Page 74 - Bulletin 17 2013
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Conclusions
As on the Atlantic coast, by 1939 the Peninsula’s False Bay coast had been equipped with
well-patronised and quality beach amenities. But during subsequent decades exposure to
salt water, perpetual dampness, wind, sand-blasting, and storms, and probably insufficient
maintenance, resulted in a process of insidious deterioration. Added to these, seasonality
as well as changing preferences among beach-goers reduced the patronage of some
facilities and consequently the financial returns to the public purse.
So there have been demolitions and replacements (Muizenberg Pavilion and Promenade),
losses (bathing boxes at Muizenberg, St. James, Dalebrook, Fish Hoek and Glencairn),
conversions (Kalk Bay Pavilion and beach to the Brass Bell Restaurant; Harbour Beach
Pavilion to Haven Night Shelter), and continuing neglect (cracked walls and leaking
pools at St. James, Kalk Bay and Glencairn, as well as serious beach erosion at St. James)
all of which require urgent attention in the public interest.
References
The Cape Town Guide Illustrated (1897) Dennis Edwards & Co., Cape Town.
The Cape Town Guide – An Illustrated Volume of Reference for Travellers (1904-05)
Dennis Edwards & Co., Cape Town.
Official Guide Book and Souvenir Cape Gala (1907- 08) Season, Cape Gala Association,
Cape Town.
Cape Colony Today Illustrated (1909) Cape Government Railway Department, Cape
Town.
Cape Peninsula Holiday Haunts – An Illustrated Brochure Descriptive of the Cape
Peninsula as a Holiday Resort (1918) Cape Peninsula Publicity Association, Cape Town.