A silver trowel was next handed by Senior Worshipful Master A. H . Hart to His Honor, who spread the mortar, after which some verses of a psalm were sung.
The corn was then scattered, some oil and wine poured on the stone, and another invocation was offered by the Chaplain, as follows:—
"May the bountiful hand of Heaven ever supply this Province with abundance of corn, wine, and oil, and all the necessaries of life ; may He whose mighty hand encompasses Eternity be the guardian and protector over this infant city and its inhabitants and may this building which spanneth the waters be long His protection—long preserved from peril and decay."
Masonic response— "So Mote it be."
His Honor the Superintendent observed that as this was in fact the only bridge which for many years would probably be constructed over the Yarra, he wished that it might be distinguished by the name of "Prince's Bridge," in honor of the Prince of Wales, who he hoped would yet be the Sovereign of the Australian colonies.
Mr. E. J. Brewster, M.C., and a member of the Masonic Body, delivered an address, in the course of which he expressed the satisfaction entertained throughout Port Phillip at the commencement of a great and useful public undertaking, and hailed it as the forerunner of similar works urgently required throughout the district. It was impossible not to consider the period when this bridge was being erected as most auspicious. After a long night of suffering and distress Port Phillip had arisen with resuscitated energy and vigour; never was it in a more healthy condition; and when the failure of crops with which it had pleased Providence to afflict other portions of the earth was considered, it should be remembered with thankfulness that here the full horn of plenty had been poured out. The bridge will be the means of uniting two of the most fertile portions of a country justly designated "Australia Felix," and be of incalculable advantage to the commercial interests of Melbourne. He concluded thus:— "Having looked before us, if we would now look upwards, and for a moment view the vast arch extended over our heads, we will at once see how meagre and transitory is the proudest structure of man when compared with the everlasting handiwork of the Great Architect of the Universe. But this is a Masonic suggestion, and reminds me that we have now to proceed to lay the foundation of another building; this is more directly personal, and for our own benefit,—that for the purpose of benevolence. In both, Masons are peculiarly interested, being from time immemorial the promoters of charity and the disseminators of the useful and liberal arts. It only, therefore, remains for me on the part of that Order, the basis of whose constitution is, to fear God, honour the Queen, and love one's neighbour as one's self—to tender you, Sir (the Superintendent) our grateful acknowledgments for the invitation which has afforded us an opportunity of participating with you in the performance of this day's ceremony; and in conclusion, to offer our supplications to the Supreme Architect of the Universe that this work, so favourably commenced, may rise in beauty, harmony, strength, and honour, to the country, to the satisfaction of you, Sir, its founder, and to the credit of our ancient Fraternity."
His Honor the Superintendent said he sincerely trusted that the bridge about to be erected would yet be traversed by thousands of the children of the present residents in the Province. He expressed his thanks to the different Fraternities honouring the occasion with their presence, especially the St. Patrick Society, the Temperance Society, and the Masonic Body.
At the conclusion of these observations, three loud cheers were given for the Queen, with three for the Superintendent. The "National Anthem" was then chanted by all present, and that portion of the day's work concluded, the assemblage proceeded to assist at the foundation of the Hospital.
The Masons and Oddfellows held high carnival that evening in honour of the joint ceremonies of the day, but the bridge was paid an unique and special compliment by the Chief-Constable (W. J. Sugden) entertaining the members of the police force at a dinner in the Market Square Hotel.
The bridge was 150 feet span and 30 feet in width, and the following is an estimate of the probable outlay:—Digging foundations, &c., £500; making and putting up centring, £800; 27,000 cubic feet of cut stone in the arch, of granite, at 2s. per foot, £2700; 10,660 cubic feet of cut stone in the abutments, of bluestone, at 1s. 6d. per foot, £799 10s.; 5959 cubic feet of cut stone in the frieze, cornice, parapets, &c. at 2s. per foot, £595 l8s.; 4847 perches of building stone in abutments, wing-walls, &c., at 6s. per
