Did major have a crystal ball?

From Celia Vosper, Freshwater:

I recently did some research on the various former owners of Norris Castle, East Cowes.

Among these was Maj Arthur Birkbeck who, in 1932, presented a proposal to East and West Cowes town councils regarding the building of an opening bridge on, or near to, the site of the chain ferry.

His estimated cost was around £35,000. Sadly this was rejected by the harbour commissioners on the grounds that it would probably cause an obstruction to navigation.

I find myself wondering if the major had a crystal ball or was he born in the wrong era?

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