Looking back on South Coast history: March 20 to 23
Roads, rains and rents were common features of the news.
1936
“THE present condition of the main road between Durban and Port Shepstone is very much like the ‘curate’s egg’. And I can but hope that the administrator’s car is particularly well sprung, otherwise he will arrive here more fitted as a patient to the hospital than to perform the opening ceremony of the X-ray section.”
AND hopes of a harbour were dashed yet again. “The minister said that it was not considered advisable that the state should be committed to a definite programme of future expenditure on construction and betterment of fishing harbours.”
1959
“THERE is every indication that the sardine run this year will be an early one and, although this prediction may be a bit premature, anglers are advised to have their tackle ready before the beginning of June.”
1970
THE Secretary for Transport said: “It is most essential that agreement be reached on the entire proposed national freeway route from Illovo to at least as far as Ramsgate before progress can be made with the construction.”
AND Port Edward’s new police station was opened.
1987
“AN urgent request has been made to government by province for the necessary funding for multiracial beach facilities on the Lower South Coast.”
March 21
1952
“THE contractors for the Margate sewerage scheme have informed the borough council that the work on the whole of the original scheme will be completed by the end of the month.”
March 22
1957
“THE Secretary for Transport has informed the Southern Natal Public Bodies’ Association that the government will finance the cost of levelling the site for the proposed Lower South Coast regional aerodrome. The next job is to find the site and pay for it.”
AND there was a hark to the past when an estate agent used a form of measurement that had, surely, gone out of use much earlier. “Lot Sub 38 of Sunwich Port in extent 11.75 Perches…”
1974
NOT everyone like it, but… “Details of the amalgamation of Margate, Uvongo, Ramsgate and Shelly Beach were published in the provincial gazette last Friday.”
AND ‘current’ problems are nothing new. “We had electricity cuts last week – as many as six times in one day.”
1985
“THERE are positive indications that the Lower South Coast will soon have its own NSRI station.”
March 23
1956
“TORRENTIAL rains on Monday night, Tuesday and Wednesday caused widespread havoc throughout southern Natal. Washaways occurred at several points on the main Durban – Port Shepstone road on Tuesday morning, the Umzumbe and Mzimai river bridges being impassable to traffic for several hours.”
1979
“AFRICAN tenants in Gamalakhe, where they rent houses from the KwaZulu government, have been shocked to receive notices increasing their monthly payments to nearly treble the previous figure.”
1984
THE saga of the brick factory continued. “The Margate Town Council has voted in favour of rescinding its approval for Margate Brick and Paver to establish a factory.”
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