Narooma Bridge's 90th birthday passes without much ado

The bridge's design dates from a time when motorised road transport was still in its early stages and an opening span was needed to allow coastal steamers to travel upstream.

The opening attracted about 1,800 people and more cars than Narooma had ever seen before. The bridge 'was bedecked' with red, white and blue flags and the pilot dressed the Pilot Station's flagstaff.

Speeches were made from a dais on the northern end of the bridge with Shire President Carl Mitchell of Mitchell's Mill officiating. A demonstration of the bridge's opening and closing followed.

Local member H J Bate MLA of Tilba Tilba officially opened the bridge adding some people had criticised the cost and questioned the need for a bridge, but the £42,000 cost was no more than one mile of railway.

After Mrs Bate cut the ribbon, a large crowd walked across and proceeded to the "Soldiers Memorial Hall" [School of Arts - now the Kinema] followed by a long procession of cars. Caterers Mr and Mrs J P Hyland of Narooma Hotel had prepared a sumptuous spread in the Hall with Narooma oysters one of the most popular courses.

Everyone then adjourned to the recreation ground for a knockout football competition with six teams from Moruya (2), Narooma (2), Wallaga Lake and Tilba. A 'grand ball' in the hall followed that night.