Page 115 - Bulletin 18 2014

112

of the community. The Electrical Department, which was rendered imperative for the
drainage scheme and for lighting purposes, has been brought to such a state of efficiency that
no words of mine are needed to remind you of the fact. Not only have we enough power to
provide us with current for all our purposes, but we have been supplying the neighbouring
Municipality of Wynberg with light for some time past. Thus we enter into Unification in the
proud position in which no one of the other municipalities stands – excepting, of course,
Cape Town – ie. of having our own water supply, drainage, and electric light.

Let me conclude this brief and somewhat disjointed retrospect by reminding you that
less than twenty years ago Muizenberg and Kalk Bay were better known as fishing villages
than seaside health resorts, but that now, owing to the progressive march of events, and to the
wonderful natural advantages we possess in having an incomparable climate and one of the
finest stretches of sandy beach in the world, where bathing at all times and seasons may be
indulged in with perfect safety and comfort, and owing to the proximity of some of the most
beautiful mountain scenery to be met with, the name of Muizenberg is to-day known
throughout the length and breadth of South Africa as being synonymous with the premier
seaside resort of the Union.
It would not be fitting for me to close without thanking you all in the name and on
behalf of the municipality for the services you, as Councillors, have ungrudgingly given to
the ratepayers ……… To the Chairmen of the several committees, especially, are due the
gratitude of the ratepayers ……… Finally, our acknowledgements are also in a special degree
due to the staff and to the heads of the various departments for their loyalty and devotion to
the interests of the municipality and the Council, with whom they are now to sever all official
connection.

Kalk Bay – Muizenberg was designated as Ward 9 and five candidates stood for election. The

votes received were: Alex Corder 291, John Delbridge 305, William Stuart 310, William
Gourlay 317, and Wiliam Pocock 423. Pocock, Gourlay and Stuart qualified to represent the

ward: Stuart for one year, Gourlay for two, and Pocock for three years. (Figs. 3.4 & 3.5.)

On Monday 8 September, when the first meeting of the Unified Council took place in the

City Hall, the Ordinance came into effect and unification was an accomplished fact. Before a

large audience of dignitaries and citizens John Parker F.R.I.B.A., a leading Cape Town
architect and staunch proponent of unification, was elected Mayor with retiring Mayor Harry

Hands as his Deputy. (Fig. 3.6.) Cape Times cartoonist Mac’s two cartoons of 1912 and 1913
capture the transition from municipal independence to unification. (Figs. 3.7 & 3.8.)