were provided along the entire length of the pier. In 1867 the directors determined to erect an iron extension or jetty, and in less than two years the work was accomplished at a cost of £6,000. During the month of May, 1869, a tender for the formation of the present entrance for £2,700 was accepted, and the agreement promptly carried out by Messrs. Laidlaw, of Glasgow. In October, 1874, the company arranged with the same contractors to enlarge the pierhead by putting out two wings, from the designs of E. Birch, esq., C.E., at an expenditure of £14,000. On the north wing it is intended to build a pavilion, 130 feet long by 90 feet wide, in an eastern style of architecture, and estimated to hold 1,200 persons seated. The edifice, around which there will be a promenade, is to be supplied with an orchestra, refreshment rooms, etc., and used as a concert room and fashionable marine lounge. The south wing, which is about 130 feet long, contains a bandstand, capable of holding 30 performers, at the further end, and on the east and west side two other buildings 62 feet by 27 feet each, the former being designed for the purposes of a restaurant, and the latter for the sale of fancy goods and other commodities. The unoccupied space, nearly 100 feet by 80 feet, will be provided with seats in the centre, the remainder serving as a promenade. The contract for the foregoing erections was let in 1875, to Messrs. Robert Neill and Sons, of Manchester, for nearly £12,000. In 1863, the capital of the company was raised to £15,000; in 1864, to £20,000; in 1865, to £25,000; in 1874, to £40,000; and in 1875, to £50,000.
About the period when the North Pier was constructed, and for years previously, the visitors to Blackpool could certainly complain of no lack of ordinary amusements during their brief residence by the sea. Horses, donkeys, and vehicles were ever in readiness to administer to their entertainment, either by conveying them for short drives to explore such objects of interest as the country afforded, or translating them for the day to the seaport of Fleetwood, or the neighbouring resort of Lytham. Bathing machines abounded on the sands, and during suitable states of the tide were busily engaged in affording ready access to the briny element to numbers, who were anxious to experience the invigorating effects of a bath in Neptune's domain. In the evenings theatrical representations were frequently held,
