Looking back on South Coast history: July 8 to 11
The question of building a harbour at Port Shepstone resurfaces every decade or so.
July 8
1955
MR AE Claasen, who had been mayor of Port Shepstone from 1942 to 1947, brought up the age-old question again on July 8, 1955, when he suggested that the Lower South Coast should revive its efforts for a harbour at the mouth of the Mzimkhulu.
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1960
ANOTHER problem that keeps rearing its ugly head is the question of invasive alien vegetation. By the beginning of July 1960, it was already such a problem that: “At the annual general meeting of the Southern Natal Public Bodies’ Association a local authority representative said that, in spite of the fact that all the authorities on the coast had been warned to eradicate the noxious shrub lantana immediately, it was beyond their means to tackle this enormous job.”
1977
MARGATE’s swimming pool has also been a bone of contention at times and, in July 1977, ratepayers were reported to be up in arms at the council’s decision to place R22 000 on the estimates for its running costs.
1988
“MIRACULOUSLY no one sustained serious injury when a freak gust of wind caused a huge marquee housing the Jesus for Africa Crusade to collapse over the heads of more than 6 000 worshippers.”
July 9
1954
“MEMBERS of the Port Shepstone Borough Council and the Borough Council of Margate recently attended a meeting to discuss with Meat Board officials the erection of a regional abattoir to serve the area.”
1965
IN another food-related story, July 9, 1965 saw an application to establish a refreshment kiosk adjoining Hibberdene’s popular bathing beach refused by the Rural Licensing Board. No explanation was given.
1971
THE state of the roads along the coast seems to have been a constant worry since the first settlers arrived. The week ending July 9, 1971 saw R1½-million earmarked for South Coast roads.
1976
“THE Marburg and Umtentweni representatives walked out of the amalgamation meeting. They attended for less than 15 minutes.”
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July 10
1936
INFRASTRUCTURE may have been lacking but there was no shortage of community initiative when fire broke out during the week of July 10, 1936. “Fire fighting appliances or hydrants not being available, the large crowd lent a hand saving all possible articles from the Port Shepstone Bakery. Indications were that the wood and iron building on the adjoining lot would also become engulfed in the flames, but happily, by the judicious use of a small garden hose, this danger was overcome.”
1964
THE coast definitely had more going for it by 1964. Not only was there a drive-in cinema, but, in July of that year, it even lowered s entrance fees.
1987
“THE government has approved funds for the construction of the Mbango Valley Association’s service centre.”
July 11
1958
FOLLOWING a series of shark attacks, various beaches set up safe bathing areas and, in the week ending July 11, 1958, it was reported: “PORT Edward’s new beach safety enclosure, which cost £1 000, was in full use for the first time this week.”
In the same issue it was announced that seine netters would in future have to obtain the prior consent of local authorities before operating off their beaches.
1975
THERE was bad news for South Coast telephone subscribers in the Herald of July 11, 1975, when it was admitted that the introduction of automatic dialling had been still further delayed.
1980
THE South Coast Herald installed a Goss Community Web Offset printing press in July 1980, making it the only provincial newspaper in Natal with a machine of this size and capability.
1986
“LAST ditch attempts to save the Banana Express have failed and this tourist attraction will chug to the end of its line on September 30.”
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