This week in South Coast history: August 16 to 18

August 16

1957

“AT Wednesday night’s open council meeting at Margate, after equal votes had been cast for and against a motion that the mayor, Councillor SAW Herbert, bear the whole expense of the entertainment to dinner of two representative games of lady golfers, Mr Herbert gave his casting vote in favour of the motion. When other councillors – including Cllr PJ Dowdle, who had proposed the motion ‘on principle’ – offered to contribute towards the expense, the mayor said he would pay the bill in full and would not accept a penny from any other councillor.”

1974

OIL spillage was the problem at this time of the year in 1974. “Anger is mounting among South Coast civic leaders as oil from the sunken Norwegian tanker, Produce, continues to pollute Natal beaches.”

1985

THERE was something to celebrate in 1985. “A long uphill climb to overcome a mountain of problems ended for the Port Shepstone council last week when it reached its summit with the historic opening of the New Memorial Hall and Library.”

AND Margate was not to be outdone by Sheppie… “The purchase of three paintings by local artists by the Margate council has got the borough’s proposed art gallery off the ground.”

August 17

1951

“THE problem of providing reasonable sea bathing facilities for Natives in developed local authority areas without antagonising European vested interests has been exercising the minds of Margate’s borough councillors recently.”

AND a Herald columnist had problems of his own… “Once Hilda lost her glasses. I searched every room in the house for them – our little bedroom and the small dining-sitting-kitchen room. Of course, it was no wonder I couldn’t find the things. I can’t see properly through Hilda’s glasses at any time, let alone find her glasses while I’m wearing them.”

1982

A VISIT by the head of state was an occasion to remember, particularly as he had some nice things to say. “The State President paid tribute to the South Coast as the ‘Riviera of South Africa’.”

1990

“TRANSKEI Sun International is to embark on a massive expansion programme at the Wild Coast Sun.”

August 18

1967

THE South Coast always seems to have road works going on somewhere. “Work on the doubling of the bridges between Port Shepstone and Margate has at last begun.”

1972

“PORT Shepstone’s ‘on-off’ hospital is ‘on’ again. Work on the seven-and-a-half million rand, seven-storey structure will begin either late this year or early next year.”

1978

“THE amalgamation of Port Shepstone and Oslo Beach will become effective on December 1.”

1981

BLACK bags came to the coast in 1981. “By introducing the plastic bin liner system for domestic refuse, Margate Borough Council hopes to increase productivity and utilise labour and vehicles more efficiently.”

1989

MOTORISTS – as usual – were expected to foot the bill. “At least two tolls may be charged on the new stretch of freeway being constructed from Hibberdene south.”

AND the contentious issue of mining in the area popped up again. “Land disturbed by open cast strip mining could never be completely rehabilitated and the whole Umtamvuna river could be adversely affected.”

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033