The new pier erected at Clevedon was opened for the use of the public on Easter Monday. The engineers, Ward and Grover, had considerable difficulties to contend with in the tide and cost, but ably overcame them. The special object of the pier, besides affording pleasure to residents and visitors at Clevedon, is that vessels may discharge passengers and luggage at nearly all states of the tide. At the entrance to the pier, on one side, a toll-house of a castellated character, and on the other is the Rock House Hotel. A flagstaff has been erected at the pier-head. The opening proceedings consisted of a procession to the pier, with the volunteers, the Odd Fellows, and other societies; the singing of a psalm by the Sunday-school children; and a series of brief addresses, delivered by the Rev. E. H. Fothergill, the Rev. Mr. Strawbridge, and the Rev. Mr. Saxby; after which Mr. Henry Chapman, in the name of Sir Arthur Elton, lord of the manor and chairman of the Clevedon Pier Company, formally declared the pier to be opened. The flag at the pier-head was then hoisted, a salute of guns was fired, and the bands played the National Anthem. Four hundred persons were entertained with luncheon, in the newly-erected Market-House. The directors and shareholders dined together at the Rock House Hotel. This Market-House itself was formally opened two days later, when the pier was brilliantly illuminated. The whole affair was a great success.
