Looking back on South Coast history: September 30 to October 2

THE level of water in the Mzimkhulu river seems to have varied drastically from year to year. In 1949, the Umzimkulu Lime Company was asking for a low level bridge to be built.

September 30

1949
“Letters received by the Port Shepstone Borough Council from the Umzimkulu Lime Company and Messrs Umzimkulu River Trips state that the river has silted up to such an extent that it is no longer possible for river craft to navigate up to St Helen’s Rock.”

BUT six years later…

1955
“IN perfect weather conditions, the biggest crowd ever seen on the banks of the Mzimkhulu River witnessed a thrilling speedboat regatta at Port Shepstone last Sunday.”

THERE might have been a crowd at the regatta, but the same could not be said for the ratepayers’ meeting. “Port Shepstone’s ratepayers are either disgracefully apathetic or very, very satisfied with their council. Only one of these explanations could account for the fact that the recent, duly advertised, annual meeting of ratepayers was attended by the councillors, a couple of councillors’ wives, the municipal staff, the press – and not another soul! The meeting, naturally, did not take place.” (The mayor’s report was, instead, published on the front page of the Herald.)

1977
“CSIR study renews hope for harbour.”

October 1

1937
“SURELY there is something wrong somewhere when the Railway Board travels down by road, particularly the fact that the journey to Harding was not by rail. The First Class accommodation provided on the narrow gauge, if suitable for the general public, should be equally suitable for the Railway Board and would prove an education to all members thereof.”

AND a letter to the editor pointed out that, while Port Shepstone had reason to be proud of its excellent library and well-equipped reading room: “Unfortunately, however, nothing has been done to bring to the notice of newcomers and visitors the fact that there is a library. Surely the expense of erecting a notice board in the municipal grounds would not be great.”

October 2

1953
“MARGATE’S newly won reputation as a conference centre was underlined when no less a body than the SA Publicity Association decided by an overwhelming majority to hold the association’s 1954 conference at this ‘headquarters of the holiday coast’.”

1964
THROUGHOUT the endless debates on joining forces with other towns, Umtentweni ratepayers showed in no uncertain terms their resentment at ‘interference’ in Umtentweni affairs and their complete rejection of any suggestion of amalgamation.”

RAMSGATE was also proceeding with its own plans. “In his annual report recently the chairman of the Town Board of Ramsgate announced that the board had unanimously resolved that a fishing harbour at Ramsgate should be provided.”

AND Margate was getting new facilities. “Offshore nets similar to those at Durban have now been installed at Margate for safety purposes. They stretch from in front of the Seabrook flats to the Palm Beach Hotel.”

BUT other beaches were no so protected. “Shark bites man’s pants.”

1981
“THE mayors of the three main local authorities on the Lower South Coast have welcomed the concept of a regional authority to handle the essential services of the area from Hibberdene to Port Edward.”

1987
“IN the worst floods to hit Natal in 100 years, hundreds of people have been left homeless and at least 10 people have lost their lives. The railway line was cut in a number of places. A mud slip occurred under a passenger train. The first coach fell into the hole, the second ploughed onto its roof and the third into the underside of the second. Miraculously, no one was injured.”

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