Looking back on South Coast history: June 19 to 22

THE new bridge and post office were much appreciated, even if the ministers concerned didn’t attend the openings.

June 19

1959
IT was announced that neither the Minister of Transport nor the Minister of Posts and Telegraphs would be available to undertake the openings of the new Mzimkhulu bridge and the new post office at Port Shepstone.

AND that a tourist bus service between Cape Town and Durban, with a stop en route at Margate, would be introduced on Saturday, September 5.

1970
“PORT Shepstone is to have a new seven-story hospital block and it is hoped that work will commence next year.”

1987
“THE Fynn family is locked in battle over the proposed reproclamation of land in Albersville – one section wants it to become a mixed area while the other believes the land, currently an Indian area, should be rezoned coloured.”

June 20

1952
THE prospects for the tarring of the South Coast road were not good. “According to a letter received by Mr Mitchell from the Secretary for Transport, the best that can be hoped for is that the work will be completed in 1954 or 1955.”

BUT there was good news about the post office. “It was revealed that a letter had been received from the office of the Minister of Posts and Telegraphs to the effect that the erection of a new post office and postmaster’s residence has been included in this year’s construction programme.”

1975
“LOWER South Coast builders have run out of cement.”

June 21

1935
“THE MOH reported that the Beach Tea Room was unfit for habitation, due to continued dampness.”

AND… “The Uvongo bridge has been held up for some weeks now on the plea that cement is unobtainable, yet private contractors are able to carry on.”

HOWEVER, there was good news on power supply. “Tomorrow sees another milestone in the progress of Margate, by the official opening of the South-Eastern Power Company’s electric lighting power station.”

1968
“IT was decided to make representation to the Natal Provincial Administration for the expediting of the tarring of the Port Shepstone-Harding road, by commencing operations from both sides.”

WHILE other transport was in mind. “It is hoped that, before the end of 1969, Margate will have one of the finest landing strips south of Louis Botha Airport.”

ON a lighter note… “Following a story in the South Coast Herald on the intention of the Village of Happiness to establish a miniature golf course, the residents have received a putter and several golf balls from an anonymous donor.”

1985
“AT last the electric anti-shark barrier at Margate’s north beach has been successfully laid, 14 years after the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research first attempted to lay the heavily insulated cable on the sea bed.”

June 22

1973
“NO final route has yet been chosen for the proposed national road between Margate and Port Edward.”

BUT… “The Hibberdene – Mtwalume section should be completed by October 1974 and the Mtwalume – Ifafa section two years later.

1979
“THE prescribed steps for the de-amalgamation of Margate have been set in motion.”

1990
“THE Marburg Town Board has approved the sketch plans for the proposed Marburg Haven Service Centre.”

AND the first section of the South Coast toll road between Marburg and Uvongo was set to open to the public on Tuesday, July 3.

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