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colonial MOH. The acerbic Dr Alfred John Gregory held this post in the early 20 century.
When Kalk Bay's incidence of typhoid rose to 22 in 1904, he ordered a full scale inquiry

into water supplies and sources of contamination. Already in 1902 the water in all the wells
had been tested. Some were found to be pure while others were horribly polluted.
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Nonetheless Gregory ordered that all should be closed.

In 1904 it was concluded that the source of the contamination was a Zulu man, Futshane,
who had been employed by contractors to assist in repairs on the reservoir. Lack of

sanitary facilities for the labourers on the mountain had led to the pollution of the town's
water supply. The man had fallen ill while at this work, and had died subsequently. At

least, the Cape health department was satisfied with this explanation; but Dr Bolger, who
had examined the man, was not; he was convinced that Futshane had never been infected

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with typhoid. Whatever the cause, the subsequent decrease may be explained by the new
drainage system which, the MOH, E. E. Wood noted in 1908, "undoubtedly has had a
beneficial effect on the Health of the Municipality as a whole".

Conclusion

It has to be admitted that Kalk Bay's claim to be a health resort was not entirely valid. Into
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the 20 century even prosperous holiday-makers could suffer from the inadequate sanitary
facilities, while the health of the poor was not adequately addressed until the 1940s. On the
other hand, Kalk Bay appointed a resident medical officer of health remarkably promptly

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and, whatever the grumbling, a clean water supply, at least, was available by the early 20
century.

7 3/KBY 60, J.A. Mitchell to Town Clerk, Muizenberg, 7 June 1904, & related correspondence.

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