In the background is the first Redclyffe Bridge, opened in June 1881. The bridge was the first built in Hawke's Bay that did not use imported timber from Auckland or Australia - it was constructed from local kauri.
The first traffic across the bridge was at the opening, when Mr
Rymer's coach, pulled by four large grey horses, stopped in the middle.
As the rain was coming down hard, a local politician's daughter, Miss Bennett, quickly got out of the coach and smashed a bottle of champagne to declare the bridge open.
The coach then proceeded to McDonald's Taradale Hotel, where champagne flowed freely - as did toasts to the press, county council, Queen Victoria, the royal family, governor and all individuals involved in the bridge in some way.
Two more celebrations were held; the one at Waiohiki Pa "in a very jolly way".
