THE construction and opening of a bridge across the Murrumbidgee River was a key event in the development of the town of Darlington Point. The crossing had previously had to be made by punt or, earlier still, by fording the stream at a suitably shallow point. Both methods presented potential difficulties and dangers.
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The bridge would also connect what had essentially been two separate villages, one on either bank.
The shortcomings of the punt crossing led to public agitation for a bridge. Surveying the site was carried out in 1901 and tenders called for the project the following year.
Construction officially began with the ceremonial driving of the first pile by Francis Byrne MLA, Member for Hay, in April 1903, a ceremony witnessed by around 300 people and a photograph of which appeared in the Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser dated June 3, 1903.
Completion was in the first half of 1905, but not without tragic mishap: a construction worker fell to his death on March 7, 1905. He was Thomas David Ryan from Wagga, aged 35, who left a wife and two young children.
Following an inquest at Darlington Point Courthouse his burial at the local cemetery was reported as one of the biggest gatherings there seen.
The official opening of the new bridge took place on June 29, 1905.
A crowd had assembled by 11am for a full day’s program that began with children’s races and entertainment by Narrandera Brass Band.
The formalities were set for 4pm with the arrival of official guests Robert Scobie MLA, Member for Murray, and the former Member for Hay, Francis Byrne.
With visitors from Narrandera, Whitton and from all around the district it was estimated 500 people attended.
The superstructure of the bridge was gaily decorated with bunting and a special ribbon stretched across the carriageway.
Mr Scobie declared the bridge to be officially open, and the ribbon was cut by Mrs Cummings, widow of early settler Kieran CA Cummings, of ‘Woodlands.’
A photographer from Australian Town and Country Journal was present, and was probably the source of the few photographs of the event that have survived.
The celebrations did not end there, as at 5.30pm a banquet was held in the nearby Recreation Hall, attended by “about eighty gentlemen”.
A Mr Reed of Junee was noted as being the caterer.
Dancing followed, at which point presumably women must have been allowed to take part, and “about seventy couples graced the floor”.
A supper was served at midnight, to be followed by more dancing until daylight.
The correspondent to the Riverine Grazier (Hay) declared it one of the largest and happiest gatherings ever held.
- READ more local history at www.colypointobserver.com.au.