BANNOCKBURN BRIDGE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 825, 8 February 1878, Page 3

BANNOCKBURN BRIDGE.

The opening of tbe Bannockburn Bridge to the public free of charge, which took p’ace on Monday last, was not that sne-'c?s that not only ourselves but a many others could have desired. There appeared to he a want that—in spite of the great crowd that had gathered from nearly every' nook and corner of the County, or tho gay and sparkling strains of the Volunteer Band, or their, still gaymr or more sparkling uniforms, or in fact. tho storos of good things, both solid and liquid, that were provided for the delectation of all —was truly unaccountable. Tho atmosphere, though hot—approaching boiling beat, had not tho effect of dissolving the freezing coolness that permeated through the gathering. The. County Chairman who, as a rule, has a bright sido to bring to view of every picture dark and all as it may he, was even affected by the lotus like depression that hung everywhere, and failed signally to draw the people out of their lethargy. The whole thing bore more the resemblance of a large funeral rather than a rejoicing. Everybody appeared out of sorts, and a sigh Of relief was heard by all as they left the scene. That there was a hitch was apparent, but to what to trace it, if even inclined, aye deem it beyond our province. Mr Vincent Pyko, Chairman of the County, performed the ceremony of declaring the Bridge free by ordering the removal ot the gates and notice board, aud afterwards throvring the look and key i-rio the . river. His speech was a masterly piece of oratory, giving the avhole history of the transaction. Mr S. N. Brown, Mayor of Cromwell, Mr Arndt, of Cromwell, Judge Harvey, and Mr Richards, one of the late proprietary of the Bridge, also.addressed those congregated.