OPENING OF THE CLYDE BRIDGE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1002, 1 July 1881, Page 2

OPENING OF THE CLYDE BRIDGE.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. Last Wednesday was a gala-day in Clyde. Tho town looked extraoi dinary lively in comparison with what it generally does : animated crowds of gaily-dressed people being visible at every street corner and in and around the various hole s. Prom 10 a.m. up till 3pm.. vehicles of every description, shape, size, and color, laden with people who looked as if they were bent on pleasure, were seen arriving in Clyde from every point of the compass. Many, too, came on foot, others on horseback, and in one case one equine quadruped was made to carry two gentlemen on its back a distance of two or three miles. Alexandra was well represented at the gathering, about 40 people of both sexes coming from that town, besides the local bandsmen. Largo numbers of people came also from Tinkers, Blacks, and Cromwell. As for juveniles—well, we did not think that Vincent County possessed so large a percentage of the unrnly element. The ladies—always necessary to lend color and vivacity to meetings of every kind—were present in great force ; and, it by nothing else, a spectator at a distance could have easily seen for himself that the gentler sex were present by the variegated colors noticeable at every turn. Every color and shade was there, and that, too, in several cases on one lady alone. To the unitiated this large congregation of people would have been a myst°ry, and would have asked—“ Why this anxious throng? Was there a muffin-struggle on the tapis, or was some felon to be hung ? ” The answer was contained in a few simple words—“ The Clyde bridge was to be formally opened for traffic.” Previous to the commencement of the ceremony, many of the visitors paraded to and fro on the bridge ; while the farmers’ boy who had come long distances, and who were naturally hungry, directed their undivided attention to the refreshment-table, and got outside of large slices of bread-and-cheese, etc., like boys of their class only can ; but those boys who did not place any intrinsic value m their lives slid up and down the suspension wires of the bridge, and annoyed the timid portion of the ladies by letting-off crackers and jack jumpers in their immediate vicinity, the annoyed fair ones invariably giving vent to un-angel-like screeches, and then going for those boys with their parachutes. However, at about 3 p.m , those who had for some time been anxiously waiting down at the bridge for the ceremony to commence heard the sounds of band music approach- ' ing, and a few minutes afterwards the Alexandra band was seen in the distance, accompanied by a large crowd of people. In passing, we might state that the Alexandra brass band is undoubtedly a credit to Vincent County, and would be to any city even. The music discoursed on Wednesday was difficult and excellent, and was splendidly executed. We have heard bands of more pretentious natures than the one under reference essay far easier pieces of music than those played by our own band, but they have failed miserably. The music on Wednesday was really a great help towards the day’s success, besides greatly enlivening the proceedings. THE CHRISTENING. As the band arrived at the approaches, the people ranged themselves on each side of the roadway and bridge, and Mr Benjamin Naylor, member of the Vincent County 1 Council for tho Dunstan riding, took the chair, and (later on) was supported by Dr. Leahy, Major Koddcll, Messrs F.iche, Mei Ginnis, Simmonds, Sims, Campbell, and i others.

Mr Naylor rose, and, in a vigorous and exhaustive speech, explained the why and the wherefore of the day’s proceedings. He said it would he remembered by most of those present that over two years ago the original bridge was washed away bya heavy flood which had not only done much damage to Clyde but also to several other places. This accident retarded traffic for some time, until a punt was obtained and placed on the river a little above the site of the present

bridge. This had to a certain extent supplied the place of the bridge, still many of the electors were not satisfied with the arrangement ; so he determined to do all he could in both of his capacities as a councillor and a private individual, to use every exertion, and devote all his energies to get another bridge for the people. He had, with a little help from others, succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations, and the result othislaborswas there before them (Cheers.) He then ashed the visitors to follow him to the midd'e of the bridge, where the christening would be performed. Mr Naylor, accompanied by Mrs Stevens, and followed by the band and the crowd, proceeded to the centre of the bridge. Taking a bottle of champagne in her hands and smashing it against the structure, Mrs Stevens christened the massive structure “The Clyde Bridge.” Three cheers were then given for the bridge, and throe for Mrs Stevens. The band and the crowd paraded the bridge onco, and then adjourned to THE LUNCHEON. Those hungrily inclined soon satisfied their wants by the good things provided, and the hoys—well, at times it was almost impossible to distinguish between the food and the boys, or discern which was the largest or most substantial-looking—the juveniles or the provisions many of them had in their fists. Messrs Eache, Attfield, M'Connochie, Clark, Welsford, and others made themselves useful and attentive to the visitors, and took good care that none should go away hungry. After the refreshments had been disposed of, all turned their attention to business.

The Chairman formally announced that the Clyde bridge was opened for traffic. After referring to the good the structure would do the district, he proposed—“ The Clyde Bridge." The toast was drunk with musical honors.

Mr Weis ford had a toast to propose which he knew would be heartily responded to by all present. It was—“ The Vincent County Council.” (Applause.) He knew that most of those present would coincide in his opinion that the Council was one of the most progressive public bodies in the colony. It was composed mainly of earnest, practical men—men who had the interests of the electors at heart. He had much pleasure in proposing—“ The Vincent County Council.”

Someone called for three cheers for the Council, which were given, and the toast was drunk with all honors.

Major Keddell said ho had a pleasant duty to perform. He had to propose the health of some one present who had, so to speak, tended the Clyde bridge since its infancy. He proposed the toast—“ Mr Macgeorge, the Vincent County Council’s able Engineer.” After the toast had been drunk with the usual honors, Mr Macgenrgo replied in a suitable speech. Mr M'Giunis, Butchers’ Gully, delivered an interesting, practical speech, and boro out Mr Naylor’s remarks with respect to the fight they had for the new bridge. After one or two more addresses had been got off, Major Keddell again rose, and said he had another duty to perform—one which was pleasanter to him than the last one, m-

asmuoh as it had reference to the ladies, bless ’em ! Ho said (speaking for all present) wo all loved them, all had a sneaking regard for them, and without them wo would ee nowhere. After an intensely humorous speech, which at times convulsed those present with laughter, he proposed—“ The Ladies.”

It is unnecessary for us to say that tho toast was rapturously responded to by every male present. •- Mr Campbell briefly responded on behalf of the ladies.

■Mr Fache said he was very much pleased to see so many visitors present at the opening of the Clyde bridge. He had not expected that so many would have been present. The Clyde people were always glad to see fresh faces in their town, and were always prepared to substantially welcome every new arrival. Ho proposed—" The Visitors.”

MrSimmonds, Mayor of Alexandra, reElied on behalf of the visitors. It had given im much pleasure to be present at the opening ceremony and christening of the Clyde bridge that day, and he would be very glad to see the Clydeites present at the opening o f the Alexandra bridge. (Cheers). He (the speaker) had a firm belief in public works of any kind, but more especially did ho believe in bridges. It was his opinion that any bridge would in time repay the outlay on it. He concluded an able address by assuring those present that the Alexandrans would be glad to see them all present at the opening and christening of their own structure. (Applause.) Mr Simmonds again rose, and said he had another toast to propose —namely, “Mr Vincent Pyke, the Council’s Chairman, and the member for the Dunstan.” (Prolonged applause.) They had much to thank tbeir able member for. He had done much for them, and had done more for the district than any other man had, or could do. He was sorry that Mr Pyke was not present to respond to the toast, but as his Parliamentary duties had called him away to Wellington rather earlier than had been expected, they must put up with their disappointment the best way they could. He felt sure that all would heartily accord Mr his meed of praise. All present did reply to the toast heartily, and loud prolonged applause evinced the respect in which our member is held.

After a few remarks had been made on our mining industries, Dr T-eahy proposed—“ The Press.” Mr Fache responded to the toast in a humorous speech. Three cheers were called for and given for him, and the opening ceremony terminated with the National Anthem.

In the evening a public ball was given in the Town Hall, Clyde. About 40 couples were present, and the “light fantastic” was indulged in with much zest until the chanticleer of morn announced that it was time for the dancers to retire to their conches.

Thus terminated one of the most enjoyable days ever experienced by the Clyde people. There was nothing to mar their pleasure, nothing to stay the proceedings. No hitches occurred in the carrying out of the programme, and not even the most trivial accident happened to throw a gloom over the spectators The day was clear, fine, and bracing, and it seemed as if Old Sol did his level best for the ceremony by shining forth with much force. Consequently everything went off. with eclat. The bridge as it now stands is a substantial looking structure, and reflects the greatest credit on the contractors, Mr I). MacKellar, and Messrs Mestonaud McConnochie, and on the engineer, Mr Macgeorge. It has been well-finished off, an I the masonry work done ns only skilful and energetic workmen could do it. Clyde is now the happy possesor of one of tho handsomest and strongest pieces of archilure in Otago—pe haps in New Zealand.