Page 52 - Bulletin 7 2003

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had given many loans which, after his death, were never repaid. Times became
more difficult and the Masonic Lodge helped send the four girls to Springfield

Convent and the boy, Sonny to S.A.C.S. Hansen’s younger son Cecil was
handicapped for, as a baby in the drama of their home burning down, he was

smothered under blankets, unknown to the family who were desperately trying to

save as much as they could. This affected his eardrums, and for the rest of his
life he was stone deaf. But he became an outstanding carpenter.

Hansen, during his term, had taken a great interest in the building of the

Silvermine Reservoir (he was a building contractor by profession) and only a
few days before his drowning had visited the site. After his death the Reservoir

was named the Hansen Reservoir in his honour, but this name disappeared with

the efflux of time and was soon known as the Silvermine Reservoir. As Mayor
he oversaw the establishing by the British Military of a convalescent camp at

Muizenberg. He was also involved with the kerbing and guttering of the Main

Road between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay and negotiated the contract with the
Riebeeck Quarries to do this work.

Hansen’s untimely death was a source of great sorrow in the Council where his

place was filled by Mr. Alf Ellis

The chairman [Councillor G. C. Behr] referred with profound regret to the sad
death of their respected Mayor, Mr. H. P. Hansen. This tragic event, he said, had
cast a gloom over the municipality, and especially saddened his friends and
themselves who had been so closely associated with him in carrying out the
onerous duties of this young and growing municipality, in which he was such a
conscientious worker. Their sympathy was also due to the bereaved widow, and
he would propose that a letter of condolence be forwarded to her expressing their
regret at her irreparable loss. The motion was passed in silence, the Councillors
rising as a token of respect.

The Wynberg Times 4 May 1901.