Looking back on South Coast history: May 26 to 27
The week produced a varied bag, from frog racing to shark nets, with a few beauty queens adding to the mix.
A SURPRISING statement came from a distinguished scientist.
May 26
1961
“TO make life safe for mankind in the sea in the same way it had been made safe on land by exterminating the lion in South Africa, insects in Brazil and tigers in India, Professor JLB Smith, the world famous ichthyologist of East London, advocates the extermination of sharks.”
1981
IT was the beginning of a long saga. “An unexpected hitch in the laying of Margate’s electric shark barrier – the first of its kind in the world – will lead to a delay of more than a week.”
1989
“MONTHS of controversy over the proposed deep sea sewage outfall pipeline at Shelly Beach will reach a climax on Friday when Province hosts a symposium on the disposal of domestic sewage.”
May 27
1949
“Annette Bretagne of Margate was crowned Hibiscus Queen and proved a popular home-town winner against strong competition from all over South Africa.”
1955
“AT 12.40pm on Wednesday, the South Coast Hibiscus Festival entered upon a new and colourful phase with the arrival of the 18 Hibiscus Queen finalists and Norman Hartnell, the Queen’s couturier, with his eight hand-picked South African mannequins. The Hibiscus Festival will reach its exciting climax tonight when Mr Hartnell and his panel of judges select the Hibiscus Queen at the Coronation Ball to be held in Palm Grove.”
NOT everyone was interested in beauty queens.
AND live theatre made a returned to ‘gay nineties’. “The show, brilliantly conceived and hilariously put across, played to capacity houses on Friday and Saturday of last week and again, by popular demand, on Monday and Wednesday nights.”
BUT the Margate market was described as a farce. “Councillor Rees said that at present the market was not a real service to the community or an asset to the council.”
1966
HIBBERDENE’S main beach moved further south. “They decided that the Mzimai Bay presented a good place for off-shore nets and within 10 days the red tape was ironed out and the nets delivered to Hibberdene.”
1966
THERE was good news for rail users. “The alterations and additions to the goods sheds at Port Shepstone station are nearing completion.”
BUT emergency transport was in trouble. “Margate and District Red Cross is launching an appeal for funds to keep its ambulance on the road.”
1983
“THE Port Shepstone Bullslingers held its annual induction dinner last Saturday. Colin Lee announced the name of the incoming president, which was his wife Jenny. She graciously accepted the honour, saying that she felt singularly proud of the fact that she is the first woman president of the club.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
