BRIGHTON. OPENING OF THE NEW PIER.
The new Marine Palace and Pier, which has been erected opposite the Aquarium, Brighton, close to the site of the old Chain Pier, was opened to the public on Saturday by the Mayoress of Brighton, (Mrs. Hawkes), in the presence of a large gathering of spectators. The new pier is not yet completed, the pavilion having still to be built, but the portion opened to the public extends some 1.500 feet from the beach, and several smaller pavilions have been put up. The arrangements have been designed to resemble the Kursaals on the Continent, including reading-rooms and dining rooms, ornamental arches for electrical illumination purposes, and the electric tram in the centre of the pier. There are to be landing stages at the head the pier to accommodate vessels in different positions, according the state of the wind, and there will never be less than 12 feet of water. The entire structure covers an area of two and a half acres, and 85 miles of planking and decking have been employed in its construction.
