Looking back on South Coast history: October 21 to 23
The complaints were not always about the potholes in the road but, rather, the total lack of a road.
THERE was money in the local coffers, but none for the National Road.
October 21
1938
PORT Shepstone’s finances showed a healthy surplus. “The chief feature of the meeting of the Port Shepstone Borough Council on Monday evening was the formal adoption of the draft estimates.”
BUT the road – or lack of one – was a one of contention. “One of the most representative meetings ever to have been held on the South Coast took place at the Memorial Hall, Port Shepstone, on Tuesday afternoon, when a body of over 100 delegates, representing every centre between Illovo and Margate, unanimously resolved to send a deputation to the Administrator in Executive Council, to press for the improvement of the South Coast main road and a speeding up in the execution of the National Road.”
1949
“WORK on a huge scale is now in progress on the water scheme for the coastal area between Hibberdene and Port Edward. Six pipe-laying foremen and their gangs are already in operation in the Oribi Gorge and at various points along the coastline.”
1966
“MUCH has been said and written on the thorny subject of amalgamation. As well as the more informed mayors, councillors, town board members, etc, many people who should know better have stepped into the arena, determined to have their say.”
1983
AMONG the recurring problems the South Coast has to face… “With the silting up of the Mzimkhulu mouth, many of the greens and fairways of Port Shepstone Country Club’s golf course are inundated.
AND, 45 years after the “representative meeting’, the road was still a problem. “The ‘shocking’ condition of the main South Coast road is unlikely to improve before 1986 as there are no funds available from the National Transport Commission.”
October 22
1937
“WORK on the Margate Aerodrome is proceeding apace and, in addition to big improvements in the ground arrangements, a big hangar is taking definite shape and should be completed towards the end of next month.”
MEANWHILE “ …our great-grandchildren should have a public holiday when the road is completed to either Durban or the Umtamvuna river.”
1954
“THIS week set the seal on its now national reputation as a conference centre when it acted host to some 100 delegates at the extremely important conference of the SA Publicity Association.”
1976
“WHILE the establishment of a small craft harbour may take some years, ski-boat launching pads are an immediate necessity.”
October 23
1953
“COUNCILLOR WR ‘Billy” Robinson, Port Shepstone’s new mayor, once held the distinction of being the youngest regimental sergeant-major in the British Empire. In his younger days he was a first league rugby and tennis player, his teammates in the New State Areas of that time including no less than seven Springboks.”
1964
THE progress of the ‘Village’ was always newsworthy. “All formalities have been concluded and tenders for the erection of the Village of Happiness to accommodate 200 aged and frail aged are being asked for in this issue of the Herald.”
1981
CRIME might be bad now, but the situation has been worse. “A large contingent of police this week detained 17 people and seized 19 firearms and a large amount of ammunition in Mehlomnyama following the deaths of 26 people and the burning of 74 huts in this area and Izingolweni in the last two months.”
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