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BRIDGE DECORATED FOR ITS OPENING

Thursday, 28th July 1892, will be long remembered by the inhabitants of Bullahdelah and surrounding district as one of the most eventful in the pages of the history of that place, the occasion being the celebration of the opening of the magnificent bridge that spans the deep waters of the Myall River at Bullahdelah.

The structure itself was beautifully decorated for the occasion with cabbage trees, palms, ferns, etc., and presented a very pretty and enchanting picture.

NEVER BEFORE HAD SO MANY GATHERED THERE

From early morning visitors began to pour into the little town, farmers from the Myall and Crawford rivers, graziers from Bungwahl, miners from Coolongolook, and timber getters and selectors from almost every conceivable direction. It seemed as if every man, woman and child in the whole district had determined to enjoy themselves, and it is estimated that there were fully 1000 present, all told. On interviewing the 'oldest inhabitant' we were assured that since Bullahdelah was Bullahdelah, there never before had been such a large concourse of people there.

DIGNITARIES ARRIVE

At about 2 o'clock the steamer 'Tahlee,' (specially chartered), puffed up to the wharf and Mr. J. Hart, member for the district, accompanied by Mr. J. H. Young, member for the Manning and Hastings, Mr. Seaver, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Starkey, Mr. Moss (Sydney), and Mr. McNamara (Mayor of Stockton), and other gentlemen came ashore. They had also the Raymond Terrace band on board, which formed into line and escorted the visitors to Stuart's Hotel.

At 3.30 p.m., Commodore, the Hon. R. H. D. White, R. S. Y. S., (Sydney), arrived with his steam yacht, the 'Fire King.' The, Hon. T. Slattery, Minister for Mines and Agriculture, accompanied him and as the yacht came along side the wharf it was greeted with cheers. As the visitors steeped ashore, they were met by, Mr. Garstang, the popular Police Magistrate of the Dungog and Port Stephens district, and several leading townsmen.

CHRISTENING THE BRIDGE

Mr. Garstang in a few well chosen remarks cordially welcomed the Hon. Mr. Slattery, in thanking Mr. Garstang for his kind remarks, apologized for the absence of Mr. Barton, who had contemplated being with them, but owing to pressure of business was unable to do so. He expressed delight at meeting his old friend, Mr. Garstang. Said he was charmed with the district, and was deeply grateful to Mr. White, who had so kindly piloted him from Sawyer's Point to his destination.

A piece of road he had travelled over between Raymond Terrace and Sawyer's Point he stigmatised as the worst he had ever seen, and stated that he would see Mr. Lynne upon his return, and urge him to have it improved.

After the visitors had been refreshed the ceremony of "Christening the Bridge" took place.

On an elevated platform the most prominent of the visitors were accommodated with seats. Mr. Garstang acted as chairman of the proceedings, and after calling for three cheers for the Queen, which were given vociferously, he called upon Mrs. W. Stuart, the wife of the contractor, to name the bridge, which she did in a very pleasing manner, and as she said the words: -

 "I christen this the Bullahdelah bridge."

The air filled with cheers

Of course, the proverbial bottle of champagne was broken.

ALUM MINE INSPECTED

The Hon. Mr. Slattery and party, under the guidance of Mr. Garstang, were then taken to the Alum Company's Mine and works, and were shown over the place by the courteous and genial manager, Mr. H. D. Abbott. The party was shown the alum in various stages of manufacture, from the raw material to the beautifully crystallized article. Mr. Slattery was presented with a large alum crystal as a souvenir of his visit.

COURTHOUSE VISITED

Was next visited. Without doubt, Bullahdelah has been favoured with a splendid edifice, which does duty as courthouse, and police barracks. It is one of the largest, most convenient, substantial, and well fitted offices on the northern coast, completely out rivalling those of Dungog and Stroud. We understand, the residents of Bullahdelah are indebted to the exertions of the Hon. R. H. D. White for this building.

BRIDGE DETAILS

The bridge is a magnificent structure, being 215ft in length, and 2Oft wide.

It is erected on two piers which are built on four iron cylinders, which on the Bullahdelah side are put down 23ft from the water's level, and 1Oft 6in in solid rock. On the south side the cylinders are down 48ft from the water's level.

The piles on this side are driven from 36ft to 4Oft., whilst on the opposite side the piles are put 3 and 4ft into a solid rock foundation, and set in cement.

The timber used in its construction is of the choicest ironbark and tallow wood. 

It has been 20 months in course of erection and cost £2,768; the approaches cost an additional £770.

The structure is finished in a manner that reflects great credit on the contractor, and also upon the Road Superintendents, Mr. McPherson and his successor, Mr. Wright, who had to supervise the work.