Saturday, February 27, 2021

BELINFANTE


Dr Belinfante (on left), Herbert St, Gulgong, 1872
Identified by Don Dougan, researcher
Source: Mitchell Library, SLNSW

Researching Dr Belinfante was a confusing process until I realised that the Dr Belinfante who was tending to medical needs on the Gulgong goldfields was also the Mr Simon Belinfante who was appearing as barrister in court cases and running for NSW Parliament to represent the Western Goldfields. I found a website that explained this rather succinctly and have summarised that information here:

Simon Peter Cohen Belinfante was born in Amsterdam in 1831. He moved to Britain as a student in about 1852 and qualified as a doctor in 1859, by which time he had married Leontine Louise Deloune (1856 in Pancras district). They had two children, William and Leo. In 1861 Simon and Leontine were living in Pancras with Simon’s brothers, Bernard and David, (both described as students). Simon himself was described as ‘medical, not in practice’.

Belinfante left his wife in Britain and moved to Australia where, by 1871, he was working as a doctor and a barrister, as well as standing for election to the New South Wales Parliament (unsuccessfully). He appears in a fair number of Australian newspaper reports and comes over as somewhat irascible and litigious. One paper later described him as ‘clever and amiable but somewhat inactive in both professions’.

The ‘Mrs Belinfante’ who barely survived drowning when crossing the Cudgegong River with Dr Belinfante in 1874, was his second wife, named Janette. She was born in Calcutta (or "at sea", depending on which census is correct) in about 1840. After Belinfante’s death she ran a boarding house in Sydney and one of her guests was an eminent English actor called William Creswick, (born in 1813) who was on a tour. They were married on 3 June 1878 and went back to live in London, where William died in 1888. Janette died in 1900.


Dr Belinfante's surgery, Herbert Street Gulgong.
Location of surgery, Herbert Street Gulgong, 1870s
Source: State Library of NSW

"Looking north down Herbert-street (west side) towards Black Lead, from a point near its intersection with Mayne-street (also known as Queen-street); to the left can be seen the premises of S. H. Barnes (Mudgee Drug Store) on the corner; the two-story building seen to the rear is Selff’s Hotel, “The Gulgong Guardian,” A. McCulloch (bookseller and stationer), Dr. Belinfante’s rooms and A. Myer’s watch making and jewellery business. In the dust of the distance can be seen several horse drawn wagons bringing supplies to the many new stores."

 

DR BELINFANTE in the NEWS 
The following newspaper articles detail some of Dr Belinfante's activities in and around Gulgong until his untimely death in 1874.

1871_____________

1871 - ACCIDENT
On Friday evening last, about 7 o'clock, as James Ward, in the employ of Mr. Kellett, was passing town-wards driving in a light spring-cart, and when on the bridge near the Belmore Hotel, he met three horsemen riding abreast so near Ward's side of the bridge as to cause Ward to call out to them. They did not heed the warning, and Ward's horse shying from the rails and bolting, ran into a horse ridden by Mr. James Crossing, the shaft of the cart running about two feet into the off side of the horse's near flank, carrying the animal for about twenty yards, both horses plunging. Ward was thrown on to his horse's back, and thence to the ground, slightly scratching him; but Crossing was thrown in the road upon his head, receiving a severe cut on the upper back part of it, which rendered him partially insensible. His brother was one of those riding with Cox at the time, and he immediately took him up, and then went for Dr. Belinfante, who dressed the wound, from which no dangerous symptoms were anticipated. The horse was raised and led homeward, the distance being about 300 yards, but on arriving, and whilst his wound was being looked to, the poor creature dropped and expired. We since learn that Mr Crossing is able to return to business.

1871 - [DOCTOR]
S. Belinfante M.D.M.R.C.S. England
Gold Medallist of London University Legally Qualified by the Medical Board of New South Wales Physician, Surgeon & Accoucheur - Has commenced the Practice of his Profession at Mudgee, and maybe contacted at the Belmore Hotel.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 11, April 29, 1871

1871 - [MINING REGULATIONS]
The miners at Gulgong recently subscribed the sum of £21 to defray the expenses of a petition against the new mining regulations. The expenses amounted after all only to £8 15s., and the balance, £12 5s as been handed by Dr Belinfante (treasurer to the movement), to the Gulgong Hospital.

1871 - [LUNCHEON]
A luncheon was given to the members of the North Western District Commission, at the Belmore Hotel, Mudgee, on Saturday afternoon last. The chair was occupied by the Mayor (G. D. Lane. Esq.), the Mayor of Cudgegong (John Newman, Esq ), in the vice-chair. Nearly all the leading gentlemen of the district were present, about sixty being at the banquet. The health of the Queen and the Governor having been proposed, and received with the usual loyal demonstrations, "The Ministry" was proposed by Mr. George Leary. The chairman next gave "The Gentlemen forming the Commission;"' and Mr. M'Lean returned thanks. Mr. R. Rouse proposed "The Pastoral," the vice-chairman "The Agricultural," Dr. Belinfante "The Mining," and Mr. Tebbutt "The Commercial" interests. G. H. Cox, Esq., M.L.C., and Messrs. Cassin, Davidson, and Conway severally responded. "The Ladies," "The Press," &c, followed, and after a few more complimentary passages, the party broke up.

1871 - [CHRISTMAS]
Good old Christmas with its train of holidays is fast approaching, and our Gulgongites are determined to give it a right good welcome. Our storekeepers are inviting inspection of their vast assortment of Christmas goods. O'Neil Brothers, of Queen Street [Mayne Street], ever anxious to quell the cravings of the inner man, are manufacturing sweetmeats as if by steam, and at prices to suit all, both "hatter" and Benedict. Miss Joey Gougenheim, of the Prince of Wales, intends giving us a treat in the shape of a pantomime, and our racing programme is very attractive. In fine, we anticipate that Christmas at Gulgong will not be the dullest.

Mining has been very dull during the past week. No. 5 Happy Valley are after washing, and the yield is reported as being 1500 ozs. to about 40 loads of washdirt, and making a grand dividend of about £8000 a man since the first washing ! Mr. Rouse again ! On the Caledonian there is very little to report, save the annoyance caused by Rouse claiming the lower end of the lead, thus ignoring the miners who have been in possession for months. The other leads are dull.

A monster meeting of miners was held on Saturday, at the Camp reserve. Object: 1st. To protest against the new Land Bill. 2nd. To ask that immediate legislation be enacted to allow mining on private property. 3rd. To ask that an amended Gold Fields Act be introduced without delay. Mr. Plunket took the chair. Messrs. O'Connor, Adams, Londergan, S. Swan, and Dr. Belinfante were on the platform. Addresses were delivered condemnatory of the mining laws and the indifference of the Government.
A panorama of the Franco-Prussian war has been on view here during the past week. It is very good, all the views — which are artistically executed — being life-size. It has just arrived from Germany, and has been exhibited in the colony for the first time.

At the theatre there is nightly a new programme, and yet, on the whole, the attendance is very poor. This, no doubt, is owing to the scarcity of cash rather than to the want of taste on the part of our townspeople.

The weather is very dry yet, and although we were favored with several nice showers on Sunday, things on the whole are in a most fearful state through the continued drought.
December 19, 1871.
Source: The Irish Citizen (Sydney, NSW : 1871 - 1872) Sat 23 Dec 1871 Page 8

1871 - MUDGEE. 
THE resignation of Mr. M. H. Stephen, the member for this district, does not appear to have created any particular surprise, it being believed that the honour of representing us, which was almost thrust upon that gentleman, had, for a long time, sat irksomely upon his shoulders. Last evening, a meeting of the supporters of Mr. Henry Parkes was held at the Belmore Hotel, the Mayor (Mr. G. D. Lane) occupying the chair, and a committee was initiated for the purpose of securing Mr. Parkes's return. Messrs. D. Cassin, who has had a great deal of experience in the elections of this town, and H. M. Innes were appointed joint secretaries, and there was a general feeling of confidence expressed that Mr. Parkes would be returned. But as the meeting was avowedly composed only of that gentleman's friends, their opinion must be taken for what it is worth. He is announced to address the electors in the Mechanics' Institute on the 27th instant, also at the nomination the day following, and on the 29th he will address the electors at Gulgong. The day of polling is the 2nd day of the new year, and although the writ is not returnable until the 16th January, it is quite possible, if expedition is exercised, that the member for Mudgee, whoever he will be, may be in his place in time to take part in the debate upon the Land Bill. Mr. G. M. Stephen's address, as well as that of the other candidates, has been well discussed. Mr. Stephen has announced that he will meet the electors at the Belmore Hotel to-morrow evening. Several other names have been mentioned as likely to come forward, amongst them Mr. J. G. L. Innes, Dr. Belinfante, Mr. George Rouse, of Biranganbil, and Mr. Richard Rouse, of Guntawang.

The Quarter Sessions, which commenced here on the 9th instant, did not terminate until the 10th, since when the District Court sittings have been dragging their slow length along, and will probably not close until the end of this week.

The weather has been for some time past excessively hot, but early this evening a heavy thunderstorm burst over the town, and has proved most invaluable to the cornfields. Should the rain have extended to Gulgong, from which direction it appeared to come, there will be great joy amongst the miners who have been prevented by the want of water from performing the customary "washing-up" before Christmas. At present nearly all the puddling machines are at a standstill, but as soon as the dams are again filled some exceedingly large escorts must inevitably come down.
Mudgee, 20th December.

1872_____________

Scene in Gulgong Courthouse — Yesterday, in a mining case in which Dr. Belinfante and Mr. Clarke appeared as the contending counsel, a scene occurred of which the following is a brief account :— Mr. Clarke opened his speech by saying that too much time of the court had been frequently wasted of late by a spectre of claptrap and bunkum quite unbecoming; and he thought such a state of things had been going on for a fortnight, and should be put a stop to. After explaining the 6th section of the Gold-fields Act he alluded to the appeals made by opposing counsel to the assessors in previous cases to do justice to the miners, which he considered to be merely a phase of parliamentary tactics to gain popular favour; and scenes had occurred in which clapping and applauses had taken place within the precincts of the court. But he attributed this to a desire to gain popularity on the eve of a general election. 

Dr. Belinfante, in his address to the assessors, referred to Mr. Clarke's remarks about parliamentary dodges, clap-trap, and tactics, and said that Mr, Plunkett was bringing forward Mr. R. Rouse as a candidate for a seat in the Assembly, and on whose behalf Mr. Clarke intended to use his interest— Mr. R. Rouse being also justice of the peace in the Appeal Court. Mr. Clarke, jumping up, requested Dr. Belinfante not to be personal, or he would relate a conversation which was told to him the night previously, by a gentleman who had informed him that Dr. Belinfante had offered to use his interest to secure the return of Mr. R. Rouse if he would give him £300. Dr. Belinfante said it was a lie, and he was a liar who said so; that he himself would consent to stand if the people dragged him forward, at his own cost. Mr. Clarke reiterated— 'You will never get there,' meaning a seat in Parliament. During this discreditable exhibition the spectators in court expressed their feelings by clapping of hands and cheers. - Gulgong Argus, February 3

The Belinfante Bridge over the Cudgegong River

1875 - [THE BELINFANTE BRIDGE]
(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)
Mudgee, August 19.
THE accompanying sketch from a photograph by Mr. H. E. Goodes, of this town, represents the Belinfante Bridge, the erection of which has just been completed. The formal naming and opening, or as it is more generally called, the christening, took place on August 18th. On that day the place was the scene of marked gaiety and festivity, not unalloyed by sad recollections, to those among the number present who were old residents, and consequently aware of the many sad accidents that had occurred there during the last twenty years, owing to the want of a safe and secure crossing place.

Perhaps there is no bridge in the colony which marks the site of so many deaths; and a few among the assembled guests could not refrain from feelings of deep regret as they thought how many might have been saved from a watery grave had such a bridge been erected years ago. The obituary list, to the best of our recollection, commences with the brothers Lee (who were drowned within three months of each other, while crossing to the Beaudesert garden), and terminates with the late and lamented Simon Belinfante, M.D., a gold medallist of the London University, and a barrister-at-law. The details of the drowning of the latter gentleman after whom the bridge is named must be fresh in the minds of our readers.

Reference to our report of that sad event will show that he was drowned on the 14th July, 1874, in the Cudgegong, while attempting to cross that part of the river over which the bridge referred to is erected, and that but for the gallant and timely aid of Mr. Henry Crossing, who imperilled his own life, Mrs. Belinfante would in all probability have met a similar fate. About a fortnight after the drowning the body was recovered, and interred in the Church of England cemetery.

So great was the excitement consequent upon this catastrophe, that the agitation was at once revived to have a bridge erected over so dangerous a crossing place. The agitation I am happy to say was successful, and tenders were invited for the erection of the bridge on the third day subsequent to the drowning. It was not, however, till about eight or nine months ago that the work was actually put in hand, and active operations initiated.

The contractor for the erection was Mr. John Ahern, who is worthy of all commendation for the creditable manner in which he has carried out his contract. The Road Superintendent (E. Nardin, Esq.) deserves mention for his attention to the work, and his valued assistance.

The Belinfante Bridge is built across the Cudgegong River, and is situated about nine miles from Gulgong, and a similar distance from Mudgee, besides being on the cross roads to Tallawang and Wellington. It is 112 yards long, and 16 feet in width, while the main span measures 75 feet across. There were 48 piles used in its construction, the piles of the main span being eight in number and each a foot square. The material of the structure consists of ironbark and slaty gum, which competent judges pronounce as excellent as can be procured in the colony. This timber was obtained from the Tallawang sawpits, the contractors for it being Mr. William Hall, Mr. Charles Smith, and Mr. McKay.

At a meeting held some time previous it was decided to name the bridge, the "Belinfante Bridge," as a tribute to the memory of the much lamented doctor, and it was at the same time unanimously decided that Miss Rouse (daughter of Geo. Rouse, Esq., of Beaudesert) should perform the ceremony of christening, Beaudesert, I may mention, is not far distant from the bridge, and Mr. Rouse is one of the oldest and most respected residents; hence one of his family was deputed to perform the ceremony.
Accordingly, at 2 o'clock last Wednesday, numbers of people in vehicles and on horseback proceeded to the bridge. The day was all that could be desired towards making the affair a success. The numbers present at the commencement of the ceremony were estimated at four hundred, the majority of whom were from Mudgee, although Gulgong and the vicinity contributed a fair quota.

Commissioner T. A. Browne was voted into the chair, and in a brief but feeling speech he testified the pleasure which it afforded him in lending his presence on an occasion of so much importance, and referred to the number of deaths which had been caused by drowning in the vicinity. He hoped the structure, which was badly needed, would be adequate to their requirements. At the conclusion of his remarks, and amidst the applause with which they were greeted, he called on Miss Rouse to perform the ceremony of christening. Miss Rouse came forward amidst cheers, and, breaking the orthodox bottle of champagne against the side of the bridge, duly proclaimed it to be named the Belinfante Bridge. On behalf of the Bridge Committee, Mr. R. H. D. White presented the young lady with a bouquet of flowers in a silver holder, which latter he was compelled to substitute for a more handsome and elaborate one which had not then arrived from Sydney. The Volunteer Band, which was in attendance, played the National Anthem; after which, on the proposal of Mr. Browne, three lusty cheers were given
for Miss Rouse. Mr. Richard Rouse (Biraganbil) returned thanks on behalf of his sister, and apologised for his father, who was unavoidably absent.

Mr. Rouse then referred, in eulogistic terms, to the creditable manner in which Mr. Ahern had performed his contract. The healths of Mr. Lackey, M.P., and Mr. Nardin, Road Superintendent, were then drunk amidst repeated cheering. Mr. Johnson next proposed the health of Mr. Ahern, and took occasion to refer to the late talented Dr. Belinfante, and to expatiate upon the numerous acts of private charity that gentleman had performed. Mr. Ahern, in returning thanks, referred to the timber with which the bridge was built, which he declared equal to any in the colony, and remarked how pleased he was to find his first contract giving such universal satisfaction. Mr. Ahern was enthusiastically cheered, after
which those present partook of a champagne repast. Several vehicles, foremost among which, was Miss Rouse's, then drove over the bridge concluding the ceremony, after which the excited and joyous crowd slowly dispersed.

A ball at Mr. Adams' Junction Hotel, contiguous to the bridge, wound up the day's rejoicing. The engraving given is taken from a photograph by Mr. H. E. Goodes, a photographer whose talent we have had occasion, in a former issue, to refer to.

1874 - DEATH OF DR. BELlNFANTE
The full account of the melancholy death of Dr. Belinfante appears in the Gulgong Evening Argus:- "It seems that Dr. Belinfante was attempting to cross the Cudgegong River on his way from Mudgee to Gulgong. The doctor and his wife started in a buggy, and near the river were overtaken by Mr. Crossing, who said that being better acquainted with the river, he would cross first, telling Dr. Belinfante not to attempt to come until he got over. When Mr. Crossing got on the opposite side he looked back, and much to his surprise saw that the doctor had entered the water, and was too low down. Mr. Crossing then urged the doctor to keep up the river and avoid the deep water below the rubble that forms a bar across the river. He did not appear to understand the instructions, and in a moment after the buggy upset, and Dr. and Mrs. Belinfante were thrown into the river. He swam for a short time, but the current was too strong, and he sank. Mr. Crossing, with great presence of mind, succeeded in rescuing Mrs. Belinfante, who was nearly senseless. Dr. Belinfante was about forty years of age, and a native of Holland. He was* a gold medallist of the London University for proficiency in anatomy.
Source: Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954) Sat 25 Jul 1874 Page 13
* he claimed to be

1874 - OBITUARY. THE LATE DR. BELINFANTE
The following particulars of the death of Dr. Belinfante are given in the Mudgee Times:-The unfortunate gentleman having to attend the Police Court at Gulgong on an important mining case, started in a buggy from Mudgee at about 8 o'clock on Tuesday, 14th instant, accompanied by his wife. Contrary to advice, and under a strict sense of duty to his clients, Dr. Belinfante, in his haste to reach Gulgong, selected the road via Slasher's Flat, Green Swamp. Before they reached the river they were overtaken by Mr. Henry Crossing, who was alone in another buggy, and that gentleman, at the Doctor's request, kept them company. On reaching the bank of the river, which, in consequence of the recent heavy rains, was running rapidly, Mr. Crossing said that he being well acquainted with the river, would cross first, and he told the unfortunate deceased not to attempt to cross until he had reached the island in the middle of the stream. This he did, and Dr. Belinfante followed and reached it safely. At this time Mr. Crossing saw that the current was stronger than on the other side, and he said that it would be as much as he could do to breast it, and advised the doctor not to start until he (Mr. Crossing) got across. On reaching the other bank of the river, Mr. Crossing turned his head and saw that the doctor had entered the water with his horse's head rather too low down. He shouted to him to keep higher up and avoid the deep water below the stones which form a bar across the river, but he did not appear to understand the instructions, and turned his horse's head still further down. A moment after the buggy turned over, and the doctor and Mrs. Belinfante were precipitated into the water. Both floated down the stream, and Mr. Crossing, with great presence of mind, ran about fifty yards along the bank, divesting himself of the whole of his clothing as he went, and jumped into the river. At this time Dr. Belinfante was swimming, and Mr. Crossing succeeded in getting hold of Mrs. Belinfante in the middle of the stream. She was then almost senseless, and there can be no doubt that had the lady been otherwise, Mr. Crossing's task of rescuing her would have been more dillicult than it was. He, however, happily succeeded in nearing the bank on the Gulgong side of the river, when the current caught him, and he lost his hold of Mrs. Belinfante. Fortunately Mr. Arthur Wilmot, who had been a spectator of the catastrophe, had run to the spot, and he jumped into the water, and, seizing Mrs. Belinfante, completed the rescue that had been so courageously commenced. Mr. Crossing had by this time recovered himself, and both gentlemen then succeeded in placing the lady's apparently lifeless body on the bank. Before this the poor doctor was seen to sink, and his last words heard were an injunction to his wife to save herself. After proper remedies were adopted, Mrs. Belinfante recovered sufficiently to be removed to Adams's hotel, about 300 yards distant, where, it is needless to say, every attention was paid to her, and the unfortunate lady returned to her now desolate home on Wednesday evening. 

1874 - FINDING THE BODY OF THE LATE DR. BELINFANTE.
On last Sunday at about noon (says the Western Post), as H. Branscombe, John Sullivan, and two other young men were riding towards Guntawang, they discovered the body of the late Dr. Bellinfante in a large waterhole called Cloudy Bay, about two miles lower down the river than where the late lamentable accident took place. The body was floating on the surface at the time, face downwards, and was drawn close to the shore by the young men who discovered it. Three of them remained with it, while one of their number, Branscombe, rode into Mudgee, and gave information of the discovery. Sergeant Webb at once proceeded to the scene, and took charge of the body. All the property in the possession of Dr. Belinfante at the time of the accident, such as his gold watch and chain, diamond and signet rings, studs, &c,; and some loose change, has been found intact; even the gloves he wore, still remained on his hands.
On Monday an inquest was held on the remains at Adams's Hotel, when the evidence of Mr. H. Crossing, Dr. Cutting, and some other witnesses was taken, a verdict of "Accidently drowned" was returned, to which the following rider was appended by the jury, "That the Government was very reprehensible for not having had a bridge placed over so public a thoroughfare years since."

1874 - [BRIDGE]
Description of Work or Supplies to be tendered for: Erection, of a Bridge over the Cudgegong River, at Slasher's Flat.
Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Fri 14 Aug 1874 [Issue No.201] Page 2490

1897 - MR. CRESWICK'S WIFE.
To the Editor of the ' Evening News.'
Sir, — In last Saturday's portion of her 'Reminiscences,' Miss Emily Soldene refers to the lady who married Creswick, the actor, as 'the widow of a well-known Sydney professor.' The lady was the widow of Dr. Belinfante, who was drowned in the Cudgegong, at Slasher's Flat, between Gulgong and Mudgee. Dr Belinfante was a Belgian, and practised both law and medicine, for he was also a barrister. He was a most eccentric man, and a most prominent agitator for mining reform; he made violent speeches, in which he administered hard knocks to both Government and the local authorities, and was a particularly sharp thorn in the side of the Commissioner (warden) in charge at Gulgong,' Mr. T. A. Browne ('Rolf Boldrewood'). A bridge had long been wanted at Slasher's Flat, and it was a common remark that 'when a member of Parliament, a Bishop, or a commissioner was drowned, a bridge would be built'. Dr. Belinfante was neither, though he aspired to a seat in the Assembly, and actually contested one election for the Western Gold Fields, opposing Mr. J. F. Plunkett, a very popular man' with the miners, and formerly a magistrate of the colony; but, somehow, the late David Buchanan came into the field at the last moment, and it was a case of 'veni, vidi, vici,' for ' Dauvid ' was carried in flying. The Irish vote did it, albeit 'Dave' was a Scotchman. After Dr. Belinfante's body was fished up near Beaudesert House, some days later, the agitation for a bridge was renewed, and eventually the present structure was built; and called 'Belinfante Bridge.' So that the 'Mad Belgian's' name is perpetuated. For
some time after her husband's death Mrs. Belinfante resided in Mudgee, where she was much esteemed for her many good qualities and acts of charity to the poor. I remember her marriage with Mr. Creswiek, but was not aware that she kept a boardinghouse or was in reduced circumstances, though it is quite probable, for I do not think her first husband made much of a pile, not withstanding his double-barrelled profession. — Yours, &c. G. C. J.
Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Sat 22 May 1897 Page 9

Belinfante Bridge, 1958
Source: Roads and Traffic Authority

Belinfante Bridge, 1960s
Source; Barbara Gurney

Accident, 1963
Source: Mick Perring

Accident, 1963
Source: Mick Perring


Accident, 1963
Source: Mick Perring

The photos of the accident at Belinfante Bridge were taken by Lindsay Haley. Extensice damage was caused when a large truck collided with the end of a truss. Haley drove semis for Jack Gardiner, who owned the Gulgong Newsagency with his sisters.
Source: Mick Perring

Construction of new Belinfante Bridge, ca 1964
Source: Andrew Lewis from slides by Don Lewis

Construction of new Belinfante Bridge, ca 1964
Source: Andrew Lewis from slides by Don Lewis

See also: Simon Belinfante in Australia 1863-1874 (external site)
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