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1875
28 August 1875
28 August 1875
The Belinfante Bridge over the Cudgegong River
Mudgee, August 19.
THE accompanying sketch from a photograph by Mr. H. R. Goodes, of this town, represents the Belinfante Bridge, the erection of which has just been completed. The formal naming and opening, or as it is more generally called, the christening, took place on August 18th. On that day the place was the scene of marked gaiety and festivity, not unalloyed by sad recollections, to those among the number present who were old residents, and consequently aware of the many sad accidents that had occurred there during the last twenty years, owing to the want of a safe and secure crossing place. Perhaps there is no bridge in the colony which marks the site of so many deaths; and a few among the assembled guests could not refrain from feelings of deep regret as they thought how many might have been saved from a watery grave had such a bridge been erected years ago. The obituary list, to the best of our recollection, commences with the brothers Lee (who were drowned within three months of each other, while crossing to the Beaudesert garden), and terminates with the late and lamented Simon Belinfante, M.D., a gold medallist of the London University, and a barrister-at-law. The details of the drowning of the latter gentleman after whom the bridge is named must be fresh in the minds of our readers. Reference to our report of that sad event will show that he was drowned on the 14th July, 1874, in the Cudgegong, while attempting to cross that part of the river over which the bridge referred to is erected, and that but for the gallant and timely aid of Mr. Henry Crossing, who imperilled his own life, Mrs. Belinfante would in all probability have met a similar fate. About a fortnight after the drowning the body was recovered, and interred in the Church of England cemetery. So great was the excitement consequent upon this catastrophe, that the agitation was at once revived to have a bridge erected over so dangerous a crossing place. The agitation I am happy to say was successful, and tenders were invited for the erection of the bridge on the third day subsequent to the drowning. It was not, however, till about eight or nine months ago that the work was actually put in hand, and active operations initiated. The contractor for the erection was Mr. John Ahern, who is worthy of all commendation for the creditable manner in which he has carried out his contract. The Road Superintendent (E. Nardin, Esq.) deserves mention for his attention to the work, and his valued assistance.
The Belinfante Bridge is built across the Cudgegong River, and is situated about nine miles from Gulgong, and a similar distance from Mudgee, besides being on the crossroads to Tallawang and Wellington. It is 112 yards long, and 16 feet in width, while the main span measures 75 feet across. There were 48 piles used in its construction, the piles of the main span being eight in number and each a foot square. The material of the structure consists of ironbark and slaty gum, which competent judges pronounce as excellent as can be procured in the colony. This timber was obtained from the Tallawang sawpits, the contractors for it being Mr. William Hall, Mr. Charles Smith, and Mr. McKay.
At a meeting held some time previous it was decided to name the bridge, the "Belinfante Bridge," as a tribute to the memory of the much lamented doctor, and it was at the same time unanimously decided that Miss Rouse (daughter of Geo. Rouse, Esq., of Beaudesert) should perform the ceremony of christening, Beaudesert, I may mention, is not far distant from the bridge, and Mr. Rouse is one of the oldest and most respected residents; hence one of his family was deputed to perform the ceremony.
Accordingly, at 2 o'clock last Wednesday, numbers of people in vehicles and on horseback proceeded to the bridge. The day was all that could be desired towards making the affair a success. The numbers present at the commencement of the ceremony were estimated at four hundred, the majority of whom were from Mudgee, although Gulgong and the vicinity contributed a fair quota.
Commissioner T. A. Browne was voted into the chair, and in a brief but feeling speech he testified the pleasure which it afforded him in lending his presence on an occasion of so much importance, and referred to the number of deaths which had been caused by drowning in the vicinity. He hoped the structure, which was badly needed, would be adequate to their requirements. At the conclusion of his remarks, and amidst the applause with which they were greeted, he called on Miss Rouse to perform the ceremony of christening.
Miss Rouse came forward amidst cheers, and, breaking the orthodox bottle of champagne against the side of the bridge, duly proclaimed it to be named the Belinfante Bridge. On behalf of the Bridge Committee, Mr. R. H. D. White presented the young lady with a bouquet of flowers in a silver holder, which latter he was compelled to substitute for a more handsome and elaborate one which had not then arrived from Sydney. The Volunteer Band, which was in attendance, played the National Anthem; after which, on the proposal of Mr. Browne, three lusty cheers were given for Miss Rouse. Mr. Richard Rouse (Biraganbil) returned thanks on behalf of his sister, and apologised for his father, who was unavoidably absent. Mr. Rouse then referred, in eulogistic terms, to the creditable manner in which Mr. Ahern had performed his contract. The healths of Mr. Lackey, M.P., and Mr. Nardin, Road Superintendent, were then drunk amidst repeated cheering. Mr. Johnson next proposed the health of Mr. Ahern, and took occasion to refer to the late talented Dr. Belinfante, and to expatiate upon the numerous acts of private charity that gentleman had performed. Mr. Ahern, in returning thanks, referred to the timber with which the bridge was built, which he declared equal to any in the colony, and remarked how pleased he was to find his first contract giving such universal satisfaction. Mr. Ahern was enthusiastically cheered, after which those present partook of a champagne repast. Several vehicles, foremost among which, was Miss Rouse's, then drove over the bridge concluding the ceremony, after which the excited and joyous crowd slowly dispersed. A ball at Mr. Adams' Junction Hotel, contiguous to the bridge, wound up the day's rejoicing.
The engraving given is taken from a photograph by Mr. H. R. Goodes, a photographer whose talent we have had occasion, in a former issue, to refer to2
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