Looking back on South Coast history: September 5 to 8

THE Norwegian community on the South Coast continues to honour the early settlers.

September 5

1958
“FLANKED by descendants of the Norwegian settlers, Mrs S Bjorseth of Marburg made a short address after she had planted a tree at the Settlers’ Day celebrations on Monday.”

THE weather was, and still is, a favourite topic.

1986
“WHILE South Coast farmers are grateful for the recent good rain, many thousands of rands worth of equipment was lost and civil engineering projects in the area were extensively damaged.”

September 6

1935
“ON Saturday afternoon last the new premises of the Government Indian School, which consist of the renovated buildings of the former Cottage Hospital, were officially opened.”

1957
“PEACE, patriotism and grateful remembrance characterised the festivities which centred around the old Marburg Lutheran Church last Sunday, when the Norwegian community and scores of well-wishers assembled from far and wide to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the settlers’ landing on August 29, 1882.”

1963
“AT the 103rd Council Ordinary, owing to complaints by holidaymakers and residents within the Borough of Uvongo, the council decided to forbid all seine netting within the area under its jurisdiction.”

1974
“FIVE railway trucks – all of them carrying petroleum – were derailed at Port Shepstone station on Tuesday night.”

THE same week the Town Planning Appeal Board gave the go-ahead for the construction of the controversial 14-storey ‘skyscraper’ at Ramsgate. Does anyone know what happened to that project?

September 7

1951
THERE had been a great deal of controversy over whether the earthmoving equipment being used on private property in Ramsgate was facilitating progress or destroying the environment. “A capacity meeting in the office of the Baven-on-Sea Town Board last Tuesday night, called by the board chairman in response to a petition by enrolled voters, ended in complete deadlock after two-and-a-half hours of explanation and argument. At about 10.30pm, during acrimonious exchanges, the lights failed.”

THERE was still no answer on that one, but Tweni residents were about to get things done. “Efforts are being made to resuscitate the tennis club at Umtentweni. A meeting to appoint officials is being arranged for Friday, September 14 at 7.45pm at the residence of Mr Roos. It would be appreciated if all interested could attend.”

AND Sheppie was celebrating a golden jubilee. “On September 2, 1901, the first pupils were enrolled in the Government School at Port Shepstone.”

1990
“A PETITION has been handed to Port Shepstone by the people of Marburg, objecting to the amalgamation of Bendigo with Port Shepstone while Marburg, Merlewood and adjacent areas are excluded.”

MEANWHILE… “White schools on the Lower South Coast will now be able to open their doors to black pupils.”

September 8

1950
“A LARGE gathering of parishioners and friends attended the laying of the foundation stone of the new St Katharine’s Church last Saturday afternoon.”

1981
A PLAN that worked… “PORT Shepstone’s new parking area in the amphitheatre on Aiken Street will be opened this month.”

AND one that didn’t… “A third attempt will be made to lay an electric shark barrier around the north end of Margate beach. This will possibly be done next year.”

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