HAMILTON.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 363, 18 February 1876, Page 3

HAMILTON.

{Fi'Oln a correspondent.) Yesterday will in future be regarded as a red letter day in our calendar, on account of the formal opening of Hamilton Bridge. JWs were at one time entertained that it might fall through, but Messrs. Roach, Bowse, Penkeith, and a few more of the fortunate or unfortunate class ycleped bachelors, came to the front and toot the management of the affair; and, to their credit be it spoken, the bridge opening was one of the most sue cessful demonstrations it has been our lot to participate in. The first part of the entertainment was a picnic at the bridge, where a great number of the beauty and fashion of Hamilton and Sowburn came, all in holiday attire. All seemed bent on making the most of the occasion. Besides a superabundance of creature comforts, arranged to suit the most fastidious taste, there were amusements to suite all classes, young and old. After partaking of the good cheer so amply provided, there were a number of races got up, consisting of a youth's handicap race, one for the younger branches of families, and another for ladies, which last I must say was well contested, there being six starters. One more race for gentlemen, and another for youths completed the programme, which came off remarkably well. After expending a few hours to our satisfaction at the bridge, the setting sun warned that it was time to think of returning to Hamilton. . The return was. accomplished in good order, not the slightest hitch occurring to mar the after-, noon s pleasure, in spite of the long and comparatively rough road to the bridge. Before leaving the bridge Mr. George Simpson, one of our most respected settlers, in a brief, interesting speech, introduced Mrs. Barber, who, on coming forward, gave a neat and pretty address, and, amidst the ringing cheers of the party, broke the accustomed bcttle, and proclaimed the name to be Hamilton bridge. Three cheers being given for the lady who thus gracefully performed her pleasing duty, the party moved homewards, all satisfied with that portion of the programme. The supper was got up in a style that could not be surpassed in the locality, the tables literally groaning under the load of .good things. After disposing of the more solid portion of the repast, the Chairman, Mr. G-. Simpson, proposed a health to the | Queen and Royal Family. Proposed by the Yice-Chairman, Mr. Dyke, a health to the Superintendent and Provincial Council ; a health to the Hamilton and Sowburn Mining Association, by Mr. Riaeh ; success to the bridge, and also to j the inspector, by J. Nicholls ; a health to the ladies was also drank by Mr. Roach; and other toasts followed on. The hall being cleared, dancing commenced, to excellent music, discoursed by OHr worthy townsman Mr. Booth, who kindly volunteered his services on the occasion. Dancing was kept up to an advanced hour.