question of site was also considered, and it was finally resolved to make inquiries concerning an eligible area and a suitable neighbourhood, the North Shore line finding the preference. A member of the Committee asked what views the Board held respecting a Convalescent Hospital, and it was elicited that the members viewed the establishment of such an institution with cordial sympathy, believing that such scheme as the Orphanage and the Convalescent Home might well be mutually helpful.
     As some time would necessarily elapse, whatever plans were ultimately decided upon, before the Home would be ready it was resolved to call for applications to enter the Orphanage, and to make temporary arrangement for the custody and maintenance of those accepted, so that when the Home was ready the inmates would also be prepared to occupy it without further delay.
     The desire of the Board was to push on with the work with all speed that no unnecessary delay might take place in extending the benefits of the Institution to those who were known to be already looking forward with anxiety to a settled future so far as their helpless youth was concerned.

     The Board of Management of above is desirous of learning particulars of orphans eligible and willing to enter the Institution. To this end applications are invited from those at present charged with their care and custody. A copy of the rules, showing all particulars regarding the eligibility of orphans and forms of application will be forwarded upon request addressed to
E. B. TAYLOR,
HON. SECRETARY,
Sydney Station

     The Board of Management has been busy selecting a site for the future home. A large number of offers of land and buildings were submitted, and after mature consideration it was decided to purchase an area of six acres at Thornleigh. This land faces the railway station and is bounded on all sides by streets. It is also well drained, elevated, and situated in a most healthy climate. Schools, churches, and the conveniences of a populous little village fairly handy to Sydney, served by city water, and in a manner under the eyes of the staff, renders the situation a very favourable one.
     The vendors of the land, the Haymarket Building Society, met the board in a very satisfactory way, and the board is satisfied that it has made a good and wise investment. The plans of the proposed building are in the hands of Mr. W. H. Davidson, and it is expected that the board will shortly be in a position to approve of a design which will then enable an early start to be made with the erection of the home.

     Notice of Annual General Meeting and Election of Committee, scheduled for 28th July, 1899.

     The first annual meeting of subscribers to the Orphanage was held, in accordance with the rules adopted by the general meeting of 17th March last, at the Railway Institute, on 28th July. There was a fair attendance, and the chair was taken by Mr. T. Hall, Chief Accountant.
     The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the Hon. Secretary, Mr. E. B. Taylor, and on the motion of Mr. Blakey, seconded by Mr. Howe, were confirmed, after which the first report of the board of management was read as follows:-

     The balance-sheet, which was then read, showed a very satisfactory state of the finances. The amounts taken over from the organising committee were:-Cash, £239 17s 9d; fixed deposits, £2,302 10s. Total, £2,542 7s 9d. To this had to be added a subsidy from the Government of £2,500, a donation of £10, and interest accrued, £15; total, £5,067 7s 9d. The disbursements were:- Printing and other expenses, £15 17s 6d; purchase of land, £360 - £375 17a 6d; by fixed deposits, £4,317 10s; cash in bank, £374 Os 3d. Total, £5,067 7s 9d.
     The chairman stated that they had heard the report and balance-sheet read. The committee were not hurrying forward, for the simple reason that there was no pressing necessity at the present time. The interest of the institution, however, had not been overlooked. Precaution had been taken to obtain the best plans possible; they were cautiously proceeding, and no doubt before they met on another occasion of the kind they would have a building erected that all members of the staff would be proud of. The committee had not been able to do more than had been read to them that night, but it was not their fault. They had been guided by the circumstances surrounding them, and he thought their policy of caution would lead to the best results for the institution. If they had any questions or remarks to make he would be glad to answer them; if not, perhaps someone would move that the report and balance-sheet be passed as read.
     No questions being asked, the report and balance-sheet, on the motion of Mr. Thomas Couper, seconded by Mr. Macarthy, were passed.
     The report of the election committee for the Board of Management was next read, the following gentlemen being declared elected:-President, Mr. T. Hall (Chief Accountant, Railways); vice-presidents, Messrs. H. McLachlan and H. B. Howe; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. Parry; hon. secretary, Mr. E. B. Taylor; committee, Messrs. J. Douglas, 0. Paull, A. E Blakey, H. Dark. W. M. Lackey, y. Young, J. Kneeshaw, J. Reid, T. P. Eagle, J. Pyman, E. Silcocks, and T. F. Ryan.
     Moved by Mr. Taylor, and seconded by Mr. Blakey, that the gentlemen named be duly elected. Carried unanimously.
     The chairman then asked if there was any other business the meeting wished to bring forward, and there being no response, Mr. McLachlan stated that he thought they need not prolong the meeting. As had been pointed out, the committee had to wait to get a bill through Parliament before they would have their full powers. He did not think there would be any difficulty in the matter, as the sympathy of members would be with them; but until they really got the bill through they could do no practical business. In the meantime, however, all detail could be prepared, so that no time would be lost when the necessary powers were obtained.
     The chairman thanked the audience for their attendance, and assured them that the committee were as anxious as they that everything should progress as quickly and safely as possible, and the meeting terminated.

     In connection with the orphanage, we are requested to print the following invitation to members of the staff who may have a knowledge of cases that should be brought under the notice of the Board of Management of the fund:-

     With a view of ascertaining accurately the fullest particulars, the Board of Management hereby invite applications by, or on behalf of such orphans as may be desirous of entering the Orphanage, whose late fathers were killed in the service.
     The Board also invite similar information concerning children whose late fathers were killed or who died while in the Service, but whose mothers are still living and are desirous their children should enter the Orphanage, when completed, in accordance with rule 2, which reads as follows:-

RULE II. - QUALIFICATIONS OF ORPHANS.

• That children of Railway and Tramway Employees only shall be entitled to the benefits of the Orphanage.
• The qualification of those entitled to admission shall be that they shall be destitute, fatherless and motherless, but the Board shall have power to admit fatherless children if accommodation and funds are available.
• No child shall be admitted who shall not previously have received the requisite certificate from the Hon. Medical Officers of the Institution.
• No child shall be admitted of an age younger than four (4) years, nor older than twelve (12) years, unless under special circumstances, to be decided by the Board.
• No more than two (2) children from one family shall be admitted to the privileges of the Orphanage.
• An orphan may be removed if no longer in need of assistance, or if the Medical Officer certifies that its continuance in the Orphanage is incompatible with the general welfare for the time being.

     The Board of management cordially invites the co-operation and assistance of the Staff generally in bringing this circular and the operations of the Orphanage before the notice of those qualified to benefit thereby. They feel sure that the spirit of former comradeship, as well as the desire to help such as may be left in distress, will induce all to take active steps to make known the benefits which the Eddy Orphanage is designed to afford.
     The management feel a difficulty in reaching those who in consequence of the death of the father have thereby lost connection with the Department, and they confidently appeal to any employees who may be aware of the present whereabouts of the families of deceased employees to assist them in their efforts.
     The Form of Application following should be filled up as fully as may be possible and may be forwarded to the undersigned before the 10th January, 1900.

     The work of organising this Institution has been retarded by several obstacles beyond the control of the Board, but while this has been the case it has not prevented the granting of relief in several instances on the understanding that the children will be handed over to the control of the Board when arrangements are completed to that end.
     Several very deserving cases have been so dealt with. The cases presented to the Board have appeared to be such that it was felt it would be preferable in the interests of the future of the Institution as well as consonant to the wishes of the subscribers to grant assistance in the way rather named than to wait until the erection of the buildings for which land has already been purchased at Thornleigh. In one case brought under notice there were seven children totally unprovided for, both parents being dead and the youngest three quite unable to help themselves. In this case the Board will agree to provide for the two youngest. In another case four young children were dependent upon their mother who had to go out to earn enough to provide for the family. Another family of six were left under similarly distressing circumstances. In both of these instances the Board has acted as in the cases mentioned above.
     It will thus be seen that the delay in erecting the Orphanage has not prevented the Board from carrying out in a limited degree the duties for which it was brought into existence.

     The usual monthly meeting of the Board was held on 2nd April and it was reported that the present arrangements were working satisfactorily, pending the erection of the Orphanage, and that the children were well looked after. Other cases were submitted, but further enquiries were to be made before a decision could be come to. It was determined to draw the attention of the [Railway's] staff to the work of the Board by references in the leading country newspapers.

     The regular monthly meeting of the Board was held on May 7th, at the Railway Institute where, after formal business, Mr. Darke reported a case of great distress, and submitted an application on behalf of two orphans who were desirous of being admitted to the institution.
     The Hon. Secretary was requested to make an enquiry into the facts of the case, and if the representations were substantiated then the Board would allow the sum of 5s. and 2s. 6d. respectively to the mother on condition that she would conform to the requirements of the Board and deliver the children into the Board's care as soon as the building was erected.
     Several members of the Board expressed the feelings of the staff at the delay in getting the building erected and ready to receive the children who were desirous of participating in the benefits of the institution. It was pointed out that the Board were unable to do anything but wait for the action of Parliament upon the "Bill," which it was believed was ready for submission.

     Notice was given (in accordance with rule 9) that the Annual General Meeting of the Subscribers to the Institution will be held in the Railway Institute on Monday, the 30th day of July, 1900, at 8 o'clock p.m.
     At the last meeting of the Board, the President stated that the Bill which is to be submitted Parliament had been completed, and copies would be made and sent to each member of the Board.
     Nine applications were submitted for consideration by the Board, of whom four were accepted, and five postponed for fuller particulars. These make a total of ten orphans under the care of the Board up to the present. Of these, six are located in Sydney, two at Wellington and two at Balmoral. The fathers, when in the service, were employed in the Loco. Shops. Traffic, and Per. Way Departments, so that the favors of the Board have been very fairly distributed through the Department.

      The annual meeting of the Eddy Railway Orphanage was held at the Railway Institute on July 30th. The Committee first transacted their usual monthly business, dealing with cases brought under notice for relief, &c., after which the business of the annual meeting was entered upon.

     The chairman in a few preliminary remarks stated that the board of management had been proceeding cautiously, and while they had not been able to erect the orphanage they had been able to afford relief to a number of widows of persons dying in the service, and this had been done with the understanding that when the orphanage was erected the children would be placed in the hands of the board. They would not, therefore, have to start with an empty house. The difficulty in the way of the board was that at present they had no legal power to take charge of the children, but a Bill had been prepared giving them power, and they hoped it would shortly come before Parliament, and, as they had the sympathy of the Government and Parliament, be passed. He was quite sure that when the orphanage was established and in working order, the staff would recognise that it was one of the noblest works undertaken in Australia, and it was the board's desire that the orphanage should become the federal orphanage of Australasia.
     Mr. McLachian moved that the report be taken as read and adopted. It set forth as simply and fully as could be wished what the board had done. They were at present marking time until they obtained the proper legal authority to take the charge of the children in hand, and he understood the chairman was arranging a deputation to wait upon the Premier with the view to trying to get the Bill passed on an early date. When that had been done they would soon go ahead.
     Mr. Charles Paull (Darling Harbour) seconded the resolution and the report was adopted.
     The balance sheet was next read by the hon. treasurer, Mr. Parry, who moved its adoption. It showed that the amount to the credit of the fund was £5108 13s. 5d.
     Mr. Kneeshaw seconded, and balance sheet was adopted.
     The report of the election committee was read, commending the re-election of the present 17 members of the board, and, on Mr. Taylor's resolution, was adopted. The board of management for the ensuing year will therefore be:- President, Mr. T. Hall, chief accountant, Railways; vice presidents, Messrs, H. McLachlan and H. B. Howe; hon. treasurer, Mr. E. B.Taylor; general committee, Messrs. J. Douglas, C. Paull, A. E. Blakey, H. Dark, W. M. Lackey, S. Young, J. Kneeshaw, J. Reid, T. P. Eagle, E. Pyman, E. Silcocks, and C. F. Ryan.
     Mr. Pyman drew attention to the small amount mentioned in the balance sheet as having been expended in general expenses, viz., £8 15s. 8d. Considering the work done, he thought this was small indeed, and great credit was due to the president, treasurer and secretary for the result achieved. He moved that a vote of thanks be accorded those gentlemen for their valuable services to the institution.
     This was seconded by Mr. Lackey, and carried unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.

     The Board of Management of this estimable benevolence continues to make steady progress in the good work before it. Pending the legislative authority necessary to give full scope to the aims of the Board, relief is being granted to the most pressing cases. At the meeting of the board on the 4th March, four more orphans were taken under its care, making a total of 18, and four were deferred as their needs were not so pressing as those accepted. The allowances granted in respect of these 18 children come to about £176 per year, or slightly more than the interest of the invested funds. The need for the "Home," which is to be built, has been pressed upon the attention of the Board by the desirability of placing some of the children amid more healthful and congenial surroundings; and, therefore, in their interests it is to be hoped an early commencement may be made with the erection of the orphanage.

     The usual monthly meeting of the Board was held on June 10th.
     Correspondence was read and dealt with. Several cases were further considered. Allowances were voted for the maintenance of the 19 orphans who are dependent upon the funds up to the present. The sum now expended exceeds slightly the amount of the interest derived from the invested funds, and confident hopes were expressed that the contributions of the staff would he cheerfully given when the importance and value of the help it was affording to the distressed were fully recognised.
     Notice was given (in accordance with rule 9) that the Annual General Meeting of the Subscribers to the Eddy Railway Orphanage will be held in the Railway Institute on Monday, July 29th, 1901, at 8 o'clock p.m.

     The third annual meeting of the Orphanage was held at the Railway Institute on 20th July, the president (Mr. Thomas Hall) occupied the chair.
     The hon. secretary (Mr. E. B. Taylor) submitted the annual report of the Board of Management for the year ended 30th June, 1901, which was as follows:-

     The hon. treasurer (Mr. J. Parry) submitted the annual balance sheet.
     The chairman stated there was hardly any necessity for him to offer any remarks upon the report and balance sheet submitted. The Board were doing a great amount of good at a minimum of expenditure. Personally, while he was desirous that the Orphanage should be built as early as possible, there was much to be said in favor of the action they had taken; they had gone on quietly and unostentatiously, and were doing excellent work. It was thought at first that they would not have any applications or orphans to look after, but it only needed the ice to be broken and then the applicants came forward; and certainly the more the Board knew of the cases the more they recognised the necessity for assistance. He was sure that as the Institution progressed they would find still more deserving cases. He did not believe in hurrying these matters; steady, determined progress was the best, and they could rest assured that progress would come with much greater force than had been the case up to the present. In conclusion, he trusted that every member of the Board, and all those interested in the movement, would do their best to make the Institution a success.
     Mr. Eagle moved that the whole of the members of the Board form a deputation to wait upon the Hon. the Premier, pointing out the necessity for getting the Bill giving legal sanction to the Board to incur the responsibility of management of the Orphanage, passed as early as possible. While some thought the present method of assistance was better for the children: he was not of the same opinion. He had been connected with the Board from its inception, and knew something of the hardships and disabilities incurred by some of the children they were looking after, and he thought when they were in possession of their own building and with a competent matron to look after the little ones, it would be a great boon to the children, and would at the same time keep them off the streets of the city and suburbs.
     Mr. Pyman stated that, while in favor of a deputation, he did not think it necessary for the whole Board to attend. Probably the presidents, vice-presidents, and secretary would be sufficient.
     The chairman stated it would have been better if the motion had stated that it would be desirable to ask the Railway Commissioners to introduce the deputation. He was sure they had the full sympathy of the Commissioners, and, with their support, their request would be more likely to be successful than it would otherwise.
     Mr. Eagle said he had much pleasure in adding that to the motion.
     Mr. E. B. Taylor seconded the motion, and thought it would be very much better if the whole Board attended.
     Mr. McLachlan also supported the motion, pointing out that if the whole Board attended they would be representative of practically all departments and all classes, and the motion was carried.
     The chairman moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the hon. secretary, Mr. Taylor, for the able and cheerful manner in which he conducted the business of the Orphanage. Mr. Parry also bore testimony to same effect, his own duties as treasurer being rendered comparatively light by reason of the manner in which the secretary performed his duties. The motion was carried by acclamation.
     Votes of thanks to the election committee and to the chairman (Mr. Thomas Hall) were passed, and the meeting adjourned.
     Following is the Board of Management elected for the current year, 1901-02:- President, Mr. Thomas Hall; vice-presidents, Messrs. H. McLachlan and H. B. Howe; treasurer, Mr. J. Parry; hon. secretary, Mr. E. B. Taylor; committee, Messrs. J. Douglas, C. Paull, J. Kneeshaw, A.E. Blakey, H. Dark, W.M. Lackey, S. Young, J Reid, T.P. Eagle, E. Pyman, E. Silcocks, and T.F. Ryan.

     On Friday, the 23rd August, 1901, the following members of the Board of Management of the Eddy Orphanage waited upon the Premier, the Hon. John See:- Messrs. Thomas Hall (President), H. McLachlan, H. B. Howe, E. B. Taylor (Hon. Secretary), J. Douglas, Chas. Paull, A. E. Blakey, H. Darke, S. Young. J. Reid, J. T. Eagle, E. Silcocks, and T. F. Ryan.
     Mr. Oliver, the Chief Railway Commissioner, introduced the Deputation, and briefly related the history of the movement to establish the Orphanage. He stated that the management was early faced by the fact that it had no legal authority to incur the responsibilities which would accrue from its work. A short Bill had been prepared which was intended to confer the required authority, and also permit the Railway Commissioners, in their corporate capacity to act as the Trustees. The Bill would provide a sound basis for future growth, and give assurance of continued existence. Mr. Hall stated that the Managing Board had purchased a very suitable piece of land at Thornleigh and were very anxious to proceed with the erection of the Home. At the present time the Board was granting assistance to nineteen orphans on the boarding-out system, but the experience gained had shown them that there were many cases where a home such as they desired to build was necessary to secure the greatest benefit to those concerned. He further believed that if the Board of Railway Commissioners were permitted to act as Trustees for the Orphanage it would inspire confidence in the subscribers, and give an assurance that the institution would be permanent, that those who came under its control would be carefully protected and fitted to become useful citizens. Mr. See replied that he was in complete sympathy with the aims of the deputation. The draft Bill which had been handed to him seemed to provide what was required. However, he would read it and would take the earliest opportunity of submitting it for the approval of Parliament. Mr. Hall, on behalf of the deputation, thanked the Minister.
     On the 29th August the first business that was transacted, when the Legislative Assembly met, was the delivery by the Honorable the Premier of the following message from His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor:

     From the foregoing it will be seen that no time is being lost by the Government in passing the Bill through Parliament, and it may be, perhaps, our pleasing duty to announce in our next issue that the measure has become law.

     The orphanage will be situated in a healthy and elevated position at Thornleigh, where an area of six acres has been secured, splendidly situated, adjacent to schools and churches. The building, which with furnishings, etc., is estimated to cost £3000, will afford accommodation for 32 orphans.
     The Board of Management have hitherto carried on practically upon the interest of their invested funds, but it is felt the time has now arrived, in view of the work accomplished, when an annual subscription should be taken from the staff, and it is intended to take up a subscription at an early date.

     The publication of the report of the annual meeting of this institution, together with the further publicity given by the issue and distribution of copies in circular form, has awakened considerable interest in its work; and, thinking a little more detailed information on several points would be acceptable to our readers, a representative of the BUDGET waited upon the honorary secretary of the Orphanage, Mr. E. B. Taylor, and in the course of a conversation gathered some interesting particulars.
     Questioned as to the number of orphans now under its care, Mr. Taylor stated that at the date of the annual report there were fourteen boys and five girls in their charge; another boy had since come under them, so that the total number being cared for was twenty, ranging in age from a little tot of four to eleven years of age.
     "What do you consider as constituting an orphan?" was the next query.
     "Strictly speaking, of course," said Mr. Taylor, "an orphan is a child both of whose parents are deceased; but, as a matter of fact, the number of such cases coming before the Board was found to be few, the chief distress being in families where the bread-winner had died from disease or lost his life in the service, and where the bringing-up of the family devolved, in consequence, upon the mother. This, the mother was frequently unable to do owing to ill-health or other circumstances, and the Board therefore determined in such cases that the death of the father should be constituted as rendering the children eligible for the assistance of the Orphanage, preference always being given to children who had lost both parents. The Board had also, collectively and individually, used their influence to better the prospects of the elder members of such families by endeavouring to obtain employment for them, both outside the service, and, where qualified and fit, within the service."
     "Between what ages do you propose to extend the benefits of the Orphanage?" was asked.
     "In accordance with the rules," was the reply, "the children must be between the ages of four and twelve. This minimum of four years is very necessary, because we cannot undertake the custody of babies."
     "You seem to be doing a considerable amount of work, even without the Orphanage building," interjected the representative.
     "Yes," said Mr. Taylor. "The Board, in the first instance, felt they would be justified in anticipating the erection of the home by granting assistance on a similar basis to that of the State Children's Relief Department, namely, by making the mother the guardian of the children, and granting her a certain sum weekly in respect of the age of the child, so far as the income from the invested monies would permit. These grants have been fixed at 5s. per week for each child, except in cases where two in the same family are obtaining relief, when the amount allowed is 7s. 6d. weekly. As a matter of fact, I say that the expenditure at present being incurred is greater than the interest on the invested funds. In anticipating the erection of the home in the way we have done, the Board considered they were carrying out the spirit and intentions of the contributors, and they have every confidence that the annual subscriptions it is proposed to take up from the staff will be liberally responded to. The funds in hand will be ample for the erection of the necessary buildings."
     "What means have you of knowing that the children are being properly cared for and that the funds are not being misapplied?"
     "As to that point," said Mr. Taylor, "the members of the Board make periodical inspections and satisfy themselves that the children are being properly cared for and that all the circumstances are bona fide A monthly certificate is also required and given in every instance, concerning the circumstances of the parent, so that we may know if the conditions have altered for the better or worse, and if they are still entitled to relief. We have been so far successful in placing the children that in only one instance is there a child who is not in the care of a parent or near relative."
     "When the home is erected do you anticipate any reluctance on the part of guardians to place the children there?"
     "We do not," was the reply; " because in every case now under our care the parent or guardian has made an agreement to hand the children over to us when we are in a position to receive them. The benefits to the children will be so apparent that we anticipate no difficulty in that direction."
     "One important point occurs to me," said the representative, "and that is as to the religious training of the children; how will that be arranged?"
     "That has been duly considered," was the reply. "Upon all application forms the religion of the children has been noted, as a record only for the present, as the children are now, of course, in charge of their parents or guardians; but the Orphanage will have churches and Sunday schools of all denominations in close contiguity, and when we take over the children they will attend the churches and schools of their particular denomination."
     "I fancy there is a feeling in the service that it would be better if you had the home erected and the children in your own charge," ventured the representative.
     "It is not our fault that it has not been erected before now," promptly replied Mr. Taylor; "but as you may be aware the Board at present has no legal power to conduct such an institution. A bill has been prepared and is now before Parliament, to confer upon the Board the necessary legal authority, and it would be unwise for us to expend the large sum of money that would be involved until all legal obligations had been complied with. As you know, the Railway Commissioners, with the Board, as a deputation, waited upon the Premier recently to ask that he would take steps to bring the Bill before the House at as early a date as possible. We received a very sympathetic reply, but I am a sorry to say that the Bill has not yet been dealt with by the House, owing to pressure of other business. We were very hopeful some weeks ago that it was coming on, and I attended at the House several nights in anticipation, so as to be able to give any information that might be required; but other and more contentious matters have taken up the time of Parliament, while this Bill, which would no doubt have commended itself to every member and passed without opposition, has had to stand over. The Board is most anxious to proceed with the work of erection as soon as possible. They know it will be to the great advantage of the children, as it has been brought vividly before them that in some instances the mothers, owing to their circumstances, had to reside in localities not always desirable, and they realise that the streets of a great city are not the best playgrounds for children. We are very anxious to get them in charge of a good matron in our own building at Thornleigh, in pure air and good surroundings; but until we get the necessary authority we cannot move further in the matter."
     "Can you give me any idea of the position held in the service by the late fathers of those now under you care?" asked the representative.
     "Yes," replied Mr. Taylor, consulting a return. "I find that they were pretty well distributed throughout the service, both town and country, railway and tramway. Of the twenty children now being cared for, two were the children of a carriage builder at Eveleigh; two of a loco. employee in the Western district; two of a shunter in the Metropolitan district; two of a ganger on the Southern line; two of a fettler on the Sydney tramways; one of a blacksmith in the tramways; two of a fireman in the locomotive department; two of an employee in the wagon shops, Eveleigh; two of a flagman on the deviation works, and one of a flagman, tramway department. That is the complete list. I would like to add that in the majority of cases the families where we have given relief were very large, and in one case numbering ten, one unfortunately being a cripple; but under our rules, as I have said, we are unable to take more than two children from one family."
     "Some distressing cases among them, no doubt?" queried the representative.
     "Very much so," was the reply. "In one instance the father, a tramway employee, died, leaving three boys. The eldest received assistance from the benefit societies within the department, and endeavoured to look after the two younger ones to the best of his abilities, but the hardness of his employment and his small wage threw him into ill-health, and he was ordered away to another colony. He was unable to go without some provision for his two brothers. One he managed to get placed in a situation, where his wages would keep him, but could do nothing for the younger boy, aged only nine, and under the circumstances applied to the Board. Arrangements were made with the friends of the lad, a married couple without children, to take charge of the boy, which they were content to do at the usual remuneration of 5s. per week. Again, in the case of the large family I mentioned just now, we took charge of two of the children, and also provided a crippled member with an instrument, which has been a great relief to the sufferer. I could cite other instances, but I think I have said enough to show that the Orphanage is already doing a splendid work, and that it has claims upon all branches of the service. We are confident that when we get established in our own home, with its wider sphere of usefulness, and the service realises the good work that is done, we shall not lack their liberal support."
     "Well, I hope you will soon have full power to go ahead," said our representative.
     "So do I, and so does every member of the Board," said Mr. Taylor, and the interview terminated.

     Satisfactory work has been done by the Board of Management in regard to the orphanage. At the last meeting it was reported that 23 children were assisted from the funds, and the support given has been found to be of marked benefit in many deserving and distressing cases. The Board, however, are unable to fully carry out the object of the fund owing to the want of a home, but as previously stated the erection of a building is delayed pending the Board of Management having full legal powers to act, which can only be secured by an act and this is awaiting Parliamentary sanction.
     Pleasing evidences are afforded from time to time of the interest taken by the staff in the Eddy Orphanage, a recent one coming under notice by the receipt of a cheque from the picnic committee of the employees between Orange and Bourke, who devoted their surplus funds to the Orphanage, this being the third similar donation during the year.

     At the last meeting of the Board of Management of the orphanage, the President, Mr. Hall, occupied the chair, and a good attendance of members were present.
     After correspondence and other preliminary business had been dealt with, consideration was given to six applications on behalf of children for assistance. In two cases both parents were dead. One child from each of these families was added to the list of those already dependent on the fund, making a total of twenty-three. The other cases were deferred, pending further particulars. In the cases of those orphans who have lost both parents some difficulty is experienced in making suitable provision for them, owing to the delay in erecting the Home, and a fervent hope was expressed that the "Bill," which has been so long pending, may become law during the next session of Parliament.
     A donation was received from Mr. F. J. Gunton, being payment for overtime, which he had donated to the funds of the Orphanage. Also the sum of £6.7s.10d. has been received from the committee of the employees' picnic, Dubbo to Bourke section, being the surplus from picnic funds. In both cases the secretary was requested to convey the thanks of the Board to the donors.
     It is a great pleasure to the Board to receive these strong proofs of appreciation from the staff, and evidences the value of the work done on behalf of the staff to aid those in distress. It also augurs well for the result of a collection when it is determined to make an appeal to augment the funds.

     Notice of Annual General Meeting and Election of Committee, scheduled for 28th July, 1902.

      Following is the Annual Report and was submitted to the Annual Meeting held on 5 August, 1902.

     It is again the duty of your Board of Management to present to you a report of their work during the past year.
     At the last Annual meeting it was an instruction to your Board to wait upon the Premier, the Hon. Sir John See, with the object of securing his aid in pushing forward the passage of the "Bill" for which the Institution has been so long waiting.
     The members of the Board were introduced to the Premier on August 23 by Mr. Oliver, the Chief Railway Commissioner, who courteously explained the scope and need of the proposed legislation. Sir John See expressed his cordial sympathy with the desires of the deputation, and promised to introduce the Bill at once. Leave was granted to introduce the bill a few days later, but the exigencies of political business prevented any further progress being made last session. The bill has now beep introduced and read a second time, and, no doubt, a few weeks hence it will become an act of Parliament, and thereby clothe the Board with the necessary legal power to carry on its great work in a manner calculated to give relief to those in distress, and satisfy the intentions of the thousands who so liberally subscribed the funds five years ago.
     Pending this authority it was not possible to take any steps towards the erection of the Home, for which plans have been so long prepared. Your Board has therefore continued to work upon the lines already laid down. At the opening of the present year there were nineteen children under the care of the Board. This number has been increased to 27 by the addition of four boys and four girls, involving a yearly charge to the funds of £286.
     A number of applications came before the Board which had to be declined or deferred because the children were outside the ages prescribed by the rules, or for other reasons. The invested funds have earned in interest £133 5s. 9d., while unsolicited donations and subscriptions during the year have amounted to £54 10s. 10d., against this the disbursements have been £220 5s. Expenses of management practically nil. With regard to taking up a subscription to augment the funds, your Board deemed it would be wiser to defer this course until the foundation stone of the Home could be laid, when a strong appeal could be made which would possibly result in raising the whole sum required for the building, and so leave the present funds free to extend the work of this great Railway Benevolence.
     The Board has had very gratifying evidence of the appreciation of the staff for the work already done by the receipt of the following donations to the funds:-
     Mr. L. F. T. Schuler, Hon. Secretary, Permanent Way Picnic Committee Surplus Funds, £30 1s. 6d.; Mr. E. Lloyd, Hon. Sec. Bathurst Permanent Way Locomotive and Traffic Picnic Committee Surplus Funds, £15.; Mr. H. Kirkly, Hon.-Secretary, Railway Picnic Section Orange to Bourke and branches Surplus Funds, £2 2s.; W. Drover Esq., Dubbo per favour of Mr. H. Kirkly 10s.; Mr. W. Robertson, Hon. Secretary Railway Picnic Committee No. 3 District South Surplus Funds, £6 7s. 10d.; Mr. F. J. Gunton, Darling Harbour 5s.; other small amounts 4s. 6d. Total amount £54 10s. 10d.
     Several offers from individual employees have been made of a proportion of their day's pay annually. To the donors as above the Board tenders its cordial thanks.
     The thanks of the Board are also due to the Premier, the Hon. Sir John See, the Hon. The Minister for Public Instruction, J. Perry, Esq., and the Board of Railway Commissioners for their sympathetic assistance in supporting the passage of the Bill in Parliament.
      The Financial Statement attached to the Annual Report shows the total Assets at £5051.3s.7d.. No Liabilities are disclosed.

     The annual meeting of the Eddy Railway Orphanage was held at the Railway Institute on 5th August, the President, Mr. Thomas Hall (Chief Accountant), occupying the chair.
     The secretary's report and balance sheet were taken as read and adopted.
     On the motion of Mr. H. McLachlan, it was decided that the present Board of Management remain in office for the ensuing year in the same positions as they held in the preceding year. The Board is constituted as follows:- President: Mr. T. Hall (Chief Accountant, Railways); Vice-Presidents: Messrs. H. McLachlan and H. B. Howe; Hon. Treasurer: Mr. J. Parry; Hon. Secretary: Mr. E. B. Taylor; Committee: Messrs. J. Douglas, C. Paull, A. E. Blakey, H. Dark, W. M. Lackey, S. Young, J. Kneeshaw, J. Reid, T. P. Eagle, E. Pyman, E. Silcocks, T. F. Ryan.
     On the motion of Mr. Howe, a cordial vote of thanks was also passed to the Election Committee.
     Mr. Douglas moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the secretary, Mr. E. B. Taylor, for his services during the past year and previously. This was warmly supported by the chairman and carried unanimously.
     Some little discussion as to the position of the Orphanage followed, and it was pointed out that the management was anxiously waiting the passing of the Enabling Bill through Parliament to give them the necessary power to erect a building of their own and get into full working order. Meanwhile very good work was being done and no less than 27 children were being assisted at the present time. It may be added that the Bill passed through the committee stage without amendment.

      The Eddy Railway Orphanage Bill passed its third reading in the Legislative Assembly on l7th September. In the discussion, the Bill was opposed by the member for Erskine (Mr. Hollis), on the ground that an insufficient amount had been subscribed, only £900 having been collected from 5,459 railway employees. He stated that every possible pressure had been brought to bear to collect this sum, and that altogether, including subscriptions from the public and the Government subsidy, only £5,000 were available, which would all be expended in building an institution. If only 27 children were accommodated - the number now being assisted - the cost at £30 per annum each would be £810, which would have to be raised from the employees every year. He quoted several authorities who objected to what was called the "barrack" system, that is, where a number of children are collected in a home, and strongly urged that the boarding out system was more suitable to our conditions. Several other members used somewhat similar arguments, while others spoke warmly in support of the measure, and on division the voting was 24 in favor of the third reading, 12 against, majority for the Bill, 12.
     Among the speakers who supported the Bill the member for Redfern, Mr. McGowen, in a well-reasoned speech, presented the matter in a very fair light from the employees' point of view, and we accordingly have pleasure in republishing the speech from Hansard:-
Mr. McGowen said:- The hon. member for Erskine Division made out a very good case on general lines in favor of the boarding-out system, but that is beside the question. A meeting was called of certain individuals, the railway employees, and at the first meeting, at which there were 500 present, there were representatives from all the various workshops. I am in touch with them, as I believe every hon. member will admit, but I have not heard a single complaint with regard to this proposal. I have attended many meetings of railway employees and I have never seen more than 500 present. That was a fairly representative meeting, and it was called without any undue influence being brought to bear upon the employees. I have worked among them for many years, and I know that if influence was sought to be exerted, they would resent it. They carried certain resolutions, and the principal one was that a memorial should be established to the memory of the late Chief Railway Commissioner, Mr, Eddy. Whether he was worthy of that has nothing to do with Parliament. They went further, and said that an orphanage should be established as a memorial. We, as a Parliament, have no right to say to them, "You should not establish an orphanage, which is a barrack system; you should adopt the boarding-out system." We are justified in saying that that representative meeting knew their own mind and knew what they wanted. Only railway employees were there, and they went there voluntarily. The next thing they did was to make a collection among themselves voluntarily. No influence was brought to bear upon them. If there had been I would have known of it. I know them too well to think that they would allow any influence to be brought to bear upon them. They subscribed £900, which was a very fair amount of money if there were only 500 present. They never subscribed £900 to the memorial to the late Mr. Charles Goodchap. After hearing the greater portion of the speech of the hon. member for Erskine Division, I feel convinced that Parliament must do one of two things:
     If Parliament decides that they will not allow an orphanage to be established, they must tell the railway employees to take back the sum of money they have collected for that specific purpose. Outside of the railway service, certain commercial gentlemen held a meeting, and they subscribed £1,657. They decided that they would subscribe this money to help the railway committee to establish an orphanage. I am asked why do they come to Parliament? They want power to establish this orphanage under trustees to have some hold over the funds, and I suppose over the officers. It is absolutely necessary that they should have this act passed. What right have we to refuse it? Are we to say to these people, "You do not know what is best for you? Your money, instead of being subscribed for an orphanage, should be subscribed for the boarding-out system." This money was subscribed primarily to perpetuate the memory of the late Mr. Eddy.
Mr. Hollis: By less than one-third of the service!
Mr. McGowen: They were the third who are interested, and they are asking for an orphanage. They are the people who voluntarily subscribed the money, and they are asking Parliament to give them power to carry out the object legally. There is nothing in the act to compel the railway service to contribute anything to this purpose. There is no power to levy sixpence on a single servant of the Railway Commissioners. We have no right to refuse to give this power to the committee. The hon. member for Erskine Division and the hon. member for Waverley were wide of the question in arguing against the barrack system and in favor of the boarding-out system. At the same time, I am willing to argue that question. Supposing I admit, for the sake of argument, that where the State is dealing with orphan children, and I have the honor to be a member of the board which deals with those children, the boarding-out system is better than the barrack system, still I am not prepared to admit that that is the best system in every case. The State, with its hundreds of children and with its army of inspectors, can board out the children successfully. As long as you give the children to good families, to kind foster-parents, it is all right; but you have to exercise the greatest care in finding out such people, and very often you are deceived. When you have found out these families, you want an army of inspectors. Even with all the funds at its disposal, the State cannot pay salaries to a sufficient number of inspectors, and we are compelled to depend upon the voluntary efforts of philanthropic ladies and gentlemen in every part of the State where these children are. Looking at it from a financial point of view, you can work the barrack system much cheaper and more efficaciously than you can board out twenty-seven children, for whom you would require to have twenty-seven inspectors. It is said that the State will be asked to subsidise this institution.
Mr. Jessep: There is no question about that!
Mr. McGowen: Are we being asked to do so now? Certainly not. As yet they have not asked anything from Parliament.
Mr. Hollis: They have got £2,500 already!
Mr. McGowen: That was to erect the building. The position I put before hon. members is this: If the trustees of this institution have only £1,000, they will deal with the orphans only to the extent that that amount will enable them to deal with them. But I know sufficient of the railway men to know that they would voluntarily raise a subscription for this institution the same as they have done in other cases. They are not asking Parliament to give them an annual grant of money. If they did, I do not suppose that even those hon. members who are raising this point to-night would object to it. I, for one, would not. But when they ask for it, it will be time enough to object to it. I really cannot see why Parliament should claim the right to reject this bill, because, in the opinion of Parliament, the boarding-out system is preferable to the barrack system. That is the position I put before hon. members, and on those and other grounds I shall give my warm support to the third reading of the bill.

     It will be remembered that the Eddy Railway Orphanage Bill, having passed the Legislative Assembly, was in the Legislative Council referred to a Select Committee. The committee duly sat, and as a result of their deliberations the following report was submitted, dated 12th November, 1902:-
     "The Select Committee of the Legislative Council, for whose consideration and report was referred, on the 5th October 1901, the Eddy Orphanage Bill, beg to report to your Honorable House as follows:-
     "That they have examined the witnesses, whose names appear in the list, and whose evidence will be found appended hereto. From the perusal of the Bill, and from the evidence adduced, it is evident to them that it is not proposed to take advantage of the boarding-out system but rather to erect a large and imposing building, and adopt what is known as the Barrack system, i.e., the herding of a large number of children under the one roof. This is in direct opposition to the experience of the age, which goes to prove that better results are obtained by boarding children out with their relatives or with other suitable persons. Your committee have, therefore, made certain amendments in this direction. Your committee also consider it their duty to point out that, in their opinion, the financial outlook of the Orphanage, as at present revealed by the evidence, is not so satisfactory as might be desired.
     "Your committee now beg to lay the Bill before your honorable House, with amendments, including amendments in the Preamble and Title."

     As the action taken would to a large extent defeat the objects the Orphanage Committee had in view, and as it moreover apparently throws a doubt upon the ability of the railway staff to conduct an institution of the kind proposed, it is quite probable that the matter will not now be further proceeded with.

      On July 17th, a special meeting of the present subscribers to the above fund was held in the Railway Institute. The meeting was convened by the Board of Management to consider the following recommendations:-

1. That, owing to the opposition and want of sympathy shown towards the proposed Eddy Orphanage, the original scheme be abandoned.
   
2. That the subsidy of £2,500 granted by the Government for a building be returned.
   
3. That the public subscribers who contributed towards this memorial be consulted as to the disposal of the sum raised by them.
   
4. That the original railway and tramway subscribers be invited to attend a meeting to determine what shall be done with the balance of the fund.

     These resolutions were discussed and unanimously approved of by the meeting. While acquiescing in the necessity for this course of action, very general regret was expressed that the attitude of the staff had changed so greatly towards the proposed institution.
     It will be in the recollection of all that after the death of Mr. Eddy in 1897, funds were collected to establish a memorial to the first Chief Railway Commissioner, and it was decided that an orphanage would be the most fitting form of such memorial. Rules and regulations were drawn up and approved of, and a Board of Management elected to carry out the scheme. This Board at once set to work by purchasing a site for the proposed orphanage, and having plans drawn for a building. Then the necessity for legislative sanction to conduct the institution was forced into notice, and the Board proceeded to obtain the same. A bill was drawn and submitted to Parliament. After passing through the Assembly it reached the Council, and was by it referred to a Select Committee. This Committee suggested certain alterations in the scheme which would have had the effect of bringing the orphanage under the control of the State Children's Relief Board, by giving that Board the power to remove the children when it thought fit, and to board them out as it does its own pauper children. To accept these conditions was to rob the Eddy scheme of those distinctive features on which alone it could hope for support from the staff. For it was clearly seen that if the Eddy Orphanage was to follow the lines of the State institution, it would be unfair and unreasonable to expect the railway and tramway staffs to support such an institution to do the work of the State while they were taxed as citizens to support the State institutions as well. For these reasons the bill was withdrawn. Then, owing to certain statements made concerning the feelings of the staff towards the institution, the Board issued a circular on the 10th March last, which, after giving a full recital of the position of affairs, said:-
     "The decision is now left to the employees, who are invited to subscribe not less than 1s. as an earnest of their interest in the establishment of the Eddy Orphanage. It is intended to send a copy of this circular to every employee, accompanied by a subscription form. No other effort will be made to collect subscriptions, thus leaving it open to the staff to take any steps they may deem desirable.
     "The result will determine whether the Orphanage will be established or abandoned. In the latter case, subscribers will have a voice in the ultimate disposal of the money subscribed."
     To this appeal 232 responses were made, which the Board could only regard as a want of sympathy with the movement, and left them no other alternative than to make the recommendations submitted to the meeting on the 17th of July.
     During the past four years the Board has spent in allowances to orphans over £600. Thirty orphans have been granted relief under the boarding-out plan under an agreement that when the Board was prepared to receive them into its custody they would be handed over.
     The only duty now devolving upon the Board is to carry out the resolutions of the subscribers and wind up the affairs of the fund in the manner by them directed.

     Subsequently, by Order of Supreme Court in Equity, fresh Trustees were elected and the Fund, for a number of years, continued to use the interest on its moneys to support the "Boarding Out" of eligible orphans. The planned Orphanage was never built.
     Subsequently, and by 1923, the Trustees made an Appeal to the Supreme Court in Equity and permission was obtained to endow a scholarship for children (of both sexes) of deceased employees. The Trustees, after consultation with the Director of the Railway and Tramway Institute, decided to make available a scholarship of the value of £150 per annum, tenable at Sydney University.