OPENING OF HYTHE PIER.
The new pier at Hythe, which has been in the course of construction for some time past, was formally opened on Saturday by the Mayor of Southampton. It will not only prove a great attraction to that side of the water being an elegant structure, and commanding charming views of the Southampton Water and neighbourhood, but will provide a comfortable and convenient tending place for the Hythe steam boat traffic, which during the past few years, has been greatly on the increase. There are only needed now facilities at the Town Quay to render communication between the two places complete, and this the Southampton Harbour Board have promised as soon as their extensive works, are complete. The small outlay it will necessitate will be a judicious investment for the town, for instead of the residents on the opposite side preferring a long journey by road to the passage by water, owing to the inconveniences they were put to, they will now make their purchases in the town, as every accommodation will be provided for their comfort.
The Mayor said that there was no doubt that it would be a source of great convenience to the gentlemen living in the vicinity of Hythe and it would enable the people of Southampton to approach Hythe without difficulty and see what a beautiful locality they had there. A great many people had never been on the other side of the water, and would be surprised at what a pretty place it was. He had no doubt in his own mind the project would produce for the company a reasonable dividend, and having declared the pier opened he wished them all a happy and prosperous new year. (Applause.)
Sheriff Pearce said he was delighted to see this beautiful piece of work completed. He saw that these day facilities had been required for a long time. He was requested to say the Harbour Board would do everything in their power, consistent with their duty, to carry out the facilities on his Southampton side of the water to make the communication complete.
The company, at the invitation of Mr. Drummond. Then adjourned to lunch at the Drummond Arms; but before leaving, three cheers were given for the Mayor, the directors, and the Queen. At the shore end it is proposed to retain about 40feet of the existing landing, which will be raised above the sea level and converted into a quay for the landing of cattle and heavy merchandise. This will be done through the instrumentality of Lord Henry Scott, so that the farmers of Beaulieu and district can send to Southampton market without making a wearisome circuit by road. We might also mention that the success of the undertaking is in great measure due to the liberal spirit in which Mr. Drummond has acted throughout.
