NEW BUILDINGS BRIDGE. Constructed from parts of the original Towamba Bridge swept away in the 1919 flood. Photo K. Clery

In times of flood bridges meant the difference between a safe, dry crossing or being cut off until the waters receded. In the early days of settlement in the district, keeping an adequate store of food was part of the normal household organisation. Most families were almost self sufficient in vegetables, meat and fruit preserves. Flour and sugar were ordered by the sack full. Being cut off for several days by flood waters was generally not a problem. As transport evolved from animal to mechanical, people expected better roads and all weather crossings.
These were times of great change in the valley and improvements of this nature often had to be fought for with determination and people power. In the eyes of some Local Government members, the cost of building bridges far outweighed the population in the district that would use them.
Although the Towamba River valley cleaves through mountains, hills and granite outcrops on its way to the ocean, the distance by road is approximately 60 kilometers from ocean to the escarpment. The village of Towamba is 26 kilometers from the Princes Highway and is still classed as isolated. The battle for better road maintenance still goes on.

PRETTY POINT BRIDGE (Information provided by Ruth Merceica of Wyndham)
'Pambula Voice' October 2, 1896
Extract: "Formal opening of the bridge over the Mataganah Creek (on Wyndham-Rocky Hall Road) on Friday last, Mrs. John Love, the oldest lady resident of Wyndham, was chosen to christen the bridge, and Mr. E.J.Coman J.P. declared it open for public traffic...in the presence of between two and three hundred people...when that day's centenary arrived...he (Coman) hoped that the bridge would still be fit for traffic and the Wyndham Boxwood as sound then as it was today...
Mrs. Love then broke a bottle of champagne on the bridge and called it "The Wyndham Committee Bridge".
Banquet ...held in tarpaulin booth...Mr. George Robinson of Wyndham did the catering ...and 70 persons sat down...Ball at School of Arts."

THE RE-ENACTMENT CEREMONY
Mrs. Bessie Bray, being the oldest citizen, performed the re-enactment and Jacqueline Whitby was the descendant of Mrs. Love who performed the first opening ceremony in 1896.
Charles Rayner's mill on the banks of the Mataganah Creek produced the excellent boxwood timber for building the bridge that was opened on 20th October, 1896.

TOWAMBA BRIDGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION. 1910. Note the flying fox linking the two poles on either side of the river.

'Magnet' March 1929
* Repairs to Towamba Bridge - defective planking replaced.
* Request by Towamba Citizens for cement culverts over Jingera and Stoney Creeks and a bridge at Nullica for all weather access.

Towamba Bridge opening ceremony. 1911

'Magnet' July 13, 1929
* A staff of Public Works Department men are busily engaged in repainting the Towamba Bridge.

Boiler washed down river during heavy flood. c.1911 Photo courtesy Mary Mitchell.

'Magnet' July 19, 1930
SHIRE COUNCIL REPORT
TOWAMBA BRIDGE CARETAKING
The Divisional Engineer forwarded specifications of the duties of caretaker and stated that written tenders for the position would be received.

'Magnet' August 2, 1930
* Tender for caretaker for bridge over Towamba river at New Buildings.

Building Towamba's second bridge. c.1920

NEW BUILDINGS BRIDGE
(This information was gathered in an interview with Fred Whitby of Rocky Hall by local historian Ruth Merceica of Wyndham)
About 1883 there was a combined Progress Association of Burragate, Rocky Hall, Towamba and Wyndham. This association requested the building of the bridge across the Towamba River.
The first bridge was constructed in 1883 as a result of the combined Progress Association's submission.
In 1919 the floods wiped out all the bridges on the Towamba River. At this point in time the mail ran through Rocky Hall from Pambula to Bombala and beyond, so the New Buildings Bridge had high priority and work was commenced on the new structure almost immediately and the bridge was completed either in 1919 or 1920.
The urgency of the situation forced the use of some timbers and mainly fittings that could be salvaged from the wreck of the Towamba Bridge. (Fred Whitby's father burnt the charcoal for the blacksmiths.)
The name New Buildings was given to the area first because the very active Benjamin Boyd built there in 1840. An Inn was erected there and also a school in a hut. This was a private school long before public or Christian schools had been established in the area.
Boyd had paid 4 or 5 pounds an acre for his plot. Land at that time would have sold for about £1 pound an acre. Boyd used the area as a resting paddock for his stock that were heading for Boyd Town on Twofold Bay.
Another early entrepreneur who added to the building boom at New Buildings was William Hibberd who built another Inn at Rocky Hall..

'Magnet' November 28, 1931
* New Buildings Bridge re-classified as a National Work.

NEW BUILDINGS BRIDGE CONSTRUCTED FROM PARTS OF TOWAMBA BRIDGE SWEPT AWAY IN 1919 FLOOD. The New Buildings Bridge is a Dare type timber truss bridge and was completed in 1921. Photo courtesy Jean McPaul. No date.

The New Buildings bridge is a Dare type timber truss bridge, and was completed in 1921. In 1998 it was in good condition.
As a timber truss road bridge, it has many associational links with important historical events, trends, and people, including the expansion of the road network and economic activity throughout NSW, and Harvey Dare, the designer of this type of truss.
Dare trusses were fifth in the five stage design evolution of NSW timber truss road bridges. They were similar to Allan trusses, but contain improvements which make them stronger and easier to maintain. This engineering enhancement represents a significant evolution of the design of timber truss bridges, and gives Dare trusses some technical significance.
In 1998 there were 27 surviving Dare trusses in NSW of the 40 built, and 82 timber truss road bridges survive from the over 400 built.
The New Buildings bridge is a representative example of Dare timber truss road bridges, and is assessed as being State significant, primarily on the basis of its technical and historical significance.
Timber truss road bridges have played a significant role in the expansion and improvement of the NSW road network. Prior to the bridges being built, river crossings were often dangerous in times of rain, which caused bulk freight movement to be prohibitively expensive for most agricultural and mining produce. Only the high priced wool clip of the time was able to carry the costs and inconvenience imposed by the generally inadequate river crossings that often existed prior to the trusses construction.
Timber truss bridges were preferred by the Public Works Department from the mid 19th to the early 20th century because they were relatively cheap to construct, and used mostly local materials. The financially troubled governments of the day applied pressure to the Public Works Department to produce as much road and bridge work for as little cost as possible, using local materials. This condition effectively prohibited the use of iron and steel, as these, prior to the construction of the steel works at Newcastle in the early 20th century, had to be imported from England.
Harvey Dare, the designer of Dare truss and other bridges, was a leading engineer in the Public Works Department, and a prominent figure in early 20th century NSW.
Timber truss bridges and timber bridges generally were so common that NSW was known to travellers as the "timber bridge state".
Historical Significance
Through the bridge's association with the expansion of the NSW road network, its ability to demonstrate historically important concepts such as the gradual acceptance of NSW people of American design ideas, and its association with Harvey Dare, it has historical significance.
Aesthetic Significance
The bridge exhibits the technical excellence of its design, as all of the structural detail is clearly visible. In the context of its landscape it is visually attractive. As such, the bridge has moderate aesthetic significance.
Social Significance
The New Buildings bridge is valued by the people of Wyndham because of its long service as a river crossing in the area. Timber truss bridges are prominent to road travellers, and NSW has in the past been referred to as the "timber truss bridge state". Through this, the complete set of bridges gain some social significance, as they could be said to be held in reasonable esteem by many travellers in NSW.
Technical Significance
Integrity/Intactness Intact Representativeness Representative of Dare truss bridges Rarity A rare example of a three span Dare truss. In 1998 there were 27 surviving Dare trusses in NSW of the 40 built, and 82 timber truss road bridges survive from the over 400 built
Sourced from the RTA Website

'Magnet' March 31, 1934
* Towamba P & C asked Council to concrete approaches to the bridge over the Towamba River. Also for a bridge to be built over Nullica Creek on the Towamba-Eden Road.

'Magnet' May 26, 1934
* Request by Council that a 35 ft. span be added at each end of Towamba bridge as approaches are washed away each flood. -- approaches are the responsibility of Council - the bridge is the responsibility of Public Works Dept.

Towamba's second bridge. 1947. Towamba Store and hall in background. Photo courtesy of Bega Family Museum.

People on Towamba'a second bridge - eventually covered by sand. c. 1958 Photo courtesy C. and G. Clements

'Magnet' October 27, 1934
The Minister for Works wrote that the maintenance of Towamba bridge approaches was entirely Council's responsibility. The shire engineer reported it would cost £60 to concrete the approaches at each end. It was decided to ask the Department through Mr. Hedges. M.L.A. to assist in the work.

'Magnet' February 23, 1935
IMLAY COUNCIL NOTES
* Rocky Hall Progress Association suggested that a local man be employed for about two days a month to attend to urgent matters up on the Big Jack Mountain Road. Rocky Hall residents wrote that they would supply round timber to the value of £20 if council decided to construct a bridge at the foot of Big Jack Mountain from its own funds. Council resolved that the parties be thanked for their offer and it will consider the matter at a later date and advise the result.

TOWAMBA BRIDGE TODAY. Photo K. Clery

'Magnet' March 2, 1935
BURRAGATE
* The agitation for the construction of a low level bridge over the local river crossing has been revived. The urgent need for this work has been apparent to all as in flood time a number of residents are cut off from the public school, post office and butter factory. Persons in a position to speak with authority declare that the erection of such a structure on this site would be neither difficult nor costly.

'Magnet' March 9, 1935
A BRIDGE FOR BURRAGATE
A big movement in which residents of Rocky Hall, Burragate, Towamba and Eden are participating, is afoot with the object of bringing about the construction of a bridge over the Towamba (or Burragate) River at Burragate. Public meetings at several of the country centres have been held and it may be taken for granted that the action decided upon by the districts concerned to further the object in view, will be to all intents and purposes unanimous. The matter will be brought before Imlay Shire Council at its next meeting and it may reasonably be anticipated that it will meet with the wholehearted support not only of 'C' Riding councillors but of the whole of the members of the Council. A glance at the map will at once show the reasonableness of the request. In particular the Rocky Hall district needs an improved road to provide direct and constant communication with the town and port of Eden, a natural outlet for most of its products. From the Prince's Highway at Nullica to Towamba and Burragate the road is a main road. From Burragate to New Buildings and Rocky Hall the road is a secondary or minor road but is of first class grade. Crossing this road on the north side of Burragate township is the unbridged river which at best provides but a precarious crossing and in the rainy season is frequently uncrossable. It is the weakest and most dangerous spot in the whole length of this, the most direct road from Rocky Hall to Eden.
The need for the bridge is so obvious as to render unnecessary any special argument in support of the project. The main question for consideration is one of ways and means. An excellent site it is said, exists but a short distance from the present crossing and it is claimed that a low level bridge would meet requirements and enable the utmost economy in cost to be effected. The nature of the structure suitable for the purpose would of course be a matter for the shire engineer and it is believed that his estimate would show that the cost would be far from prohibitive. The financing of the proposal should also be possible in as much as if the council recent application for a grant for bridges and roads is successful financial relief afforded to council in respect of certain projected works would render it easily practicable to obtain money to proceed with the construction of the Burragate bridge within the currant financial year. It is hoped, therefore, that the request to be placed before the council in this connection will be sympathetically, satisfactorily and speedily dealt with.

'Magnet' March 9, 1935
BURRAGATE RIVER BRIDGE
It was reported to the meeting of the Eden Advancement Association, that the people of Burragate, Rocky Hall and Towamba intended to apply to Imlay Shire Council for the construction of a bridge over the river at Burragate and it was stated that the Eden Advancement Association in support would be welcomed. One of the main objects was to ensure better and more regular access to the port of Eden.
It was decided to cooperate as far as possible and to write to the secretary of the movement at Burragate requesting to be supplied with a copy of the request to be submitted to the shire council in order to enable cooperation to be more effective

'Magnet' March 30, 1935
* Towamba P & C Association requests that council proceed with erection of a bridge over Nullica Creek on Eden - Towamba Road. Reply from council to be sent that work would be put in hand as soon as possible.

'Magnet' April 13, 1935
BURRAGATE BRIDGE
There was a large gathering of interested ratepayers on the 5th instant to discuss with councillors Mitchell and Lee and the shire engineer Mr. Hinley, the proposed construction of a bridge over the river at that centre. Burragate people turned out almost to the last man and Towamba and Rocky Hall were also well represented.
Mr. A. R. Binnie was unanimously voted to take charge of the meeting and appropriately introduced the subject for discussion. He then called on Mr. I. W. Ryan to explain the necessity for the proposed bridge. Mr. Ryan said that having lived on the river bank for twenty-five years, he knew only too well the disadvantages which he and other similarly situated had experienced owing to the Burragate River having been left so long unbridged. Motor transport was now a necessity for the primary producer but between Rocky Hall and Twofold Bay by the direct road through Burragate motor transport was impossible as the river was for motor lorries impassable all the year. He himself kept a bullock team to draw bark over the river to meet lorries and for the use of cars that had to be taken across. Farms beyond the river could be described as being locked and if the river were bridged they would be afforded a decent outlet and transport between Rocky Hall and the port of Eden would be cheaper by reason of the avoidance of the inconvenience and delay in the unloading and reloading of cargo.
Mr. J. Anderson, teacher at Burragate, was called upon to say a few words, said he could never understand why Burragate River was never bridged. A bridge was a public necessity. He mentioned that having on one occasion to go to Rocky Hall, a distance of about eight miles by the direct road. He found he would have to go via Wyndham, a distance of twenty-five miles and he therefore had his car drawn across the river in order to save the thirty-four miles of extra travelling. Visitors from Rocky Hall side to Burragate social functions had to be brought by lantern-light across a footbridge erected by Ryan Bros., not a nice experience for ladies and children. It would hope that the councillors present would get a good grip of the requirement and put a strong case for the bridge before the council.
Mr. A. J. Underhill spoke humorously and forcibly in favour of the bridge. Everyone at Rocky Hall, he said, was anxious to make their way to Twofold Bay which was one of the greatest harbours in the world and while there, to surf on some of its choice beaches as all were tired of surfing in Burragate River with their cars. He being a carrier, had many unenviable experiences in the river with his lorry. There was every reason why the bridge should be built; there was none why it shouldn't be. He doubted that in any other part of the state an array of lanterns had to be provided to conduct visitors over the river by footbridge. He hoped a real bridge would be built at the earliest.
Mr. C. G. Ryan said the time had arrived when something had to be done. He himself had an almost lifelong experience of trouble and anxiety in crossing the river. The cost of providing a bridge should not exceed £1000 and possible this might be procured from the Relief Council to give men work and Burragate a bridge. There could hardly be a bigger hold up of transport on an important road leading to a port in any part of the state.
Mr. W. Fleming said he could not speak of old experiences but the time he had been living at Rocky Hall was long enough to get to know all about the Burragate River. Soon after coming to the district he decided to go to a sports carnival at Burragate but found that instead of being able to get there in eight miles by the river road he had to go via Wyndham - twenty-five miles. His later experiences had been similar and here all others interested considered the time had come for a change for the better. The need for a bridge was urgent.
The chairman endorsed the remarks of the various speakers and emphasised the difficulties and dangers arising from the want of a bridge. He would like the councillors present to express their views.
Councillor Mitchell said he knew all about the river and the difficulties and dangers experienced by travellers and he would like the meeting to know that in his opinion the river should have been bridged long ago. He was in favour of the bridge being constructed.
Councillor Lee said he was pleased to meet so many electors of 'C' Riding and to receive their requests but the council found it impossible to finance such works. At the present time their were several bridges at Rocky Hall under construction. Up there they had given assistance in the way of timber and he had been told that to bridge Burragate River would benefit only one man but as there seemed to be more than one interested it was up to them to give assistance by way of providing timber for the approaches. Now is the time for them to submit something concrete. Time was getting away and it was not use whispering what you might do and what you might not. He would like to know something definite now of what they would do.
For a few minutes silence reigned supreme and Mr. I. W. Ryan then said that he had listened with interest to Mr. Lee but did not quite understand him. This was Burragate's first request of any note to Imlay Shire Council since it came to existence. That body was considered to be our local government and it was generally understood that it would undertake any reasonable work within the shire. Councillor Lee was looking at the request from the wrong point of view. The bridge concerned not only the people of the locality round about, it concerned the whole riding and indeed the whole shire. There was no reason why its cost, or any great portion of it, should be born by the people of Burragate, Towamba and Rocky Hall. They had been without the convenience for countless years and all they wanted was fair play. People talked of development. How could they have development when for want of a bridge the progress of an important part of shire was blocked. If they wanted to advance the development of district and the port of Twofold Bay they should remove the barriers to progress including the unbridged crossing at Burragate. The council should not be asking a section of the ratepayers who were already harassed by difficulties and disadvantages to burden themselves with contributions for a work for the public benefit. Councillors should realise that it took most of the ratepayers all their time to pay their rates. He regretted that Councillor Lee had not displayed a better feeling towards the proposition.
Councillor Lee: ' Are there between eight and twenty farms in the district that could be developed by the bridge?'
Mr. Ryan said that there were already that number in action and there were thousands of acres of good wattle growing land that could be taken up.
In reply to the chairman, Mr. Hinley said a bridge and approaches would cost £850. He realised the necessity of bridging the river and a bridge should be a great benefit to the district.
After further discussion it was decided to further consider the matter at a public meeting to be held at Burragate on the 13th instant. The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman.

BURRAGATE BRIDGE TODAY. Photo K. Clery

'Magnet' April 13, 1935
BURRAGATE RIVER
At Imlay Shire Council meeting yesterday the shire engineer Mr. Hinley reported that on the 5th instant in company of Councillors Lee and Mitchell, he had inspected the site for a proposed bridge at Burragate where a large number of people had assembled to discuss the matter. At the site suggested, a low level bridge, 180 feet in length with 10 foot decking, could be built for £800, including approaches. He suggested that the matter be held over until come concrete proposal had been received from the residents of the locality.
Councillor Lee said residents had been asked what assistance they would give. Mr. Underhill had offered to give £5 but a number of Burragate people were not very enthusiastic about the idea of giving assistance. Some however, said they would go around and see what offers of help they could get. It appeared that there were a lot of people whom the bridge would serve and there would be a lot of traffic for the bridge, the construction of which would effect a saving of fifteen or twenty miles between Burragate and Rocky Hall.
The engineer: ' Fifteen miles.'
Councillor Lee: ' Well, between fifteen and twenty miles would be saved by going direct instead of by way of Wyndham.'
Councillor Allen said council could not do this kind of thing while creeks on the more important Tantawanglo Road remained unbridged. They could not give people what they wanted in way back places such as Burragate. It was beyond council's ability to do so.
The engineer: ' The people at Burragate were told the work could not be carried out in this year's programme.'
Councillor Allen again spoke of bridge requirements in 'A' riding and said the Burragate Bridge would serve only one settler- Ryan.
Councillor Lee: ' Rocky Hall people say they use the road considerably and one of them, Mr. Underhill said he would give £5. The Ryans say they have to use the crossing and have trouble in getting their loading across.'
Councillor Allen: ' Can't they get round?'
The President: 'They can get round. There is nothing to stop them.'
Councillor Lee: ' But it is a very long way and they say the bridge would open up new country.
The President: ' It won't open up any new country.'
Councillor Mitchell: ' They appear to think it would enable a road to be extended to Wog Wog.'
The President: ' They only way to open Wog Wog is by a road to go in from the two churches at Rocky Hall. This would be the closest point - about eight or nine miles or a little more. From Burragate a road would have to go in over rivers and hills through very rough country. A distance of fourteen miles.
Councillor Lee: ' We definitely told them that the work could not be put on this years' programme and we asked them to let us know what they could do in the matter of self help as some assistance from them would be necessary.'
The President said that the crossing would be a long one; the hundred and eighty feet would only be a part of the total length.
Councillor Lee: 'They measured off four forty foot spaces.'
Councillor Mitchell: 'This would be about fifty yards above the present crossing.'
The engineer: 'That is the narrowest part.'
The President: 'That is a long way across'
Councillor Wiles: 'We can't do anything now. Council has no money available.'
Councillor Mitchell: 'I am sure that we will get some concrete proposal put before the next meeting.'
The President: 'Then we can leave it at that.'
On the motion of councillor Lee it was decided that the matter stand over for the present.

'Magnet' April 13, 1935
* About thirty district residents were present on April 5th to meet the representatives of Imlay Shire at the site of the proposed bridge over the Burragate River. Mr. Hinley, shire engineer, furnished the meeting with details as to cost etc., and a strong case was presented in favour of the proposed structure.

'Magnet' April 20, 1935
BURRAGATE
Public Meeting
At the specially convened public meeting held at the School of Arts on Saturday April 13, for the purpose for further discussing the proposed bridge over the bridge at Burragate, delegates from Rocky Hall and Towamba as well as residents of Burragate and district were present. Mr. C. Sawers presided. The subject for discussion was well ventilated and Mr. I. W. Ryan ardently attacked the question whether the bridge concerned one man only or the residents of the whole Towamba Valley. The meeting was wholeheartedly with him in his contention that the matter was of district wide importance and should be recognised as such by the ratepayers' representatives in Imlay Shire Council.
Finally the following motion was carried unanimously: That since the proposed Burragate bridge appears to be, 1. a matter for the whole of 'C' Riding, 2. of a developmental nature and 3. is an urgent necessity to the Burragate district, we the residents of Burragate, Rocky Hall and Towamba separately and conjointly respectfully suggest to Imlay Shire Council that it should endeavour to secure a grant for its construction.
At the conclusion of the meeting tea was handed round by the ladies and the remainder of the evening was spent in social intercourse.

'Magnet' April 27, 1935
Imlay Shire Council is not yet in receipt of the promised grant of £1,250 for expenditure on bridges etc., in this shire. The work to be covered by the grant comprised Towamba Bridge approach, completion of Stockyard Creek bridge, a bridge at Nungatta Creek, two at Rocky Hall and one at Pipeclay Creek.
After his meeting at Towamba on Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Hedges MLA, drove out to Burragate to see the sight of the proposed bridge over the river there. He is well acquainted with the crossing where on one occasion he was bogged with his car and had to be pulled out. He expressed himself as being convinced of the necessity for a bridge, and the next morning interviewed at Eden the shire president, (Councillor Robertson) regarding the desirableness of applying for a grant to enable the bridge to be built.
With reference to inquiries that have been made respecting Imlay Shire Council's intention regarding the desired construction of a bridge over Nullica River crossing, Eden-Towamba Road, it may be stated that this is a main road work towards the cost of which the Main Road Board will contribute 75% and the Council will provide the remaining 25%. The commencement of the work is being delayed to suit the convenience of the MRB until after 30th of June, the end of the current financial year.

'Magnet' April 27, 1935
IMLAY SHIRE COUNCIL MINUTES
Mr. H. Umback, Burragate undertakes to construct a low-level bridge at Sheepskin Crossing provided Council place the bed logs in position on the rock. Resolved that the work asked for be carried out with assistance offered. Mr. Umback informed that the timber to be used for girders and corbels must be up to the engineer's specification. With councillors Lee and Mitchell, the residents of Burragate were interviewed regarding low-level bridge at crossing. The length will be 180 feet and with a 10 foot debt and approaches will cost approximately £800. Resolved that as no provision has been made for this work this year, the matter stand over for the present.

'Magnet' April 27, 1935
Still we patiently wait for the long promised bridge over the Nullica Creek and the concreting of the approaches to the Towamba low-level bridge. All good things come to those who wait, at least says an old adage.

Magnet' May 4, 1935'
KIAH RIVER
A meeting held here earlier this week unanimously decided to support the request of Burragate, Towamba and Rocky Hall for the construction of a bridge over the river at Burragate.

OPENING OF KIAH BRIDGE. c. 1930's Photographer C. E. Wellings. Photo courtesy M. Mitchell

Opening of Kiah Bridge. The photographer W.T.(Nobby) Hall sitting in white coat. Man and woman on right possibly John Thomas Mitchell and Fanny Mitchell (nee Bridle). Photographer C.E.Wellings. Photo courtesy M. Mitchell

'Magnet' May 11, 1935
BURRAGATE RIVER BRIDGE
The district-wide agitation that is going on with the object of bringing about the construction of a bridge over the river at Burragate merits fair and favourable consideration. The need for the bridge is obviously quite general, not merely local and the combined request made by residents of Rocky Hall, Burragate and Towamba for the bridging of the river affords ample justification for action by the Shire Council in the direction desired. The bridge comes within the category of works eligible for construction by means of grants for expenditure on roads other than main roads leading to settlement. A grant for this purpose would in no way involve diminution of funds available from other sources for similar work on main roads and on this account projects should receive the unanimous support of the Council and since such grants are not necessarily conditional on their being subsidised by the Council, the ratepayers of the locality who have suffered many years of inconvenience and loss through the river being unbridged should not be called upon to bear an additional burden in the shape of special contributions towards the cost of the structure. It is reasonable to expect that when the whole of the circumstances are considered all possible help will be given by the Council to the people of the district in their efforts to secure the bridge that represents so much to them and to others as a means of serving the public convenience and promoting the development of the shire.

'Magnet' May 18, 1935
BURRAGATE BRIDGE
Grant B Applied For
At Imlay Shire Council's meeting yesterday it was unanimously resolved on the motion of councillors Taylor and Wiles that application be made for a grant of £1000 from the Unemployment Fund for the purpose of constructing a bridge over the bridge at Burragate.

'Magnet' May 18, 1935
Seldom are the people of any small community stirred into such unity of action as is now being shown by Burragate people in their agitation for the bridging of the river at their centre. Their case, as 'Magnet' readers are aware, has been well and plainly put. Two things they strongly and rightly resent; 1, A suggestion made at a Shire Council meeting that the road was of purely local importance and benefit, 2, Being asked to assist with the work which if carried out by Government grant, would not tax the shire finances and which in any case would prove a blessing to a wide area. Burragate has asked for little enough.

'Magnet' May 25, 1935
In answer to a request from Burragate Progress Association supported by Eden Advancement Association and other bodies, it was decided to make application through Mr. Hedges M.L.A. for a grant of £1000 for a bridge over the river.

'Magnet' June 1, 1935
* It now seems as if the persistent agitation by both press and public for a bridge over the Towamba River at Burragate will be rewarded.

'Magnet' June 15, 1935
TOWAMBA BRIDGE
* Work has been commenced on concreting the approaches to our bridge.

'Magnet' June 22, 1935
* Alterations were made a few days ago to the bridge spanning Pericoe Creek at the Wog Wog crossing.

'Magnet' September 21, 1935.
BIG JACK BRIDGE
The first bridge to be put over the Big Jack Creek at the foot of the mountain was open to traffic yesterday. The first car to cross over it was the Pambula-Bombala mail car driven by Mr. Les Sharp.

'Magnet' November 23, 1935
IMLAY SHIRE COUNCIL
Bridge wanted for Maria's Creek
Mr. A.E. Alexander, Pericoe, asked that a bridge be erected over Maria's Creek Road, Pericoe to Rockton which was the only holdup in the road in wet weather. (The matter to be considered when next year's estimates are being dealt with.)

'Magnet'
April 4, 1936
BURRAGATE RIVER BRIDGE
PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE MINISTER
On an invitation extended to Burragate P & C Association to send delegates to Cooma to participate in the interview with Mr. Spooner on March 20th regarding the proposed Burragate River bridge, Messers D. Morton and I. W. Ryan were appointed and they report respecting the matter as follows:
We had the pleasure of meeting at Cooma, Mr. Spooner, Minister for Works and Local Government and our representative Mr. W. W. Hedges MLA., for Monaro.
Imlay Shire president, Cr. Wiles put forward proposals for the following works: Bridge over Slaters Creek at Candelo, bridge over Sandy Creek on Wyndham-Rocky Hall Road, bridge over Back Creek, Lochiel, bridge over Black Creek on Wyndham-Rocky Hall Road and the matters of Candelo- Wyndham Road and the Bega River Road. After these had been submitted Mr. Hedges remarked that he did not see anything of a bridge for Burragate on the programme of proposed works, whereupon President Wiles said that in Council a show of hands was taken and the proposal was turned down.
Mr. Hedges said that this work had been applied for and should be considered. It was an urgent necessity to the people of the Towamba River district and it was essential to the promotion of the development of Twofold Bay. He added: "The people want it and it should be first on your list of works." The item was then placed on the list.
Deputy president Lee who besides being a Council delegate represented also all local progressive bodies and the Eden Advancement Association in his advocacy of the project, said on behalf of these organisations and the people of Burragate particularly that the bridge would be to the producers one of the most beneficial works in the shire. He put up an excellent case and also put in a strong plea for the completion of the Kiah to Lower Towamba Development Road, a work that was started seven years ago and was far from finished. Its non completion, he said, together with the holdup at Burragate River had brought the district to a locked position in regard to transport for the farmers concerned. He said it was heartbreaking to see the old hands that had pioneered the river still without a road and it would bring tears from any human heart to realise their plight after having stood up to almost every trial of life that was possible for them to face.
The Minister listened sympathetically and said he would discuss the matter with the Main Roads Department and urge early completion of the road.
After a long discussion on the shire's financial position, the Minister said he would assist the shire on a 60-40 basis for the following works; Burragate bridge £1,250, Black Creek bridge and Sandy Creek bridge £510, Slaters Lane bridge £250, Back Creek bridge £260, Candelo-Wyndham road £1,000, Tathra-Bega River Road £1,500.
Councillor Lee is to be congratulated on the fight he put up for the Burragate Bridge and for the completion of the Kiah River Development Road.