OPENING OF HERNE BAY PIER
The rising little village of Herne Bay was the scene of attraction Monday last, that being the day appointed for opening the new Pier, a splendid structure, which runs 2,000 feet into the sea, and when completed will extend 600 further in the same direction, thus affording the visitors in this very improving place, an easy and safe landing from the steam packets which arrive there, and to the inhabitants and visitors healthy and agreeable promenade, from which they are able to behold to more advantage than they otherwise could do the beautiful scenery which presents itself to the eye at all points.
The morning was ushered in with the ringing of bells, and ever and anon those
“Mortal engines, whose rude throats
The immortal Jove’s dread clamours counterfeit,”
thundered forth their announcement of the joyous occasion The Pier was decorated with movable flags, as was also the Pier Hotel. The vessels and small craft in the bay were also fancifully ornamented with flags, streamers, &c. At early hour the inhabitants were on the qui vive, dressed in their holiday suits. Crowds, too, came flocking in from the adjoining country, and from the ancient city of Canterbury, which is only seven miles distant from Herne Bay, all anxious to witness the ceremony which had this advantage over many other ceremonies—of being useful as well agreeable. Nor were the good folks in the neighbourhood the only persons whose curiosity was excited upon this occasion. Several hundred of the inhabitants of London made it a point to be present, the majority of whom were conveyed thither by the Venus steam-packet, which was gaily decorated with colours. The Venus was no unimportant feature in the day’s amusement. Upon leaving St. Katharine’s Dock, at nine o’clock in the morning, she fired three rounds, the band on-board playing “Rule Britannia.” The music and firing was kept up occasionally while going down the river. Upon her arrival at Herne Bay a salute of three guns was fired from the pier, which returned by the Venus. The filing was kept up for sometime, while the several bands of music on land and on board the steamer played various appropriate airs.
At two o’clock there was a regatta, and several well contested sailing and rowing matches took place for silver cups, to the great delight of the visitors, and to the advantage of the winners. At length the time for opening arrived, and accordingly a grand procession of the shareholders, directors, officers, &c. opened the Pier with the usual forms, amidst the cheers of the populace, the sound of music, and the firing of cannon. They then processed to the Pier Hotel in the following order:
Two Constables to clear the way.
Band of Music, Three and Three.
Six Banners, Two and Two.
Shareholders, Two and Two.
Band of Music, Three and Three.
Six Banners, Two and Two.
Directors and Officers, Two and Two.
Six Banners, Two and Two.
Shareholders, Two and Two.
Band of Music, Three and Three.
As the procession passed along, the bands struck up the appropriate air, “This is our Opening Day.” On arriving at the hotel, the musicians and banner bearers filed off right and left. The directors, officers, and shareholders then gave three cheers, and entered the hotel, where an elegant dinner was prepared for them by the proprietor, Mr. Alexander, whose attention and politeness merits out best notice. The evening was spent in greatest hilarity, and this very interesting rural fete concluded by grand display of fireworks on the Pier.
There could not be less than 5,000 persons present, all of whom, notwithstanding the rain, which occasionally fell during the day, seemed to enjoy the amusements which had been prepared for them by the directors of the Pier and the proprietors of the steam vessel, whose combined exertions to administer to the enjoyment of their friends and neighbours were highly commendable. And here we cannot refrain from noticing the gentlemanly demeanour and politeness of Mr. Clifton, the steward of the Venus, whose conduct added not a little to the comfort of the passengers on board that steamer.
Upon the whole, we must say that the scene afforded considerable pleasure—a pleasure which arose from the consciousness that the cause of amusement that day would be the means of support to thousands hereafter.
