July 11, 1928
IN brilliant weather and before an attendance of nearly one thousand persons, the bridge over the Murray River at Abbotsford was declared officially open by the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Dudley de Chair.
In addition to Sir de Chair, who was accompanied by his private secretary, Mr H. S. C. Budge, there was a representative gathering of Ministers of the Crown and officials.
Victoria was represented by Mr Beckett, Minister of Health and Forests; New South Wales by Mr R. T. Ball, Minister for Lands and Works; and South Australia by Mr McIntosh, Minister for Education.
Mr Thomson, a member of the constructing authority, was present, and also several members of the Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission.
The Wentworth town council was represented by the mayor, Ald. L. McLeod; Mildura town council by the mayor, Cr Patterson; and Mildura shire council by Cr J. P. Power, shire president.
The bridge was lined with bunting and shortly before 11am the lift span was mounted by the official party and raised a few feet, and the gates closed.
A broad blue ribbon was then tied across the lift span.
Ald. McLeod said that he was very pleased to see such a large crowd present.
The bridging of the Murray at Abbotsford had been of big interest to the settlers in New South Wales for the last twenty-five years; it had occupied the attention of the Wentworth council for the last twenty years.
They greatly appreciated that His Excellency had thought it of such importance as to have the inconvenience and discomfort to come here and officially open the bridge that day. (Hear, hear).
His Excellency said: "I cannot help comparing the advantages and benefits, which you will all derive from the erection of this bridge, with the old and cumbersome methods of crossing this old and noble river which have obtained in the past.
"The onward march of modern development demands more and more a saving of time -- time is the great factor in all walks of life, and the rapid transit facilities this bridge will provide will be of the greatest service to the present residents on both sides of the river, and cannot help but to bring about development which probably the most sanguine cannot visualise."
His Excellency then unfurled the Union Jack on the bridge, and cut the ribbon amid great applause.
Three cheers were given to His Excellency, followed by three more cheers for Lady de Chair.
His Excellency said that Lady de Chair very much regretted that she had not been able to come to this district, in which she took a keen interest.
There had not been room for her in the plane.