OPENING OF THE NEW PIER AT BOURNEMOUTH.
On Wednesday, the handsome pier at Bournemouth, just completed by Messrs. Bergheim and Co., was formally opened amidst great demonstration, by the Right Hon. Sir F. W. Truscott. Sir F. W. Truscott very kindly accepted the invitation of the Town’s Interest Committee, and fixed such an early day for the ceremony that the working committees are to be congratulated upon the expeditious and elaborate manner in which the whole of the arrangements were executed. The London and South-Western Railway Company very generously conveyed the Lord Mayor’s suite and equipages free of charge. The State carriages arrived at Bournemouth by mid-day train on Tuesday, and to the 5.30 express was attached the handsome saloon carriage containing his lordship and suite.
Upon alighting his lordship was met on the platform by the members of the Local Board of Commissioners, where a short and appropriate address of welcome was read and presented by Major- General Burrows.
His lordship, sheriffs, &c., were then driven to the Royal Bath Hotel, which was most tastefully and elaborately arranged for the reception of the distinguished party.
Visitors streamed into the town from all parts, and the profuse display of flags and bunting, and the numerous triumphal arches bearing mottoes of welcome looked grand in the extreme. The gorgeous procession left the hotel at half-past eleven.
After parading the principal streets, a move was made through the pleasant gardens to the pier (outside the entrance of which the yeomanry were drawn up on either side), when the formal opening was soon accomplished by the Lady Mayoress, (after the presentation of an address), unlocking the entrance gate with a gold key presented to her for the occasion.
After enjoying the pier for some time, the distinguished party returned to their carriages and proceeded to the Winter Gardens, where a splendid luncheon was provided by the Criterion Hotel, Mr. F. Godfrey’s well-known band performing a choice selection of music.
During the afternoon various rowing, sailing, and swimming matches took place. Tub races, duck hunts, the latter causing much amusement, and later there was to be a grand display of fireworks. The borough member, Mr. Horace Davy, Q.C., gave £5O, and the town generally contributed liberally to the expenses of the demonstration.
To look at Bournemouth on Wednesday it seems impossible to imagine that only about 40 years ago it could have been a barren heath, called “Decoy Pond.” The town has certainly come out handsomely, and the result must be to bring this magnificent health resort into prominent notice.
A grand banquet to the Lord Mayor was to be given in the evening, after which it is said his lordship would be the guest for a few days of Mr. ex-Sheriff Burt at Swanage.
The arrangements made by the railway companies, and police, were admirable; the whole thing was arranged on a magnificent scale. The bells of St. Peter’s Church rang merrily throughout the day.
