Appeal For Funds To Restore Brighton Pier

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30453, 29 May 1964, Page 12

Appeal For Funds To Restore Brighton Pier

The New Brighton pier is to he restored to sound condition in its present design, for an estimated cost of £17,500. A public appeal for funds will be promoted. The recommendations, in a report made by Mr P. D. Dunbar, were adopted at a public meeting convened by the New Brighton Pier and Foreshore Promotion Society last evening.

In his report, Mr Dunbar said that all reports from the construction company, the Marine Department, and the City Council engineer’s office agreed that the pier replacement should be in wood.

The reports stated that complete immediate restoration should be considered in preference to partial restoration, as eventual complete restoration would be more costly in the long run.

Mr Dunbar said the estimated cost allowed for the complete restoration of the pier, including the replacement of the decking and 26 piles, and the building of suitable approach ramps. All persons interested in the pier will be encouraged to join the society. The society will discuss the pier’s future jurisdiction with Mr L. H. Duffield, the proprietor of the pier and the Ocean View restaurant, and officers of the City Council. Council Subsidy

In reply to a question, the chairman, Mr W. J. A. Brittenden, said it was understood the City Council would give a subsidy if money was raised by an appeal. Mr Dunbar’s report said

that while a suggestion had been made that treated pinus should be used for the decking the committee felt it was sensible to accept the recommendation for re-decking in hardwood. One man wanted to know whether the import restrictions on Australian hardwood would affect plans. Mr J. Mathison, M.P. for Avon, said he had recently visited a pressure treatment plant of radiata pine at Addington and was told that the country saved £500,000 a year in overseas exchange by use of that wood.

“It’s good enough for the railways to use this wood for sleepers,” he said. Reporting on offers of donations, Mr Mathison said he had had a telephone call offering £5. There were probably many persons Who would contribute. Mr Dunbar said one resident had offered £lOO provided 19 others could be found to do the same. Society Formed After the meeting, the society held its first meeting as the New Brighton Pier and Forpshore Promition Society. Twenty-nine members were enrolled. The interim committee is:— Messrs Dunbar (chairman), A. Boyd, Brittenden, C. W. Stafford, J. C. Walsh, E. T. Richards, T. Owens, and Mathison (ex officio).