Children taking a paddle near the pier, New Brighton, circa 1910
When the New Brighton Pier was opened in 1894 it launched a new phase in seaside holidays at the beach. Gala days were held on the foreshore near the pier. Large crowds turned out, arriving by tram from the city and on occasion by excursion steamers run from Lyttelton. The beach was also used for racing horses until the New Brighton racecourse was built.
Beach crowd viewed from the pier, New Brighton, circa 1910
No one appears to be bathing, instead everyone is dressed up in Sunday best admiring the surf. At least the risk of sunburn and skin cancer are minimized, however uncomfortable the seasiders may be in their clothing.
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