Tumut and Adelong in 1867

3 October 1933 The Tumut and Adelong Times

Excerpts from tho file of Local Paper.

Amongst tho file of antique papers and documents prized by tho late William Bridle, of 'Rose Vale,' Tumut, is a copy of the "Tumut and Adelong Times," of October 23, 1867 -fifty-five years ago - which has been handed to us by his son, Mr. Edwin G. Bridle. From it we cull the following excerpts of news of particular interest : -

The ceremony of opening the 'Alfred' Bridge over the Murrumbidgee River at South Gundagai was performed by Mrs. E, G. Brown, wife of the Parliamentary member for the district, who on that memorable occasion delivered the following speech: -

Ladies and Gentlemen. - You are now aware that the Government has done me the high honor of appointing me to name the splendid bridge upon which we stand by the title of Alfred.

In the fitness and propriety of that name I am sure you will all agree, apart from the fact that it is borne by the young sailor Prince, the first illustrious scion of the Royal House of England that has visited the soil of Australia.

The name of Alfred is, in itself, a royal one, incorporated with the history of our race, and venerated upon every land where they have found a home.

Ten centuries ago, and our people struggling in barbarism yet yearning for the light of knowledge, found in that name a rallying point and guiding star.

Urged by his counsels, in cited by his examples, the spirit in-fused by Alfred the Great has never been extinguished, but each succeeding generation has seen it grow stronger and brighter till it has culminated in the glorious civilisation we now enjoy in the huge world of wonders we can exhibit, not the least of which will be hereafter remembered as the Alfred Bridge at South Gundagai.

For the rest I can only express the earnest hope that this bridge will become all that the Government desires, and that you anticipate.

That it will not stand alone as a monument of human ingenuity, but become a constantly increasing public blessing; that it will bind not only the soil but the people, and as it offers us a safe passage over the physical dangers of the Murrumbidgee, so may it equally bear us above all narrow feelings of to-day, and build us up into an united and prosperous community.

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On Friday last we witnessed the driving of the first pile by steam of the permanent approach to the Gundagai Bridge. As a number of the piles are already driven, we have no fear that under the personal superintendence of Mr. Bailie, the contractor, they will now be rapidly put in their places.

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Gundagai Bridge Tolls. — Mr. T. Henderson, of South Gundagai, has been appointed by Government to the temporary office of toll-taker, until such time as the tolls are sold or leased.

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Literary Society. — The members of this society held their usual weekly meeting on Monday evening last. Mr. Vernon was elected to the chair. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, Mr. Weeden gave a reading called 'A Tale of Terror,' which was favourably received; Master Wiley followed with 'The Battle of Waterloo.'

Mr. Mc-Kenzie then recited 'William Tell's Address to His Native Hills.' This concluded the business of the evening, and the Chairman having announced a lecture by Mr. G. Bridle for next meeting night, the meeting adjourned.

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Snipe. — On Monday last we were presented with a very fine snipe, shot by Mr. Isaac Davis at Gocup. These birds are very scarce hereabout this year; in fact this is the first instance that we have had brought under our notice of the slaughter of them in our neighborhood.

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Snake Story. - During the afternoon of Monday last Miss Emma Bridle entered her bedroom and was alarmed at seeing a snake there. The reptile was lying at full length along a trunk with its head raised looking over the back of a chair. She called for her brother George, who with a stout stick soon despatched his snakeship.

It was one of the species known here as the Zebra, and measured about four feet in length.

The late floods have doubtless driven these reptiles on higher ground, hence their early appearance in our gardens. We should advise persons who have gardens or paddocks to be cautious as they walk through them.

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The Escort left Tumut as usual on Saturday last, conveying the following parcels of gold:- From Tumbarumba, 139oz 3dwt; Bank of New South Wales, Adelong, 527oz 17dwt 8grs; L. Mandelson, Tumut, 21oz 16 dwt 8grs.

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Public School Board at Adelong. — In accordance with the 22nd section of the Public Schools Act of 1866, the undermentioned gentlemen have been appointed additional members of the Public School Board in connection with the Public School established at Adelong, viz : — Mr Seymour C. Steuart and Mr. David Wilson.

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An Iron Bridge at Yass. - Iron bridges across such wide streams as the Murrumbidgee at Gundagai, might be the cheapest and safest structures; but we cannot see the necessity for an iron bridge at Yass.

Our locality abounds in plenty of stone, admirably adapted for the construction of a bridge across our narrow stream, and the work would not cost half so much as an iron one, while it would give much more employment to skilled laborers who are now eating the bread of idleness.

It is one thing to get a grant of money; it is another thing to spend it judiciously - Yass Courier.

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Kiandra.— On Thursday last another accident happened, by the bank giving way, in the Homeward Bound Claim, New Chum Hill, whereby two men named McPherson were injured, one having his collarbone broken, the other receiving severe contusions on the back. Dr. Schaofer being sent for from Seymour went up and did what was necessary, and the men are now progressing favorably. –

Owing to the unfortunate state of the weather no work has been done at the reef, therefore there is nothing now to report.

If the bad weather lasts the residents are likely to be short of provisions; the butcher re-ports scarcity of cattle, the large stock of flour brought up last fall is expended, and a supply from Adelong or elsewhere is anxiously looked for. - Monaro Mercury.