MR Roseby MLA, in a vigorous speech, without touching upon politics, complemented the (show) society and the district upon the excellence of various of the exhibits at the show.
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After referring to the progress made in the construction of roads through the electorate, especially that to Moss Vale via Kangaroo Valley, he said that the Government had accepted the tender of an American company for the superstructure, of the Shoalhaven Bridge, at Nowra, and that one of the spans would be exhibited at the International Exhibition, to be held at Sydney in September next.
He was also in a position to say that he believed the tender of Mort's Engineering Company, for construction of the cylinders, had been accepted.
He had used his influence in giving the work of constructing the superstructure to an American company because they were so energetic, and he believed as engineers and mechanics they were equal to the work.
One of the spans of the Shoalhaven Bridge would be placed side by side with a similar one for the Parramatta Bridge, and tested for merit, which would practically be testing the quality of English and American workmanship together.
The speaker then portrayed a glowing picture of the advancement of the Shoalhaven District.
What was that thunder-like rumbling which came to his ear, and what that shrill piercing whistle?
Why it was the Illawarra Railway - the train passing over the Shoalhaven Bridge and he could fancy he heard the guard calling "Change places for Nowra, Terrara, Numba, Greenwell Point, Tomerong and Milton!"
Yet another scene came before him.
A gentleman standing at the Nowra Railway Station, holding by the hand a fair-haired bright little girl, to whom she puts the question, Pa how did people get over that river before the bridge was built and the train came?
Pa answers: Oh my girl, by the use of a great boat almost like your "Noah's Ark" which they sometimes pushed by means of a pole.
He assured them the bridge would ere long be a reality, and the punt, which he had that day, only, heard had delayed some of the visitors an hour and a-half.
The proceedings were long brought to a close by three cheers for the Queen, and three for the President and officers.
The next general meeting of the Shoalhaven Historical Society will be held at 7.30pm on Monday, October 27 at Nowra Museum, corner of Kinghorne and Plunkett streets, Nowra.
The guest speaker for the evening will be Joy Vost presenting on family history.
We encourage all like-minded souls to come along and join us for some history, a cuppa and good company.
The society will also have a stall at the Shoalhaven River Festival, so call in and check out the range of books and photos for sale, or just for a chat about local history.
