3-070-861 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of Fitzroy Bridge, Rockhampton, Queensland, [Australia], New-Year's Day, 1881. Engraving from a photograph by Messrs. Wilder and Bennett. 'The new suspension bridge, which has been constructed, so far as we can understand, jointly by the Municipal Council of that town and by the Divisional Board of the Goganjo District, on the other side of the river, is a fine work of its kind. It was designed, and the work superintended, by Mr. Frederick Byerley, civil engineer...There are five pairs of iron columns...These support the chains of each span, which are of wrought iron...the strength of the whole chain is equivalent to a weight of 1350 tons...The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor and Aldermen of Rockhampton, the Chairman and members of the Divisional Board, and several members of the Legislative Assembly. They formed a procession, with several carriages, accompanied by the band of the local Volunteer Corps, and by the Orders of Foresters and Odd Fellows, and other Friendly Societies. Speeches were made by the Mayor, Mr. J. Ferguson, and the Chairman of the Board, Mr. H. Jones, and the bridge was duly "christened;" the approach was also named Fitzroy-avenue. A luncheon at the Criterion Hotel terminated the proceedings'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.