in a purse, and with Messrs. William Hull, J.P., and John Hood spoke in the most laudatory terms of theex-bridge-man's gallantry. Doherty soon after became a licensed victualler, and he died leaving a widow and five children.
Prince's Bridge.
The necessity for the erection of a suitable permanent bridge at length compelled the attention of the Government, and as it was a matter likely to entail considerable expense, it was referred for consideration by a Select Committee of the Legislative Council of New South Wales. Mr. David Lennox, an officer of experience was despatched to Melbourne to obtain reliable data, and the Committee (24th September, 1845) recommended "that a bridge of one arch with a span of 150 feet, estimated at £10,000, should be erected over the Yarra, at a spot opposite to or in the vicinity of Swanston Street, Melbourne." Lennox's plan of the bridge was approved by the Superintendent (Latrobe), and the Government lost no time in acting upon the report of the Legislature. It was decided that the bridge should be begun on the same day, and with much the same ceremony as the long-talked-of, long-expected, and sadly-required Melbourne Hospital. The several public bodies who promised to co-operate in the one undertaking were invited to be equally obliging to the other, and the event was in every sense a gratifying success. As the procession of the Hospital has been fully described in another chapter, it is only necessary to notice here the special circumstances connected with the laying of the foundation.
After the Masonic Brotherhood and other Societies were arranged in the places assigned to them, the proceedings commenced by the Rev. A. C. Thomson, Masonic Chaplain, offering a prayer composed by himself for the occasion, after which he delivered the following invocation:—
"May the great Architect of the Universe permit this work to be carried on successfully to its completion; and make this bridge serviceable for the design of its erection, that by its means the bounties of Providence may come in to the people of this place, to their welfare, and to the glory of His holy name."
Masonic response—" So Mote it be."
The stone, previously adjusted, was then partly lowered, and Brother Frederick Lord Clay, as the Junior Worshipful Master, having received a bottle containing various coins of the realm from His Honor the Superintendent, deposited it in the stone, and also a brass plate, the inscription on which was read by Brother John Stephen, as Director of Ceremonies. It was thus :—
THE FOUNDATION STONE
Of
This Bridge Over the Yarra Yarra River, at Melbourne,
Was Laid on the 20th Day of March, A.D. 1846,
By
His Honour Charles Joseph Latrobe,
Assisted by
The Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Freemasons,
In the Ninth Year of the Reign
Of
Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.
Governor of New South Wales,
Sir George Gipps, Knight.
Superintendent of Port Phillip,
His Honour C. J. Latrobe, Esq.
Resident Judge,
His Honour William a'Beckett, Esq.
Mayor of Melbourne,
His Worship J. F. Palmer, Esq.
Superintendent of Bridges,
David Lennox.
