Historical information

This is an original Victorian Government document containing the printed version of 37 reports and letters regarding the building of the first Allansford bridge completed early in 1852. The correspondence dates from October 1850 to February 1852 and includes letters and reports from Melbourne Government employees such as Robert Hoddle, Chief Surveyor, David Lennox, Superintendent of Bridges and Lieutenant – Governor Charles La Trobe. The correspondence from local settlers included the names of William and John Allan, John Davidson and James Coulstock.
The correspondence shows that some settlers in the Warrnambool/Port Fairy district wanted a portion of the Government allocated funds spent on the local roads and bridges in other locations. The 1852 Allansford bridge cost £480 and was replaced in 1870.

Significance

This document has strong historical significance as it relates to one of the earliest State government works in the district and records the public imput into the decision.. It contains opinions and correspondence between a number of early settlers in the district at the time.

Physical description

Grey/blue paper document with black text. 21 pages plus 4 page index at back.